Owners have filed 226 complaints
about the 1993 Lincoln Town CAR with NHTSA between 1995 and 2019.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 18 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 66
Against the median year of the Lincoln Town CAR. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
42.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 8
5% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1993 compares with every other Lincoln Town CAR
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
12.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
49.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
24.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1125.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2353.5%
150,000+ miles
24.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1993 Lincoln Town Car 4-DR.
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 1995peak 14Aug 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 1993 Lincoln Town CAR
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA02025Opened 6 Sep 2002Closed 30 Jun 2004ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRES
BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FIRE INCIDENTS (2.5 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD) WHERE FAILURE OF THE SCDS IS INVOLVED AND THE AGE OF THE VEHICLES ? 7 TO 11 YEARS ? A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
DP02007Opened 22 Aug 2002Closed 4 Dec 2002VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL-FED FIRES
THE FARS DATA SHOWS THAT THE RISK OF FIRE FROM IMPACT IN ALL DIRECTIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS THE SAME AS ALL OTHER SEDANS.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT OVER REPRESENTED WITH RESPECT TO THE RISK OF FIRE IN REAL-WORLD HIGH-ENERGY CRASHES.A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF ISSUES RELATED TO POST CRASH FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS SET OUT IN THE CLOSING REPORT FOR SQ 01-014 AND THAT REPORT IS IN THE DOCKET FOR THIS PETITION.AFTER REVIEWING THE PETITION AND ITS SUPPORTING MATERIALS, AS WELL AS INFORMATION FURNISHED BY FORD AND GM, AND INFORMATION WITHIN THE AGENCY'S POSSESSION FROM PREVIOUS INVESTIGA...
SQ01014Opened 27 Nov 2001Closed 3 Oct 2002FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
POST REAR END COLLISION FIRES
RQ01002Opened 20 Sep 2001Closed 6 Sep 2002ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
EA99006Opened 11 Mar 1999Closed 19 May 1999ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
UNDER HOOD FIRES
ALLEGED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IN THE AREA OF THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WELL AND THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER
PE98055Opened 27 Oct 1998Closed 11 Mar 1999ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
UNDER HOOD FIRES
ALLEGED ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IN THE AREA OF THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WELL AND THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINER.
PE93086Opened 1 Oct 1993Closed 28 Feb 1994STRUCTURE
HOOD FLY-UP WHILE DRIVING
Recalls on the 1993 Lincoln Town CAR
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
07V336000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
99V124000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH CAN DEVELOP A RESISTIVE SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. A FIRE IS POSSIBLE BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND WHEN THE VEHICLE ENGINE IS OFF. ALSO, THE SHORT COULD DISABLE THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT FUSE TO OPEN.
Risk: A FIRE CAN ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT FRONT UNDERHOOD AREA.
98V322000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1996-1999 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, NATURAL GAS, AND 1996-1999 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT WERE PRODUCED WITH A LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CONTAINING A ONE PIECE BEARING; AND 1990-1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, AND NGV VEHICLES AND 1990-1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN SERVICED WITH EITHER A BALL JOINT CONTAINING THE ONE-PIECE BEARING OR A FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM CONTAINING A BALL JOINT WITH A ONE-PIECE BEARING. THE ONE-PIECE BEARING WITHIN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN WEAKEN SLOWLY DURING USE AND EVENTUALLY CRACK. THIS COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE BALL AND CAP OF THE JOINT, ALLOWING THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP TO THE GROUND.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, REDUCED STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
95V133000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE REAR BRAKE LINE AT THE POINT AT WHICH THE EXTENDED BRAKE LINE FIRST BENDS AND EXTENDS OVER THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AREA OF THE FRAME. IF NOT INSTALLED WITH SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE, CHAFING OF THE BRAKE LINE CAN OCCUR IN AN AREA ADJACENT TO THE REAR FLOOR PAN.
