Owners have filed 194 complaints
about the 1998 Lincoln Town CAR with NHTSA between 1998 and 2023.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 16 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 — 56
Against the median year of the Lincoln Town CAR. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 48
9.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 20
12% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1998 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
56.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1418.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1316.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1924.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1722.1%
150,000+ miles
911.7%
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.
Mar 1998peak 9Aug 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 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.
DP05005Opened 22 Sep 2005Closed 4 Jan 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN A...
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
EA99010Opened 9 Apr 1999Closed 4 May 1999VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
THE SUBJECT VEHICLE IS FITTED WITH AN ONBOARD REFUELIG VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) SYSTEM, AS REQUIRED BY THE EPA.THE EPA SAFETY REQUIREMENTS, PREPARED IN COOPERATION WITH ,AND APPROVED BY NHTSA, REQUIRE VEHICLES TO BE REFUELED AT A RATE OF 10 GALLONS PER MINUTE (THE MAXIMUM RATE ALLOWED TO BE USED IN REFUELING STATIONS, BY EPA REGULATION) WITHOUT FUEL BEING FORCED OUT THE FUEL FILLER PIPE.THIS REQUIREMENT WAS BASED ON A HISTORY OF FIRES IN FILLING STATIONS AND INCIDENTS OF FUEL SPITTING BACK ARE CONSIDERED TO BE A FIRE SAFETY RISK.OF THE 114 COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS ALLEGING PROBLEMS WHILE AT...
Recalls on the 1998 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
15E082000
STEERING
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain model Dorman Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 7-0359, and OE Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured April 17, 2014, to September 28, 2015. These aftermarket replacement steering shafts are sold for use in 1995-2002 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. These steering shafts may separate during operation if the integral fastener is loose or missing and if the interfacing vehicle shaft is compressed in length.
Risk: If the shafts separate during vehicle operation, a loss of steering control would result, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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.
00V356000
TIRES
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN LIMOUSINES STRETCHED OVER 60 INCHES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 109, "NEW PNEUMATIC TIRES," AND NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Risk: THE VEHICLE WEIGHT COULD EXCEED THE MAXIMUM LOAD RATING FOR THE TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF PREMATURE TIRE WEAR OR BLOWOUT.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE JACKING INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF FOLLOWED, COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR TO PLACE THE JACK ON A FRAME WELD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RAISE A REAR WHEEL. IF THE VEHICLE IS JACKED UP WITH THE JACK PLACED ON THE FRAME WELD AND IF THE VEHICLE IS FREE TO ROLL (WHEELS NOT BLOCKED OR CHOCKED), THE JACK COULD YIELD AND THE VEHICLE MAY DROP SUDDENLY.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS AND ANY PORTION OF THE OPERATOR'S BODY IS UNDER THE VEHICLE, THE POTENTIAL FOR PERSONAL INJURY EXISTS.
00V157002
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
00V157001
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
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.
98V028000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE IMPROPERLY AIMED.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
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 200030328 units in Canada
Other
Certain limousine vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 110 - Tire Selection and Rims. The front axle weight could be such that the "normal load" on the vehicle's tires may exceed 88 percent of the tire maximum load rating. Correction: Tires will be replaced with ones that have a sufficiently higher load rating.
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.
Recall 199805045,205 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING SYSTEM AND RETROREFLECTIVE DEVICES. THE HEADLIGHT AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. CORRECTION: REVISED OWNER GUIDES WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 72,534 milesToledo, OHFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE STOPPED WORKING ON MY VEHICLE AND NOW I'M TOLD IT CAN'T BE REPLACED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE RADIO & A/C STOPPED WORKING. THIS CRUISE CONTROL MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF IT'S ABILITY TO SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST THE CAR IN FLAMES AS IT DID ON MY 1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHY DOESN'T THE GOVERNMENT ENFORCE THE RECALL LAWS?
NHTSA complaint #10552317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,534 milesToledo, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE STOPPED WORKING ON MY VEHICLE AND NOW I'M TOLD IT CAN'T BE REPLACED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE RADIO & A/C STOPPED WORKING. THIS CRUISE CONTROL MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF IT'S ABILITY TO SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST THE CAR IN FLAMES AS IT DID ON MY 1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHY DOESN'T THE GOVERNMENT ENFORCE THE RECALL LAWS?
