Owners have filed 207 complaints
about the 2001 Lincoln Town CAR with NHTSA between 2000 and 2022.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 60
Against the median year of the Lincoln Town CAR. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
27.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 29
17% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2001 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.
Under 1,000 miles
10.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
32.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
65.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1916.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1916.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2723.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2219.5%
150,000+ miles
1614.2%
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.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2001 Lincoln Town Car 4-DR. w/SAB
—
—
—
—
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.
Oct 2000peak 9Oct 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 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...
EA05004Opened 17 Feb 2005Closed 6 Jul 2005SEAT BELTS
FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
DURING THE INITIAL RECALL CAMPAIGN IN 2001, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED BY FORD DEALERSHIPS USING A TEST TOOL THAT WOULD DETECT A DEFECTIVE FRONT SEAT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.APPROXIMATELY ONE MILLION VEHICLES PASSED THE INSPECTION TEST FOR ONE OR BOTH FRONT BUCKLES.SUBSEQUENT TO THE RECALL SERVICE ACTION, ODI RECEIVED 15 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A PASSED INSPECTION BUCKLE SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED TO LATCH OR INADVERTENTLY UNLATCHED DURING USE.IN ADDITION, FORD HAS IDENTIFIED 543 OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING BUCKLE FAILURE SUBSEQUENT TO PASSING THE INSPECTION TEST.FORD...
RQ04011Opened 22 Oct 2004Closed 17 Feb 2005SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN (01V227), FORD RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 1.3 MILLION VEHICLES TO INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE.APPROXIMATELY 1.1 MILLION OWNERS RESPONDED BY TAKING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE BUCKLE USING A SPECIALIZED BUCKLE TEST TOOL.FORD REPORTED THAT 829,927 VEHICLES HAD BOTH BUCKLES PASS THE TOOL TEST AND ANOTHER 167,336 VEHICLES HAD ONE BUCKLE PASS.ODI AND FORD RECEIVED COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE SHORTLY AFTER PASSING THE ORIGINAL RECALL INSPECTION SERVICE.COMPLAINANTS ALLEGED THAT THE BUCKLE...
EA03014Opened 22 Aug 2003Closed 12 Aug 2004AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 182 REPORTS ALLEGING INADVERTENT OR NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAGS.THE DATA EXAMINED DURING THE INVESTIGATION SUGGEST THAT THE SIDE AIR BAG CRASH SENSING SYSTEM'S ALGORITHM MAY RECOGNIZE CERTAIN NON-CRASH INCIDENTS AS DEPLOYABLE EVENTS.ODI HAS NOT, HOWEVER, IDENTIFIED ANY FAILED COMPONENT THAT RELATES TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ALSO, ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED ANY TREND IN THE MANUFACTURE DATES OF COMPLAINT VEHICLES THAT MAY INDICATE A COMPONENT OR VEHICLE-MANUFACTURING PROBLEM.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIF...
PE03011Opened 14 Mar 2003Closed 22 Aug 2003AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 173 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING INADVERTENT OR NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT OF SIDE AIR BAGS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2003 LINCOLN TOWN CARS.MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT ONE OF THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY IMPACT.ANALYSIS SHOWED THAT MY 2001 THROUGH EARLY MY 2003 TOWN CARS HAVE MUCH HIGHER COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIM RATES (138 COMPLAINTS AND 120 WARRANTY CLAIMS) THAN THE REMAINING VEHICLES (35 COMPLAINTS AND 32 WARRANTY CLAIMS).FORD CHANGED ITS SUPPLIER OF THE SIDE CRASH SENSORS FOR THE MY 2001 TOWN CARS.FORD STATES THAT THE ALGORITHM IN THE MY 2001 TOWN CARS...
SQ01014Opened 27 Nov 2001Closed 3 Oct 2002FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
POST REAR END COLLISION FIRES
Recalls on the 2001 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.
01V258000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.
