Owners have filed 71 complaints
about the 2002 Lincoln Town CAR with NHTSA between 2001 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 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 — 21
Against the median year of the Lincoln Town CAR. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
42.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 63
37% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2002 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.
Frontal
723.3%
Side/Window
620.0%
Accelerator Pedal
413.3%
Pedals AND Linkages
413.3%
Latch
310.0%
Rear
26.7%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
26.7%
Master Cylinder
26.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
615.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
513.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
923.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
513.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
513.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
615.8%
150,000+ miles
25.3%
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
2002 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.
Dec 2001peak 5May 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 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...
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...
Recalls on the 2002 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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 129,000 milesIndianapolis, INCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME LOOSE AS THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE ALSO WENT AIRBORNE, ROLLED OVER AND SPUN THREE TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS FRACTURED AND THE REAR WINDSHIELD BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THREE OCCUPANTS AND A PET DOG WERE SEVERELY INJURED AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE STEERING OR AIR BAG FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000. UPDATED 08/06/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY HERNDON AND ASSOCIATES EGINEERING FIRM. THE REPORT WAS SENT TO FORD, WHICH FORD DISSMISSED IN FOUR (4) DAYS. UPDATED 08/5/2013
NHTSA complaint #10484668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesIndianapolis, INCrash3 injured
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME LOOSE AS THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE ALSO WENT AIRBORNE, ROLLED OVER AND SPUN THREE TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS FRACTURED AND THE REAR WINDSHIELD BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THREE OCCUPANTS AND A PET DOG WERE SEVERELY INJURED AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE STEERING OR AIR BAG FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000. UPDATED 08/06/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY HERNDON AND ASSOCIATES EGINEERING FIRM. THE REPORT WAS SENT TO FORD, WHICH FORD DISSMISSED IN FOUR (4) DAYS. UPDATED 08/5/2013
NHTSA complaint #10484668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
AFTER HEARING C. THE RECENT SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES, I AM PROMPTED TO WRITE YOU AGAIN REGARDING THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITH MY 2002 LINCOLN TOWNCAR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE UP MY DRIVEWAY, AND PARK IN MY GARAGE, TRAVELING C. 5 MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY SOUNDED AS IF WERE REVVING AND LURCHED FORWARD. THE AGENT SENT FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY, RECORDED 35 FEET OF SKID MARKS. BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND MY VEHICLE AND I CRASHED INTO MY DEN. I DID REPORT THIS INCIDENT TO FORD AND TO YOU AT THE TIME. MY COUSIN, IN ILLINOIS, HAD THE SAME MAKE AND YEAR AUTOMOBILE, AND HAD THE INCIDENT OCCUR THREE TIMES. IT IS A FRIGHTENING OCCURRENCE AND ONE FEELS TOTALLY HELPLESS. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ELIMINATE THIS FROM OUR DRIVING EXPERIENCE?
NHTSA complaint #10304710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesTexas City, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE SITTING IN A DRIVE THRU MY 2002 LINCOLN TOWNCAR CAUGHT A BLAZE UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA complaint #10301846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesNorman, OKCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
RE 2002 LINCOLN TC CARTIER L. THE MOST USELESS AND DANGEROUS ACCESSORY ON THIS AUTO IS THE ADJUSTABLE BRAKE & ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE DOESN'T APPEAR THAT THERE IS ANY WAY ONE MAY ADJUST EITHER/OR AS THEY ADJUST SIMULTANEOUSLY. RECENTLY THIS "ACCESSORY" COST ME $1000.00. MY WIFE WAS STOPPED, WAITING ON THE LIGHT TO CHANGE AND HAD HER FOOT PARTIALLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WHEN SHE PUSH ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, SHE ALSO PUSHED ON THE ACCELERATOR CAUSING HER TO REAR-END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. ONCE THE BRAKE PADS WEAR, THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ACCELERATOR IS AT THE SAME LEVEL. THIS IS NO JOKE. THIS HAS HAPPEN TO ME TWICE, FORTUNATELY IN BOTH INSTANCES THERE WERE NO PEOPLE OR VEHICLE (S) IN FRONT OF ME.- ( NO EXCUSES, JUST FACTS). I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE (REPORTED TO YOU)? THANK YOU. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. EZRA RACHAL.