NHTSA complaint #10552317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesJamaica, NYFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED AND THE MANIFOLD CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED THAT HE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. HE REFERENCED AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN 2007. THE VEHICLE HAD CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT SINCE HE PURCHASED IT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #10366853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thomasville, GAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE ENGINE TURNED OVER, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACTUALLY START. A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND A LOUD BOOM OCCURRED AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THERE WAS SMOKE AND LOUD NOISES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE POWERTRAIN AND MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10220023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesDanvers, MAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR CAUGHT FIRE. ELECTRICAL FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT DRIVERS SIDE. CAR BURNT TO GROUND, FIRE DEPT. PUT OUT FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10218218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 28,500 milesMarlborough, MACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ACCIDENT 7/11/04 WIFE REAR ENDED A DODGE DORANGO AND TOTALED HER LINCOLN TOWN CAR. SHE DIDN'T SEE THR CAR STOP IN FRONT OF HER QUICK ENOUGH WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE CAR WENT IN A NICE STRAIGHT LINE BUT DID NOT HAVE GOOD BRAKING . I FOUND THIS TO BE TRUE WHEN DRIVING THIS CAR MYSELF . NOW WE HAVE TO PAY THE PRICE OF INCREASED INS. AND A BAD MARK . MY WIFE HAS NEVER HAD AN ACCIDENT BUT THERE IS NO ROOM FOR THIS IN THE INS. WORLD EVEN THOUGH THE CAR HAD A ENGINEERING PROBLEM AS SO RECORDED BY MYCARSTATS.COM AND OTHERS.THIS CAR AND FORD PRODUCTS WERE ===IMPROVED=== IN 1999 OR 2000 BUT OF COURSE THERE IS NO PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10086683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
North Providence, RI
STEERING
all body frame has rust.
NHTSA complaint #11541626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Providence, RI
STRUCTURE:BODY
all body frame has rust.
NHTSA complaint #11541626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Providence, RI
ENGINE
all body frame has rust.
NHTSA complaint #11541626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesSaint Helen, MI
POWER TRAIN
MAKES LOUD POPPING NOISE WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED TO THE EXTREME RIGHT OR LEFT WHETHER THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN OR STANDING STILL. OCCASIONALLY, THE IGNITION WON'T TURN ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED, CLOSING THE ENTIRE SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #11084191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesSaint Helen, MI
STEERING
MAKES LOUD POPPING NOISE WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED TO THE EXTREME RIGHT OR LEFT WHETHER THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN OR STANDING STILL. OCCASIONALLY, THE IGNITION WON'T TURN ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED, CLOSING THE ENTIRE SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #11084191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesSaint Helen, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MAKES LOUD POPPING NOISE WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED TO THE EXTREME RIGHT OR LEFT WHETHER THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN OR STANDING STILL. OCCASIONALLY, THE IGNITION WON'T TURN ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED, CLOSING THE ENTIRE SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #11084191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,534 milesToledo, OHFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE STOPPED WORKING ON MY VEHICLE AND NOW I'M TOLD IT CAN'T BE REPLACED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE RADIO & A/C STOPPED WORKING. THIS CRUISE CONTROL MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF IT'S ABILITY TO SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST THE CAR IN FLAMES AS IT DID ON MY 1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHY DOESN'T THE GOVERNMENT ENFORCE THE RECALL LAWS?
NHTSA complaint #10552317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,534 milesToledo, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE STOPPED WORKING ON MY VEHICLE AND NOW I'M TOLD IT CAN'T BE REPLACED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE RADIO & A/C STOPPED WORKING. THIS CRUISE CONTROL MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF IT'S ABILITY TO SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST THE CAR IN FLAMES AS IT DID ON MY 1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHY DOESN'T THE GOVERNMENT ENFORCE THE RECALL LAWS?