Risk: LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
01V227001
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND MINIVANS. EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELTS SUPPLIED BY TRW. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE DRIVER'S AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER'S OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE MAY NOT FULLY LATCH. FORD CROWN VICTORIA BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. LINCOLN TOWN CARS BUILT AT WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. LINCOLN NAVIGATORS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. FORD WINDSTARS BUILT AT OAKVILLE ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. FORD RANGERS BUILT AT TWIN CITIES PLANT FROM 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, AND ALSO AT THE EDISON PLANT FROM 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. FORD F-150 TRUCK BUILT AT NORFOLK PLANT FROM 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; AT ONTARIO PLANT FROM 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; AT KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. FORD SUPER DUTY F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; AND AT CUAUTITLAN PLANT FROM 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. FORD EXCURSIONS BUILT AT KENTUCKY PLANT FROM 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. FORD EXPEDITIONS BUILT AT MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 4/11/00 -
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE OCCUPANT PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
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.
00V412000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS AND PASSENGER VEHICLES. A RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE (RCM) OR A SIDE OR FRONT CRASH SENSOR MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH ONE OR MORE OF THE SCREWS THAT MOUNT THE CIRCUIT BOARD IN THE HOUSING MISSING. IF SOME OR ALL OF THE SCREWS ARE MISSING, THE PERFORMANCE OF THE OCCUPANT RESTRAINS COULD BE AFFECTED.
Risk: IN SOME CASES, LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
00V270000
AIR BAGS
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIMOUSINES, AND MINI VANS WERE BUILT WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE (RCM). IN SOME CASES, THE RCM DOES NOT RECOGNIZE CERTAIN SYSTEM FAULTS THAT COULD RESULT IN AN AIR BAG OR SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER UNEXPECTEDLY ACTIVATING DURING THE SELF-TEST SEQUENCE AT VEHICLE START-UP.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200120483,005 units in Canada
Other
Certain passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, smoke or, potentially, ignition of the plastic cover material. Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built with the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced.
Recall 200119478,402 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans equipped with seat belts supplied by TRW. It is possible that the driver's and/or front passenger's outboard seat belt buckle may not fully latch. In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect the front outboard seat belt buckles and if the buckle fails the inspection process, it will be replaced.
Recall 20003041,897 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, a restraint control module (RCM) or a side or front crash sensor may have been assembled with one or more of the screws that mount the circuit board in the housing missing. If some or all of the screws are missing, the performance of the occupant restrains could be affected. In some cases, less than the intended level of occupant restraint could be available in the event of a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the RCM or crash sensors and, if necessary, replace them.
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 2000243780 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may not recognize certain system faults that could result in an air bag or seat pre-tensioner unexpectedly activating during the self-test sequence at vehicle start-up. Unexpected activation of an air bag could potentially result in personal injury. Correction: Restraint Control Module will be replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 199,700 milesFountaintown, INCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN HARD IMPACT
