Model year
2002 Ford Thunderbird
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 93 complaints for the 2002 Ford Thunderbird (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (18), ENGINE (12), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (12). NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 17 mpg combined (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $4,850, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
Recalls
02V169000 · Jun 14, 2002
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT CONTACTED THE SEAT RECLINER DURING A 35 MPH NCAP FULL-FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACT TEST.
Complaints
93 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 4, fire flag on 0, injury field 4, deaths field 1. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderbird · 3.9L · Automatic 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 15 | 22 | 17 | — | — | $4,850 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2002 Ford Thunderbird at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.