2002 Ford Thunderbird: engine stalls while driving

Filed Sep 5, 2023 · Steering · 75,000 miles · MO

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 contact stated that he restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle stalled after driving approximately 3-feet. The contact stated that he restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed Sep 5, 2023 · Engine, Steering · 70,000 miles · MO

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 residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Jan 6, 2016 · Fuel system · 12,000 miles · AZ

While driving at 35 MPH on state route 179 my vehicle started running rough than stalled completely making it difficult to steer and stop the vehicle. I had it towed to a repair shop where they replaced the fuel pump. When the engine stalled, it was in a curve and I barely was able to keep from going off the roadway. I shudder to think of what would have happened at higher speed.

Filed Sep 1, 2015 · Acceleration · 49,000 miles · NC

I went to park the car and the car went racing into the spot and it was difficult to make it stop. I through the car into park and even then I was sure it was going to stop. If I didn't have an empty parking lot I don't think it would have been possible there would have been an accident. Then I had to drive the car home which I didn't want to do, because this was very frightening. Then driving home at the stop light I just put the car in park because it was still racing and I didn't think putting my foot on the brake would have kept it in a stopped position. Then when I tried to take off it acted like it wanted to stall. Not a cood feeling at all.

Filed Mar 4, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 45,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford thunderbird. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the number 8 coil and spark plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

Filed Nov 9, 2012 · Engine · 37,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford thunderbird. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle began to misfire. The failure became progressively worse. After a period of time, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis where the contact was informed that the valve cover gaskets failed due to heat and caused oil to flow into the spark plugs and coils. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for repair. The failure mileage was 37,000 and the current mileage was 38,000.

Filed Jun 15, 2012 · Fuel system · 22,456 miles · NV

Vehicle stalls and wont restart unless you put in a new 15 amp fuse for the fuel pump circuit. Fuel pump is failing. This is a known product problem on the forums and ford has not announced a recall. I called ford and they said sorry nothing we can do.

Filed Sep 23, 2011 · Engine · 24,000 miles · FL

Coil and plug failure in traffic - my car experienced intermittent stalling in traffic and misfiring on the highway.luckily, I was able to start the ford car and move me and the ford car out of harms way.ford recognizes the issue with the 2003 and in may of 2008 ford covered the 2004 and 2005 thunderbirds but is ignoring the 2002. I had two of the eight coil on plug assembles replaced and I am concerned that any one of the next six will again fail on the road.

Filed Oct 12, 2010 · Engine · 35,000 miles · FL

No particular events leading to failure, just mileage (about 35k). Problem is ignition misfires - not consistent at all but causes nearly complete loss of power, stumbling, particularly on acceleration (on ramps, passing, etc.). The problem is intermittent - at times causes loss of power, engine stalls and shuts down completely, at other times causes inability to accelerate or even hold constant speed. Nothing has been done to correct problem except having misfire codes cleared from time to time (when car runs long enough to get to a service station). Ford has acknowledged identical problem for identical engine in 2003-2005 thunderbird and lincoln ls, and covers cost of full repair(customer satisfaction program 07m07). Ford extended the warranty on 2003-2005 vehicles to cover repair (replace cam cover gaskets, spark plugs and coils on plugs), but for some reason did not include the 2002 models. Complaint has been registered with ford customer relationship center, but they claim they can't extend warranty to 2002 models and they can't communicate complaint to engineering or management staff.

Filed Aug 5, 2009 · Acceleration, Airbags · 26,000 miles · GA

The most recent problem started in june 2009 when the airbag indicator light came on for no reason and wouldn't go off (is it working or not? Safety issue?) then within a matter of weeks everything on the steering column controls quit working or went berserk. The cruise controls suddenly went haywire accelerating when any button was pushed now they don't work at all (safety issue). A car pulled out in front of me, I slammed on the brakes and laid on the horn and nothing!!! A terrible crash was missed by literally inches( safety issue)...30 minutes later the horn worked. The next day I tried about 30 times and I got it to beep twice. The radio/cd controls sometimes work and sometimes don't. Change from radio to cd and suddenly the volume is blasting (shocked enough for it to be a safety issue). I was told over the phone it is a clock spring issue and the estimate was $450!!!!! In addition my 2002 thunderbird was purchased jan 2,2003. It was one of the last cars off of the line before the 2002 model switch to 2003. I have had the same coil on plug issues that were recalled on 2003's, yet dealer would do nothing for me.it started only 2,000 mls out of initial warranty. I have replaced 3 of the coils/gasket cover and now the 4th coil is bad with gasket leaking. The design is unchanged from 2002 to 2003, why not fix mine? Twice I have lost power when accelerating and the car hesitated or stalled in middle of driving. If you don't consider that a safety issue then try pulling out in atlanta traffic and see what you think. In addition now the passenger side auto door latch won't work. This is by far the worst car I have ever had in my life. I had purchased three prior ford vehicles at the same dealership and they would do nothing for me. I never had the first complaint on any other ford vehicles.... Now the dealer has gone out of business...... Please I am begging you see if you can get these issues fixed I have poured enough money into this car and it isn't fair!

Filed Oct 27, 2003 · Engine · 21,000 miles · GA

While driving at 70 MPH vehicle intermittently stalled. Consumer towed vehicle to the dealer, technician could not duplicate or correct the problem.