NHTSA complaint #10887771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 226,000 milesHouston, TXFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS DRIVING THE LINCOLN TOWN CAR WHEN I BEGAN TO SMELL WHAT APPEARED TO BE GAS OR SOME FLUID COMING INTO THE VEHICLE. I STOPPED THE CAR AND PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY AND INSPECTED THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR WHERE THERE WAS NO LEAK BUT A STRONG ODOR OF GAS OR SOME FLUID. I THEN STARTED THE CAR AND PUT INTO REVERSE AND WITH MY FOOT APPLIED TO THE BRAKE BACKING UP IN REVERSE THERE WAS A LOUD POP IN THE ENGINE AND THE CAR SHUT OFF FOLLOWED BY SMOKE AND THEN FIRE. THE CAR THEN SET ON FIRE AND BURNED FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE FIRE FIGHTERS ARRIVED TO PUT THE CAR OUT. IT WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #10575651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 226,000 milesHouston, TXFire
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING THE LINCOLN TOWN CAR WHEN I BEGAN TO SMELL WHAT APPEARED TO BE GAS OR SOME FLUID COMING INTO THE VEHICLE. I STOPPED THE CAR AND PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY AND INSPECTED THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR WHERE THERE WAS NO LEAK BUT A STRONG ODOR OF GAS OR SOME FLUID. I THEN STARTED THE CAR AND PUT INTO REVERSE AND WITH MY FOOT APPLIED TO THE BRAKE BACKING UP IN REVERSE THERE WAS A LOUD POP IN THE ENGINE AND THE CAR SHUT OFF FOLLOWED BY SMOKE AND THEN FIRE. THE CAR THEN SET ON FIRE AND BURNED FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE FIRE FIGHTERS ARRIVED TO PUT THE CAR OUT. IT WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #10575651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,800 milesHarbert, MICrash
POWER TRAIN
I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR WHEN IT HIT ICE AT 9:20A- 1/25/2013 ON I-94 NEAR CHESTERTON, IN, SPUN AROUND AND CRASHED TWICE (FRONT/REAR) INTO THE LEFT CONCRETE BARRIER PARALLEL TO THE ROADWAY. NONE OF THE 4 AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I (AGE 77) AND MY PASSENGER (AGE 83) WORE SEAT BELTS THAT SAVED US. CAR FRONT SMASHED; CAR REAR LESS DAMAGED. SIDES ARE O.K.. ISP REPORT ID:201300021141. NEITHER OF US SOUGHT MEDICAL TREATMENT. MY CHEST STILL HURTS! AIR BAGS WOULD HAVE HELPED HAD THEY DEPLOYED. LAKE SHORE FORD, CHESTERTON, IN (219)787-8600 SAID CAR WAS "TOTALED." ISP OFFICER WEEMS REPORTED THAT I MAY RECEIVE A TICKET FOR "TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS." TC FAILED THE ONLY AIR BAG TEST IT EVER HAD. SEAT BELTS DID NOT. NO OTHER CARS WERE INVOLVED ON BUSY I-94. WE WERE LUCKY!
NHTSA complaint #10494782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,800 milesHarbert, MICrash
AIR BAGS
I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR WHEN IT HIT ICE AT 9:20A- 1/25/2013 ON I-94 NEAR CHESTERTON, IN, SPUN AROUND AND CRASHED TWICE (FRONT/REAR) INTO THE LEFT CONCRETE BARRIER PARALLEL TO THE ROADWAY. NONE OF THE 4 AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I (AGE 77) AND MY PASSENGER (AGE 83) WORE SEAT BELTS THAT SAVED US. CAR FRONT SMASHED; CAR REAR LESS DAMAGED. SIDES ARE O.K.. ISP REPORT ID:201300021141. NEITHER OF US SOUGHT MEDICAL TREATMENT. MY CHEST STILL HURTS! AIR BAGS WOULD HAVE HELPED HAD THEY DEPLOYED. LAKE SHORE FORD, CHESTERTON, IN (219)787-8600 SAID CAR WAS "TOTALED." ISP OFFICER WEEMS REPORTED THAT I MAY RECEIVE A TICKET FOR "TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS." TC FAILED THE ONLY AIR BAG TEST IT EVER HAD. SEAT BELTS DID NOT. NO OTHER CARS WERE INVOLVED ON BUSY I-94. WE WERE LUCKY!
NHTSA complaint #10494782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,800 milesHarbert, MICrash
SUSPENSION
I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR WHEN IT HIT ICE AT 9:20A- 1/25/2013 ON I-94 NEAR CHESTERTON, IN, SPUN AROUND AND CRASHED TWICE (FRONT/REAR) INTO THE LEFT CONCRETE BARRIER PARALLEL TO THE ROADWAY. NONE OF THE 4 AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I (AGE 77) AND MY PASSENGER (AGE 83) WORE SEAT BELTS THAT SAVED US. CAR FRONT SMASHED; CAR REAR LESS DAMAGED. SIDES ARE O.K.. ISP REPORT ID:201300021141. NEITHER OF US SOUGHT MEDICAL TREATMENT. MY CHEST STILL HURTS! AIR BAGS WOULD HAVE HELPED HAD THEY DEPLOYED. LAKE SHORE FORD, CHESTERTON, IN (219)787-8600 SAID CAR WAS "TOTALED." ISP OFFICER WEEMS REPORTED THAT I MAY RECEIVE A TICKET FOR "TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS." TC FAILED THE ONLY AIR BAG TEST IT EVER HAD. SEAT BELTS DID NOT. NO OTHER CARS WERE INVOLVED ON BUSY I-94. WE WERE LUCKY!