Risk: THE REAR BRAKE LINE CAN LEAK OR RUPTURE RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY, LOSS OF REAR BRAKES, AND/OR LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID RESERVES IN THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20080388,869 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity may have been inadvertently installed during servicing for recall 2005028 or 2007258. As a result, the fuse is located in the output circuit rather than in the input power feed circuit, and will not offer the intended protection in the event of an electrical short to ground. This could result in a vehicle fire, causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install an updated wiring harness.
Recall 2007258165,447 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28). This time, the concern is with long term durability performance issues causing the switch to fail. Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. As soon as replacement parts are available, owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness designed to eliminate the potential risk of fire.
Recall 199909710,917 units in Canada
Engine
Certain vehicles may experience a fire originating in the left front under hood area as a result of electrical overheating of the speed control deactivation switch. Correction: A new speed control deactivation switch and connector shell will be installed on affected vehicles.
Recall 19982514,856 units in Canada
Suspension
Note: 1996-99 crown victoria police, fleet and ngv and lincoln town car limousine equipped with a lower control arm ball joint containing a one piece bearing and 1990-96 crown victoria police, fleet and ngv and lincoln town car limousine that were serviced with either a ball joint containing an one piece bearing or a front lower control arm with a one piece bearing. High bearing loads can lead to thinning and eventual cracking of the lower control arm ball joint. This can result in separation of the ball and cap of the joint. Should this occur, the control arm to which the cap is mounted will drop to the ground. Should this occur while the vehicle is moving, reduced steering control could result in a collision. Correction: Lower control arm ball joints will be replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 100,000 milesMilwaukee, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD AND THE FUSE BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10662747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesMarietta, GAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN LIKE EVERY OTHER DAY.THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY FOR ABOUT 3 TO 4 HOURS.I WAS INSIDE MY HOUSE WHEN I HEARD SOMEONE HONKING OUTSIDE.WHEN I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW THE CAR WAS SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD.I GOT MY PHONE AND CALLED 911.BY TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP THE CAR WAS ALREADY IN FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #10410499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesMarietta, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN LIKE EVERY OTHER DAY.THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY FOR ABOUT 3 TO 4 HOURS.I WAS INSIDE MY HOUSE WHEN I HEARD SOMEONE HONKING OUTSIDE.WHEN I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW THE CAR WAS SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD.I GOT MY PHONE AND CALLED 911.BY TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP THE CAR WAS ALREADY IN FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #10410499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesImperial, MOFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I PURCHASED A USED 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR ON DEC 17. ON DECEMBER 19 THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE GARAGE. IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE PURCHASE OR STARED. FIRE CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO GARAGE. COMPLETELY BURNED THE CAR. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THE INVESTIGATOR STATED IT WAS SPEED CONTROL , SINCE I JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I WAS UNAWARE OF THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10371238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockmart, GAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT SO WE REPLACED THE BULBS TO NO AVAIL. REPLACED THE FUSE AND FIXED THE BRAKE LIGHTS. DROVE CAR TO WORK AND BACK THURSDAY 1/28/10. PARKED CAR IN DRIVEWAY AT 7PM. AWOKEN AT 3AM TO CAR ENGINE COMPLETELY IN FLAMES. RESEARCHED AND FOUND A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #: 99V124000. DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING HOUSES AND NEARBY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10303188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesCorpus Christi, TXFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED UP. THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED OUTSIDE FOR SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE HE FIRE STARTED. THE FORD COMPANY CLAIMED (BASED ONLY ON PICTURES THAT I SENT THEM) THAT THERE WAS TOO MUCH FIRE DAMAGE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE FIRE WAS A RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE PART WHICH HAD A RECALL.. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S REPORT, WHICH I ALSO PROVIDED TO FORD, STATES THAT THE FIRE APPEARED TO BE AN UNDER THE HOOD ELECTRICAL FIRE. I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM FORD THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS BEING RECALLED. THE RECALL NOTICE STATES THAT FORD CANNOT BE CONFIDENT THAT OVER MANY YEARS IN SERVICE, THE TYPE OF SCDS INSTALLED ON MY VEHICLE WILL NOT LEAK, POSING THE RISK OF AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR EITHER WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED OR WHEN IT IS BEING OPERATED, EVEN IF THE SPEED CONTROL IS NOT USED. YET, WHEN I SUBMITTED MY CLAIM, I WAS TOLD THAT THE FIRE HAD CAUSED TOO MUCH DAMAGE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE AND WAS ASKED TO CONTACT MY INSURANCE COMPANY. TO MY KNOWLEDGE, THE DID NOT SEND ANYONE TO INSPECT THE CAR BEFORE MAKING THIS DETERMINATION BECAUSE I HAD AND STILL HAVE THE CAR IN STORAGE. THIS IS A REQUEST THAT MY CLAIM BE RECONSIDERED AND THAT I BE COMPENSATED FOR MY LOSSES IN THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #10283842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 83,000 milesRochester, NH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS WORKING ON DOING MAINTENANCE ON MY CAR. NEXT THING I KNOW, THERE'S A FIRE. I GOT IT OUT QUICKLY ENOUGH WITH THE ORIGINAL EXTINGUISHER. THE SPEED CONTROL HARNESS, WHICH HAD A RECALL AT ONE POINT, IS BURNED AND A BRAKE LINE BUSTED. 9F924 IS THE NUMBER FOR THE PART. I DO NOT KNOW FOR CERTAIN IF THIS WAS EVER REPLACED. BUT IT MUST HAVE BEEN HOT ENOUGH TO CATCH BRAKE FLUID ON FIRE
NHTSA complaint #11246137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesRochester, NH
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS WORKING ON DOING MAINTENANCE ON MY CAR. NEXT THING I KNOW, THERE'S A FIRE. I GOT IT OUT QUICKLY ENOUGH WITH THE ORIGINAL EXTINGUISHER. THE SPEED CONTROL HARNESS, WHICH HAD A RECALL AT ONE POINT, IS BURNED AND A BRAKE LINE BUSTED. 9F924 IS THE NUMBER FOR THE PART. I DO NOT KNOW FOR CERTAIN IF THIS WAS EVER REPLACED. BUT IT MUST HAVE BEEN HOT ENOUGH TO CATCH BRAKE FLUID ON FIRE
NHTSA complaint #11246137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSand Rock, AL
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT BEGAN TO MAKE A JERKING MOTION AND ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURES RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10744131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSand Rock, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT BEGAN TO MAKE A JERKING MOTION AND ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURES RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10744131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesMilwaukee, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD AND THE FUSE BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10662747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesMarietta, GAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN LIKE EVERY OTHER DAY.THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY FOR ABOUT 3 TO 4 HOURS.I WAS INSIDE MY HOUSE WHEN I HEARD SOMEONE HONKING OUTSIDE.WHEN I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW THE CAR WAS SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD.I GOT MY PHONE AND CALLED 911.BY TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP THE CAR WAS ALREADY IN FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #10410499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,000 milesMarietta, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN LIKE EVERY OTHER DAY.THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY FOR ABOUT 3 TO 4 HOURS.I WAS INSIDE MY HOUSE WHEN I HEARD SOMEONE HONKING OUTSIDE.WHEN I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW THE CAR WAS SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD.I GOT MY PHONE AND CALLED 911.BY TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOWED UP THE CAR WAS ALREADY IN FLAMES.
NHTSA complaint #10410499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesImperial, MOFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I PURCHASED A USED 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR ON DEC 17. ON DECEMBER 19 THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE GARAGE. IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN SINCE PURCHASE OR STARED. FIRE CAUSED SEVERE DAMAGE TO GARAGE. COMPLETELY BURNED THE CAR. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THE INVESTIGATOR STATED IT WAS SPEED CONTROL , SINCE I JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I WAS UNAWARE OF THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10371238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockmart, GAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT SO WE REPLACED THE BULBS TO NO AVAIL. REPLACED THE FUSE AND FIXED THE BRAKE LIGHTS. DROVE CAR TO WORK AND BACK THURSDAY 1/28/10. PARKED CAR IN DRIVEWAY AT 7PM. AWOKEN AT 3AM TO CAR ENGINE COMPLETELY IN FLAMES. RESEARCHED AND FOUND A RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #: 99V124000. DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING HOUSES AND NEARBY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10303188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesDanville, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DASH CONTROL MODULE THAT CONTROLS VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER AND ODOMETER CAUSES ALL THE DIGITAL DASH THE FLASH LIKE STROBE LIGHTS. DRIVER CAN DETERMINE SPEED OF VEHICLE AND ODOMETER RECORDS INTERMITTENTLY. D CAR ALSO HAS A SMELL OG BURNING WIRES OR PLASTIC.