NHTSA complaint #10552317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,352 milesGR. Cacapon, WV
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVER HEAT.ONCE IT GOT HOT, THE POWER OF CAR IS,WAS LOST. AFTER HAPPENING A FEW TIMES,I FOUND A VERY SMALL [PIN SIZE] HOLE IN THE THERMASTATE RECIEVING UNIT.THIS IS A PART OF THE MANIFOLD IT SELF. ALL ATTEMPS TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM HAS FAILED.! TRYING TO FIX THIS PROVED IMPOSSIBLE.THIS PART IS IN FACT MADE OF SOME TYPE OF PLASTIC.AS IT HEATS UP THE PLASTIC EXSPANDS, AND RE-OPENS THE HOLE,WHICH HAS NOW BECOME A CRACK. ALL EFFORDS TO FIND A SEALENT TO STOP THE LEAK,HAS FAILED. TO HAVE THIS CRACK REPAIRED MEANS THAT THE ENTIRE TOP OF THE MOTOR [MANIFOLD] MUST BE RE-PLACED. FORD RE-PLACED THE TERMASTATE HOUSING UNIT IN 2000-2001, WITH AN ALUMINUM PIECE,PROBLEM SOLVED.THERE ARE NO RE-CALLS,NOR EVEN A NOTIFICATION,SENT OUT, TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. I FEEL STORNLY THAT THIS IS IN FACT A KNOWN PROBLEM,WHICH FORD WAS AWARE OF,BUT DECIDED THAT IT DID NOT HAPPEN ENOUGH TO FIX IT.PLEASE NOTE::WHEN THE CAR OVRT HEATS IT SHUTS OFF THE POWER TO THE ENGINE!!! THIS COULD POTIENTIALLY BE AVERY DANGEROUS SITUATION,ESPECIALLY IN HIGH TRAFFIC,HIGH SPEED SITUATIONS!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10521255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,734 milesToledo, OH
ENGINE
I HAVE A 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR WITH LOW MILES (125,000). THE CHEAP PLASTIC THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS MADE OUT OF HAS CRACKED WERE THE HEATER HOSE CONNECTS IN THE BACK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO NOT BE DRIVE-ABLE DUE TO OVERHEATING.
NHTSA complaint #10514652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesVictoria, TX
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMPLETING A TURN, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM FAILED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V322000 (SUSPENSION: LOWER BALL JOINT), BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #10509556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesCleveland, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY JUMP START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT RAIN WOULD LEAK IN THROUGH THE WINDOWS DURING RAINY WEATHER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF EITHER FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10448962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesCleveland, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY JUMP START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT RAIN WOULD LEAK IN THROUGH THE WINDOWS DURING RAINY WEATHER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF EITHER FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10448962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Norwich, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THE FUEL FILLER WILL NOT ACCEPT GASOLINE AT A NORMAL RATE. EVEN AT MINIMUM SPEED IT WILL SHUT OFF AND/OR SPIT FUEL BACK. HAVE USED DIFFERENT PUMPS, DIFFERENT STATIONS, DIFFERENT POSITIONS HAPPENS ALMOST 100% OF THE TIME. ALSO MAJOR WATER LEAKAGE AROUND WINDSHIELD ON PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10435185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Norwich, NY
VISIBILITY
THE FUEL FILLER WILL NOT ACCEPT GASOLINE AT A NORMAL RATE. EVEN AT MINIMUM SPEED IT WILL SHUT OFF AND/OR SPIT FUEL BACK. HAVE USED DIFFERENT PUMPS, DIFFERENT STATIONS, DIFFERENT POSITIONS HAPPENS ALMOST 100% OF THE TIME. ALSO MAJOR WATER LEAKAGE AROUND WINDSHIELD ON PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10435185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesMelrose Park, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FAILURE OF THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD SYSTEM. LOSS OF COOLANT, ENGINE OVERHEATED, LOSS OF POWER AND CONTROL IN HEAVY TRAFFIC PRESENTED A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD SYSTEM IS A DESIGN FLAW AND SUBJECT OF AN EARLIER RECALL BY MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #10376028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesJamaica, NYFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED AND THE MANIFOLD CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED THAT HE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. HE REFERENCED AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN 2007. THE VEHICLE HAD CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT SINCE HE PURCHASED IT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #10366853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesSterling Hghts, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL SPITS BACK OUT OF FUEL FILLER OPENING. MUST TURN FUEL NOZZLE TO 45 DEGREES TO FILL TANK.