NHTSA complaint #10494782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Hobbs, NM
ENGINE
My car has been making a weird whistling noise for a few months. My husband found it was coming from the rear intake manifold hose. He started my car and next the car started smoking and he looked under the hood the nipple where the hose connected had broke off and there is a crack all the way down the intake manifold.
NHTSA complaint #11489621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hobbs, NM
ENGINE
There was a loud pop after I got gas. My car wouldn't stay running. I couldn't figure out what was going on. My husband looked under the hood and the spark plug still attached to the ignition coil had popped out of the engine. All of the screws holding the ignition coils had backed out.
NHTSA complaint #11489622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hobbs, NM
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There was a loud pop after I got gas. My car wouldn't stay running. I couldn't figure out what was going on. My husband looked under the hood and the spark plug still attached to the ignition coil had popped out of the engine. All of the screws holding the ignition coils had backed out.
NHTSA complaint #11489622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,930 milesBucyrus, KS
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2001 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the passenger’s side curtain air bag inadvertently deployed without warning. While the contact was startled by the deployment of the air bag, there was no injury sustained. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 50,930.
NHTSA complaint #11423887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 248,780 milesMayfield Heights, OH
AIR BAGS
PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG DEPLOYED OVERNIGHT. CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, 50' FROM STREET.
NHTSA complaint #11324628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
STEERING
" TAKATA RECALL " WHEN I DRIVE OVER A POT HOLE MY CAR WANTS 2 GO ALL OVER THE ROAD THE STEERING IS LOOSECAN'T HARTLEY HOLE IT STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD I CANNT. AND ALSO MY WINDSHIELD FLUID DOESN'T COME OUT WHEN PUSH.STEERING COULD IS LOOSE.ALL IN MOTION EVEN.ON THE HWY I CANNOT GO ON. I CANNOT TAKE PIC IT IS UNDER THE CAR
NHTSA complaint #11217016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
" TAKATA RECALL " WHEN I DRIVE OVER A POT HOLE MY CAR WANTS 2 GO ALL OVER THE ROAD THE STEERING IS LOOSECAN'T HARTLEY HOLE IT STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD I CANNT. AND ALSO MY WINDSHIELD FLUID DOESN'T COME OUT WHEN PUSH.STEERING COULD IS LOOSE.ALL IN MOTION EVEN.ON THE HWY I CANNOT GO ON. I CANNOT TAKE PIC IT IS UNDER THE CAR
NHTSA complaint #11217016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,500 milesColumbus, OH
SUSPENSION
ON JULY 16, 2017, I WAS TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 70 EAST, NEAR WASHINGTON, PA. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY 2001 LINCOLN STARTED SHAKING VERY VIOLENTLY. I MANAGED TO PULL INTO A REST STOP A FEW MILES AWAY, AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PORTION OF MY LINCOLN WAS VERY LOW TO THE GROUND. I MANAGED TO DRIVE INTO WASHINGTON, PA, AND A LOCAL MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HE SUSPECTED THAT THE AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR, WHICH CONTROLS THE REAR AIR SUSPENSION BAGS, WAS DEFECTIVE. A FEW WEEKS EARLIER, THE "AIR BAGS" WARNING LIGHT RELATING TO THE REAR AIR SUSPENSION BAGS HAD COME ON; MY MECHANIC CHECKED THEM OUT AND STATED THAT THEY WERE FINE, AS HE HAD REPLACED BOTH OF THEM, IN 2013. HOWEVER, IN RETROSPECT, THE COMPUTER WAS REFERRING TO THE AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR AND PROBABLY TO THE AIR SUSPENSION HEIGHT SENSOR. I HAD MY MECHANIC REPLACE BOTH OF THOSE PARTS. IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THE LINCOLN PERSONNEL SHOULD HAVE WARNED THE LINCOLN TOWN CAR OWNERS THAT THE AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM, WHICH IS USED ON THE LINCOLN TOWN CARS, IS PRONE TO FAILURE; AND, THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A WARNING BUILT INTO THE COMPUTER TO WARN DRIVERS OF AN IMPENDING LOSS TO THAT SYSTEM. A LIGHT COMING ON JUST STATING "AIR BAGS" IS NOT SUFFICIENT. PRIOR TO THAT PROBLEM, I HAD NO IDEA THAT THERE WAS AN AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR, OR AN AIR SUSPENSION HEIGHT SENSOR TO CONTROL THE REAR AIR SUSPENSION BAGS. SINCE THERE ARE STILL THOUSANDS OF LINCOLN TOWN CARS ON THE ROAD, THE NHTSA SHOULD AT LEAST WARN OWNERS OF THOSE CARS, ABOUT THE POTENTIAL SUSPENSION PROBLEM, WHICH CAN CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11104321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesFishers, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO STOP. NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONE OTHER TIME AND HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL COMING TO A SCREECHING STOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #10979733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,250 milesChicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE ROAD SHOULDER AND WAS RESTARTED AFTER TEN MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,250.