NHTSA complaint #10302205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesCorpus Christi, TXFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED UP. THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED OUTSIDE FOR SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE HE FIRE STARTED. THE FORD COMPANY CLAIMED (BASED ONLY ON PICTURES THAT I SENT THEM) THAT THERE WAS TOO MUCH FIRE DAMAGE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE FIRE WAS A RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE PART WHICH HAD A RECALL.. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S REPORT, WHICH I ALSO PROVIDED TO FORD, STATES THAT THE FIRE APPEARED TO BE AN UNDER THE HOOD ELECTRICAL FIRE. I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM FORD THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS BEING RECALLED. THE RECALL NOTICE STATES THAT FORD CANNOT BE CONFIDENT THAT OVER MANY YEARS IN SERVICE, THE TYPE OF SCDS INSTALLED ON MY VEHICLE WILL NOT LEAK, POSING THE RISK OF AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR EITHER WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED OR WHEN IT IS BEING OPERATED, EVEN IF THE SPEED CONTROL IS NOT USED. YET, WHEN I SUBMITTED MY CLAIM, I WAS TOLD THAT THE FIRE HAD CAUSED TOO MUCH DAMAGE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE AND WAS ASKED TO CONTACT MY INSURANCE COMPANY. TO MY KNOWLEDGE, THE DID NOT SEND ANYONE TO INSPECT THE CAR BEFORE MAKING THIS DETERMINATION BECAUSE I HAD AND STILL HAVE THE CAR IN STORAGE. THIS IS A REQUEST THAT MY CLAIM BE RECONSIDERED AND THAT I BE COMPENSATED FOR MY LOSSES IN THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #10283842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesForestville, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT TURN OFF AFTER APPLYING BRAKES. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 55 MPH I APPROACHED A RED LIGHT AND APPLIED THE BREAK AND THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT TURN OFF. TO AVOID A COLLISION THE BREAKS WERE APPLIED AS HARD AS POSSIBLE AND I PUT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL, WHEREAS THE ENGINE RPM RACED BUT THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING. AFTER THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I PUT THE VEHICLE BACK IN DRIVE AND PRECEDED TO THE CURB WHERE I AGAIN PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. I INSPECTED THE THROTTLE AND CRUISE CONTROL LINKAGE AND FOUND NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. I DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL LINKAGE AND WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE IDLED NORMALLY. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND UPON HIS INSPECTION HIS ONLY FINDING WAS A BLOWN FUSE FOR THE BRAKE LIGHTS. HE CHANGED THE FUSE AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOW SHIFT OUT OF PARK. HE TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND USED THE CRUISE CONTROL WITHOUT ANY ABNORMAL ANOMALIES.
NHTSA complaint #10278672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesPittsburgh, PAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE AND NOTICED FLAMES SHOOTING OUT FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WELLS. SECONDS LATER, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE MARSHALL STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS PROBABLY CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL THE FORD/LINCOLN MANUFACTURER AND FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 06/10/09 *BF THE CONSUMER MAILED IN RECALL LETTER REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND THE PART WAS INSTALLED MARCH 12, 2008. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THE FIRE MAY HAVE BEEN A RESULT OF A FUEL LEAK. UPDATED 06/11/09.