NHTSA complaint #10272846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesRembert, SC1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A POTHOLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE PASSENGER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,000. UPDATED 5/27/09
NHTSA complaint #10267735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Ball Ground, GA
TIRES
Last week I blow a back tire . They said the belt broke separated. GOT a knot. This week Im having the same problem with one of my front tires. On way ro work had to pull over. Tire has a knot. I used Firestone but have had nothing but issues. Didn't tighten down my tires wore tire another store replaced the. Piedmont stoe . First store was powtersprings.
NHTSA complaint #11737907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesRapid City, SD
AIR BAGS
ON 01/12/2019 I WAS TRAVELING STRAIGHT DOWN A LEVEL COUNTRY ROAD WITH 1 PASSENGER IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AT ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN FOR NO REASON THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. AFTER REGAINING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TOOK A FEW MINUTES TO CALM DOWN AND FIGURE OUT WHAT JUST HAPPENED AND CLEAR ALL THE SMOKE FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE AIR BAG. MY FRIEND IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS SORE BUT NOT INJURED AND BOTH OUR EARS WERE RINGING. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN FIRED IN THE CAR. I CALL LINCOLN CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOT ANY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND DUE TO ITS AGE THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE TO GET IT REPAIRED. THE SIDE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT IS ALL TORE APART.
NHTSA complaint #11166790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesDetroit, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
TAKATA RECALL I'VE CHANGE THE BRAKE SWITCH ON MY CAR OVER FOUR TIMES AND IT WENT OUT AGAIN. MT CAR WILL NOT CHAGE GIER WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL WITH THIS PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENS AFTER THE VEHICLE IS PARK.
NHTSA complaint #11092770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX
ENGINE
INTAKE MANFIOLD
NHTSA complaint #11063677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,750 milesPonderay, ID
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL ? MY WIFE AND FRIEND DRIVING 30 MPH IN NO TRAFFIC, AND THE DRIVERS SEAT AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. SHE SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT AND THE YELLOW BAG CAME OUT OF THE DRIVERS SEAT. DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD ON A COUNTRY ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10873106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesGreenwell Springs, LA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000. UPDATED 12/30/14*LJ UPDATED 05/27/2015
NHTSA complaint #10653873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesIndianapolis, INCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME LOOSE AS THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE ALSO WENT AIRBORNE, ROLLED OVER AND SPUN THREE TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS FRACTURED AND THE REAR WINDSHIELD BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THREE OCCUPANTS AND A PET DOG WERE SEVERELY INJURED AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE STEERING OR AIR BAG FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000. UPDATED 08/06/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY HERNDON AND ASSOCIATES EGINEERING FIRM. THE REPORT WAS SENT TO FORD, WHICH FORD DISSMISSED IN FOUR (4) DAYS. UPDATED 08/5/2013
NHTSA complaint #10484668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesIndianapolis, INCrash3 injured
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME LOOSE AS THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE ALSO WENT AIRBORNE, ROLLED OVER AND SPUN THREE TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS FRACTURED AND THE REAR WINDSHIELD BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THREE OCCUPANTS AND A PET DOG WERE SEVERELY INJURED AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE STEERING OR AIR BAG FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000. UPDATED 08/06/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY HERNDON AND ASSOCIATES EGINEERING FIRM. THE REPORT WAS SENT TO FORD, WHICH FORD DISSMISSED IN FOUR (4) DAYS. UPDATED 08/5/2013
NHTSA complaint #10484668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesEscondido, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING EXCESSIVELY AND EXHIBITING LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISES FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ONE OF THE CYLINDERS MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RUN ON SEVEN CYLINDERS INSTEAD OF EIGHT. HE ALSO DISCOVERED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO THEN REPLACED THE MANIFOLD AND THE PLUG WIRE FOR THE CYLINDER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING REIMBURSEMENT AND THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, IT COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY LED TO A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #10365775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
AFTER HEARING C. THE RECENT SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES, I AM PROMPTED TO WRITE YOU AGAIN REGARDING THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITH MY 2002 LINCOLN TOWNCAR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE UP MY DRIVEWAY, AND PARK IN MY GARAGE, TRAVELING C. 5 MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY SOUNDED AS IF WERE REVVING AND LURCHED FORWARD. THE AGENT SENT FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY, RECORDED 35 FEET OF SKID MARKS. BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND MY VEHICLE AND I CRASHED INTO MY DEN. I DID REPORT THIS INCIDENT TO FORD AND TO YOU AT THE TIME. MY COUSIN, IN ILLINOIS, HAD THE SAME MAKE AND YEAR AUTOMOBILE, AND HAD THE INCIDENT OCCUR THREE TIMES. IT IS A FRIGHTENING OCCURRENCE AND ONE FEELS TOTALLY HELPLESS. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ELIMINATE THIS FROM OUR DRIVING EXPERIENCE?