NHTSA complaint #10979849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesDanville, IL
STEERING
I HAVE REPLACED ALL STEERING COMPONENTS. AND THE STEERING STILL WONDERS TO BAD TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10978694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,999 milesTallahassee, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY 2001 LINCOLN TOWNCAR SIGNATURE ,. GAS IN FUEL AND DROVE 3 MILES IN PARK. THE CAR LITTLE EXHAUST, I PROCEEDED TO THE LIGHT AND THERMOSTATS HEATING NEEDLE TO HOT. I MOVE TO NEXT, LIGHT, AIR CONDITION ON TO COOL DOWN. IMMEDIATELY LEFT TURN INTO CYPRESS RESTAURANT. PARKING, TURN OFF, COOL DOWN, AND NEXT OPEN BY FRIEND WHO NEEDED GO THE DOCTOR. CALLED AAA PULL TO THE SHOP. ESTIMATED , CAN NOT REPAIRED THIS...DAY. SO, IF IT WAS MANUFACTURED DEFECEITS. I LOOK UP ...
NHTSA complaint #10938689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,999 milesTallahassee, FL
SUSPENSION
MY 2001 LINCOLN TOWNCAR SIGNATURE ,. GAS IN FUEL AND DROVE 3 MILES IN PARK. THE CAR LITTLE EXHAUST, I PROCEEDED TO THE LIGHT AND THERMOSTATS HEATING NEEDLE TO HOT. I MOVE TO NEXT, LIGHT, AIR CONDITION ON TO COOL DOWN. IMMEDIATELY LEFT TURN INTO CYPRESS RESTAURANT. PARKING, TURN OFF, COOL DOWN, AND NEXT OPEN BY FRIEND WHO NEEDED GO THE DOCTOR. CALLED AAA PULL TO THE SHOP. ESTIMATED , CAN NOT REPAIRED THIS...DAY. SO, IF IT WAS MANUFACTURED DEFECEITS. I LOOK UP ...
NHTSA complaint #10938689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,999 milesTallahassee, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY 2001 LINCOLN TOWNCAR SIGNATURE ,. GAS IN FUEL AND DROVE 3 MILES IN PARK. THE CAR LITTLE EXHAUST, I PROCEEDED TO THE LIGHT AND THERMOSTATS HEATING NEEDLE TO HOT. I MOVE TO NEXT, LIGHT, AIR CONDITION ON TO COOL DOWN. IMMEDIATELY LEFT TURN INTO CYPRESS RESTAURANT. PARKING, TURN OFF, COOL DOWN, AND NEXT OPEN BY FRIEND WHO NEEDED GO THE DOCTOR. CALLED AAA PULL TO THE SHOP. ESTIMATED , CAN NOT REPAIRED THIS...DAY. SO, IF IT WAS MANUFACTURED DEFECEITS. I LOOK UP ...
NHTSA complaint #10938689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,700 milesFountaintown, INCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN HARD IMPACT
NHTSA complaint #10887771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,020 milesYanceyville, NC
SUSPENSION
AIRBAGS HAD TO BE REPLACED, MILEAGE 102050.ALSO, WIPER MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED 3TIMES SO FAR.
