The 2002 Ford Thunderbird has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 15,355 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
SEAT BELTS02V1690002002-06-1415,355 affected
Defect
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT CONTACTED THE SEAT RECLINER DURING A 35 MPH NCAP FULL-FRONTAL BARRIER IMPACT TEST.
Consequence
THE EDGE OF THE RECLINER MECHANISM CAUSED A PARTIAL CUT IN THE LAP PORTION OF THE WEBBING. IF THE WEBBING IS CUT, IT INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN INSERT BEHIND THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT LOWER TRIM PANEL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 21, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Complaints by component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
18
ENGINE
12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
12
AIR BAGS
10
1crashes1injuries
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
8
1crashes1injuries
STEERING
4
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
3
1crashes1deaths
STRUCTURE
3
1injuries
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2
Total complaints116
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“The contact owns a 2002 ford thunderbird. The contact stated while driving 5 mph and attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to turn the steering wheel while using excessive force and veered to the side of the roadway. The…”
“The contact owns a 2002 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph and making a left turn, the power steering suddenly failed and the steering wheel would not turn in either direction, before the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the…”
“The contact owns a 2002 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph and making a left turn, the power steering suddenly failed and the steering wheel would not turn in either direction, before the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the…”
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford thunderbird equipped with a firestone tempa spare tire, size: t185-60-r17 (na). While cleaning the vehicle, the contact found that the spare tire that was stored in the trunk was blown out and the tire wires, rubber, and cords were exposed. The manufacturer was…”
“The cluster lights have gone out on my 2002 ford thunderbird. When this actually happened I really don't know since the car is mainly a show car and while driving the car at dusk coming back from a car show the cluster lights did not come on. We parked the car and only drove it during daylight…”
“The cluster lights have gone out on my 2002 ford thunderbird. When this actually happened I really don't know since the car is mainly a show car and while driving the car at dusk coming back from a car show the cluster lights did not come on. We parked the car and only drove it during daylight…”
“My airbag light is on and I want to know if I have a takata airbag. If so how to I get it fixed?”
“Air bag warning light appeared on instrument panel and owner's manual instructed to return to dealer. Dealer diagnosed the problem as a faulty air bag that should be replaced. Ford motor co. Said service parts are not available and dealer did not repair the air bag. I was allowed to leave the…”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2002 Ford Thunderbird as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.