NHTSA complaint #10294000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCincinnati, OH
SEAT BELTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COATING ON THE RIMS WAS WEARING DOWN AND PREVENT AIR FROM REMAINING IN THE TIRES. AS A RESULT, SHE MUST CONSTANTLY PLACE AIR IN THE TIRES. THE TIRE DEALER STATED THAT THE RIMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE HEAD LAMPS HAVE TO BE REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME BECAUSE THEY HOLD CONDENSATION, WHICH SHORTS OUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. LASTLY, THE SEAT BELTS STICK AND ARE DIFFICULT TO USE PROPERLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
NHTSA complaint #10268731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCincinnati, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COATING ON THE RIMS WAS WEARING DOWN AND PREVENT AIR FROM REMAINING IN THE TIRES. AS A RESULT, SHE MUST CONSTANTLY PLACE AIR IN THE TIRES. THE TIRE DEALER STATED THAT THE RIMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE HEAD LAMPS HAVE TO BE REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME BECAUSE THEY HOLD CONDENSATION, WHICH SHORTS OUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. LASTLY, THE SEAT BELTS STICK AND ARE DIFFICULT TO USE PROPERLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
NHTSA complaint #10268731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCincinnati, OH
WHEELS:RIM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COATING ON THE RIMS WAS WEARING DOWN AND PREVENT AIR FROM REMAINING IN THE TIRES. AS A RESULT, SHE MUST CONSTANTLY PLACE AIR IN THE TIRES. THE TIRE DEALER STATED THAT THE RIMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE HEAD LAMPS HAVE TO BE REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME BECAUSE THEY HOLD CONDENSATION, WHICH SHORTS OUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. LASTLY, THE SEAT BELTS STICK AND ARE DIFFICULT TO USE PROPERLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
NHTSA complaint #10268731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesGlen Burnie, MD
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK BEGAN HEARING A CLICKING SOUND PULLED OVER CALLED MY HUSBAND HE CAME OUT DECIDED IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE HOME, STARTED THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING THE HEAT WAS BLOWING AT FULL SPEED COULD NOT TURN OFF HAD TO CLOSE ALL VENTS AND RIDE WITH ALL WINDOWS DOWN, TOOK CAR BACK TO DEALER THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE HEATING& AC HAD A BROKEN PEACE TOOK TO THE SHOP AND PAID A LITTLE OVER $1600 TO TAKE OUT MY DASH AND REPLACE IT THIS WAS 2004. LAST MONTH THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED AND I DON'T FEEL IT'S FAIR THAT I SHOULD KEEP REPLACING A FAULTY PART AT $1600 AN INCIDENT LINCOLN SHOULD PAY FOR THIS PART TO BE REPLACED SINCE IT DOES NOT COME FROM NORMAL WEAR BUT A CHEAP PART PUT ON A NOT SO CHEAP VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10266713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesLees Summit, MO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
UNABLE TO PROPERLY PUMP FUEL INTO THE VEHICLE. CAN ONLY PUT IN ABOUT 1/2 GALLON BEFORE THE PUMP SHUTS OFF. SOMETIMES FUEL BLOWS BACK OUT THE FILLER NECK. CALL TO DEALERSHIP WAS TOLD CAR HAD DEVELOPED A FUEL VENTING PROBLEM. APPEARS THEY KNOW THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM AND YET NO ONE IS NOTIFIED. SAY THEY WILL TRACK DOWN THE PROBLEM FOR 89.00 BUT THEN I WILL HAVE TO PAY FIX THE PROBLEM SEPARATELY.
NHTSA complaint #10265917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesLees Summit, MO
STRUCTURE:BODY
LAST YEAR I FIRST NOTICED THAT AFTER A HARD RAIN THE REAR DRIVERS PASSENGER DOOR WOULD HAVE WATER SLOSHING AROUND IN IT. NOW THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD IS ALMOST CONSTANTLY WET. RAIN AND CARWASHES MAKE THE PROBLEM WORSE BUT EVEN A BIG PUDDLE CAN SOAK IT AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10265915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesLees Summit, MO
STRUCTURE
LAST YEAR I FIRST NOTICED THAT AFTER A HARD RAIN THE REAR DRIVERS PASSENGER DOOR WOULD HAVE WATER SLOSHING AROUND IN IT. NOW THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD IS ALMOST CONSTANTLY WET. RAIN AND CARWASHES MAKE THE PROBLEM WORSE BUT EVEN A BIG PUDDLE CAN SOAK IT AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10265915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.