Ignition problems of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird

I just purchased a 2002 Ford Thunderbird and have become aware of a design problem that potentially could be fatal to the driver and other motorists. I have learned that Ford motor company has extended the warranty for model years 2003-2005 for the coil over plug (cop) ignition system, but not for the 2002 model year. A majority of 2002-2005 Thunderbirds were produced in model year 2002. I further learned that many owners of the 2002 model year have experienced cop failures which have rendered their cars virtually inoperable and without notice of the impending failure. Clearly this creates a hazardous situation on the highway at best, and mortal at worst. In addition to being a safety issue there is an equity issue as well. Repairs cost owners of 2002 Thunderbirds in excess of $1,500 but owners of newer models are covered for 10 years/100,000 miles free of charge for the exact same failure. I hope that NHTSA will correct both of these problems with the Ford and its 2002 Thunderbird: highway safety and equity. Thank you.

I am writing today to express grave concerns for my 2002 Ford Thunderbird. It is my understanding that Ford motor company has extended the warranty for model years 2003-2005 for the coil over plug (cop) ignition system, but has chosen to omit the 2002 model year even though a majority of 2002-2005 Thunderbirds were produced in model year 2002. My concern is that many owners of the 2002 model year have experienced cop failures which have rendered their cars virtually inoperable without notice of the impending failure. To take this a step further, imagine driving on a high speed interstate and have the system fail. The car is designed to go into "limp" mode whereby the car cannot go any faster than 25 mph. This is a disastrous accident waiting to happen! not only is this a safety issue, it the repairs are costing owners of my 2002 cars in excess of $1,500 where owners of newer models are covered for 10 years/100,000 miles free of charge for the exact same failure. This inequity must seriously be investigated and corrected by the NHTSA!.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Thunderbird. While driving 10 mph, the vehicle jerked forward and the contact heard a popping noise coming from the engine. The dealer stated that a coil and a spark plug were defective and they made the replacement. Approximately three weeks later, while driving 70 mph, the failure recurred. The dealer stated that a coil and a spark plug were defective and they made the repair once again. The current mileage was 52,705 and failure mileage was 51,000. The consumer stated the vehicle has 8 coils, one for each cylinder/spark plug two of the coils have failed. Updated 09/05/07.