NHTSA complaint #10272368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesPittsburgh, PAFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE AND NOTICED FLAMES SHOOTING OUT FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WELLS. SECONDS LATER, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE MARSHALL STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS PROBABLY CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL THE FORD/LINCOLN MANUFACTURER AND FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 06/10/09 *BF THE CONSUMER MAILED IN RECALL LETTER REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND THE PART WAS INSTALLED MARCH 12, 2008. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THE FIRE MAY HAVE BEEN A RESULT OF A FUEL LEAK. UPDATED 06/11/09.
NHTSA complaint #10272368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesPittsburgh, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING NOISE AND NOTICED FLAMES SHOOTING OUT FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WELLS. SECONDS LATER, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE FIRE MARSHALL STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS PROBABLY CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL THE FORD/LINCOLN MANUFACTURER AND FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 06/10/09 *BF THE CONSUMER MAILED IN RECALL LETTER REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND THE PART WAS INSTALLED MARCH 12, 2008. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THE FIRE MAY HAVE BEEN A RESULT OF A FUEL LEAK. UPDATED 06/11/09.
NHTSA complaint #10272368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesArkansas City, KSFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES AFTER BEING PARKED AND SHUT OFF FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. FIRE INVESTIGATOR BELIEVES A POSSIBLE CAUSE COULD BE A DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH (FORD ISSUED A RECALL REGARDING THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10242167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 203,000 milesLuverne, MN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH DEACTIVATED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOTIFY THE CONTACT WHEN THE PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE. AS A CONSEQUENCE OF HAVING THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH DISCONNECTED, HE WAS UNABLE TO UTILIZE A FEATURE THAT WAS EXTREMELY SIGNIFICANT WHILE TRAVELING LONG DISTANCES. FORD NEVER CALLED HIM BACK. THE CONTACT CALLED CONSECUTIVELY OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE PROPERLY REPAIRED. OUT OF FRUSTRATION, HE SOLD THE VEHICLE. EIGHT MONTHS AFTER THE SALE OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 203,000.
NHTSA complaint #10241605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Wales, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR RECALL FOR SPEED CONTROL. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE VEHICLE HAS YET TO BE REPAIRED. CONSUMER HAS BEEN TOLD FOR FIVE MONTHS THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT IN YET.
NHTSA complaint #10219504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wellsville, MO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. HE HAS BEEN INFORMED EVERY MONTH THEREAFTER THAT THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE THE FOLLOWING MONTH. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER AND PURCHASE DATE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILES 56,000. UPDATED 3/11/08 *CN UPDATED 03/11/08
NHTSA complaint #10218655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silver Spring, MD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007. THE DEALER INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH WAS DEACTIVATED IN ORDER TO PREVENT A POSSIBLE FIRE. THE CONTACT HAS SINCE BEEN GIVEN AT LEAST 3 OR 4 DIFFERENT DATES AS TO WHEN THE PARTS WILL ARRIVE. HE IS VERY DISSATISFIED WITH FORD'S RESPONSE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
NHTSA complaint #10215680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
RED Lion, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS DISCONNECTED; HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. ON OCTOBER 17, 2007, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN NOVEMBER OF 2007. THE CONTACT HAS SINCE NOTIFIED LOCAL DEALERS AND THE PARTS ARE STILL CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000. UPDATED 01-14-08. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE PART WAS REMOVED, BUT NOT REPLACED. UPDATED 01/11/08
NHTSA complaint #10213245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cicero, IN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN NOVEMBER OF 2007. HE CALLED THEM A SECOND TIME AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL POSSIBLY MARCH OF 2008. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147,000. UPDATED 01/29/08
NHTSA complaint #10213261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroeville, NJ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH WAS DISCONNECTED, BUT THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 124,000. UPDATED 03/14/08.
NHTSA complaint #10211790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodside, NYFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL. CONSUMER STATED SHE RECEIVED A RECALL IN AUGUST 2007 ABOUT THE FAILURE. HER CAR CAUGHT FIRE IN DECEMBER OF 2002. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS ANY WAY TO RECOUP HER LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10210565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR RECALL FOR SPEED CONTROL. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET THE REPAIRS SINCE NOVEMBER 2.
NHTSA complaint #10209396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.