NHTSA complaint #10821800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,020 milesYanceyville, NC
VISIBILITY/WIPER
AIRBAGS HAD TO BE REPLACED, MILEAGE 102050.ALSO, WIPER MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED 3TIMES SO FAR.
NHTSA complaint #10821800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 146,000 milesUpper Marlboro, MD
STEERING
WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION STEERING WONDERS BACK AND FORTH. CENTER STEERING ONLY OBTAIN WITH CONSTANT CORRECTING.
NHTSA complaint #10789982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,500 milesWest Warwick RI, RI
WHEELS
ON WIPERS THE INTERMEDIATE DONT WORK AND WHEN WASHER FLUID SPRAYED CANT SHUT WIPERS OFF 2 NOW ON WHEELS CONSTANTLY LOOSING AIR DUE TO RIMS PEELING AND THE INSIDE RIMS ARE PEELING CAUSING TIRE NOT TO HOLD AIR AND 3 FRONT END WOBBLES AND RADDLES HAD NEW TIERODS AND BALL JOINTS WONDERING IF ANY RECALLS WERE DUE TO BE DONE AND PREVIOUS OWNER NEGLECTED TO GET DONE PLEASE HELP
NHTSA complaint #10789465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,500 milesWest Warwick RI, RI
STEERING
ON WIPERS THE INTERMEDIATE DONT WORK AND WHEN WASHER FLUID SPRAYED CANT SHUT WIPERS OFF 2 NOW ON WHEELS CONSTANTLY LOOSING AIR DUE TO RIMS PEELING AND THE INSIDE RIMS ARE PEELING CAUSING TIRE NOT TO HOLD AIR AND 3 FRONT END WOBBLES AND RADDLES HAD NEW TIERODS AND BALL JOINTS WONDERING IF ANY RECALLS WERE DUE TO BE DONE AND PREVIOUS OWNER NEGLECTED TO GET DONE PLEASE HELP
NHTSA complaint #10789465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,500 milesWest Warwick RI, RI
VISIBILITY/WIPER
ON WIPERS THE INTERMEDIATE DONT WORK AND WHEN WASHER FLUID SPRAYED CANT SHUT WIPERS OFF 2 NOW ON WHEELS CONSTANTLY LOOSING AIR DUE TO RIMS PEELING AND THE INSIDE RIMS ARE PEELING CAUSING TIRE NOT TO HOLD AIR AND 3 FRONT END WOBBLES AND RADDLES HAD NEW TIERODS AND BALL JOINTS WONDERING IF ANY RECALLS WERE DUE TO BE DONE AND PREVIOUS OWNER NEGLECTED TO GET DONE PLEASE HELP
NHTSA complaint #10789465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesAlmont, MI
SEATS
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 30 MILES AN HOUR, THE PASSENGER SEAT SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO CRASH, IMPACT, OR CONTACT WITH ANYTHING. FAULTY SENSOR OR CONTROLLER?
NHTSA complaint #10760720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesAlmont, MI
AIR BAGS
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 30 MILES AN HOUR, THE PASSENGER SEAT SIDE IMPACT AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO CRASH, IMPACT, OR CONTACT WITH ANYTHING. FAULTY SENSOR OR CONTROLLER?
NHTSA complaint #10760720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesChesterton, IN
STEERING
THE CAR HAS DEVELOPED POOR RETURN TO CENTER WHEN TURNING. IT ALSO SEEMS TO BE STICKY IN NORMAL HIGHWAY DRIVING, THAT IS, A MINOR CORRECTION SEEMS TO STAY UNTIL CORRECTED THE OTHER DIRECTION. THIS MAKES THE CAR WANDER BACK AND FORTH. I HAD ONE MECHANIC IN TOWN DIAGNOSE IT AS LOWER STEERING SHAFT AND I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY LOCAL FORD DEALER TO EVALUATE THE PROBLEM. I NOTE THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR 2005 AND LATER MODEL YEARS. THERE HAVE BEEN ACCIDENTS FROM STEERING FAILURE REPORTED.
NHTSA complaint #10744348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesOakwood, IL
VISIBILITY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAD TO BE REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 12/30/15*LJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 04/07/16.
NHTSA complaint #10689399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