NHTSA complaint #10304710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,000 milesBerkeley, IL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2002 LINCOLN TOWNCAR CAR HAS AUTO LOCK FEATURE LOCKING ALL DOORS WHEN MOVING FORWARD. AFTER STOPPING THOSE IN THE FRONT SEAT CAN EXIT BY USING DOOR HANDLE. THOSE IN REAR SEAT MUST FIRST USE THE UNLOCK PLUNGER. IN EVENT OF ACCIDENT IF REAR PASSENGERS DO NOT KNOW THIS THEY ARE TRAPPED IN CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10302489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesTexas City, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE SITTING IN A DRIVE THRU MY 2002 LINCOLN TOWNCAR CAUGHT A BLAZE UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA complaint #10301846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,950 milesCorinth, TX
SEAT BELTS
THE DRIVER SIDE SAFETY BELT ON MY 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR NO LONGER LATCHES AND APPEARS TO BE LOCKED PREVENTING THE SEAT BELT FROM BEING CONNECTED/LATCHED. THE DASH BOARD SEAT BELT INDICATOR (NORMALLY LIT UP WHEN A SEAT BELT IS NOT ATTACHED) DOES NOT LIGHT UP. THIS PROBLEM STARTED ONLY A COUPLE WEEKS AGO AND CONTINUES. THIS CAR HAVE LESS THAN 48,000 MILES AND IS USED TO DRIVE TO WORK AND BACK. BECAUSE I AM UNABLE TO LATCH MY DRIVER SEAT BELT THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND I WANTED TO REPORT IT TO YOUR AGENCY. AS OF THIS WRITING I HAVE NOT HAD A FORD SERVICE REP LOOK AT THIS, BUT INTEND TO SHORTLY. BECAUSE I HAVE NOT YET TAKEN MY CAR INTO A FORD SERVICE CENTER FOR EXAMINATION I AM UNABLE TO REPORT WHAT WAS DONE TO CORRECT THIS FAILURE OR PARTS NEEDED/REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10279343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesNorman, OKCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
RE 2002 LINCOLN TC CARTIER L. THE MOST USELESS AND DANGEROUS ACCESSORY ON THIS AUTO IS THE ADJUSTABLE BRAKE & ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE DOESN'T APPEAR THAT THERE IS ANY WAY ONE MAY ADJUST EITHER/OR AS THEY ADJUST SIMULTANEOUSLY. RECENTLY THIS "ACCESSORY" COST ME $1000.00. MY WIFE WAS STOPPED, WAITING ON THE LIGHT TO CHANGE AND HAD HER FOOT PARTIALLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WHEN SHE PUSH ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, SHE ALSO PUSHED ON THE ACCELERATOR CAUSING HER TO REAR-END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. ONCE THE BRAKE PADS WEAR, THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ACCELERATOR IS AT THE SAME LEVEL. THIS IS NO JOKE. THIS HAS HAPPEN TO ME TWICE, FORTUNATELY IN BOTH INSTANCES THERE WERE NO PEOPLE OR VEHICLE (S) IN FRONT OF ME.- ( NO EXCUSES, JUST FACTS). I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE (REPORTED TO YOU)? THANK YOU. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. EZRA RACHAL.
NHTSA complaint #10272846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 153,000 milesRembert, SC1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A POTHOLE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE PASSENGER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,000. UPDATED 5/27/09
NHTSA complaint #10267735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesOrange, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED FOR A LONG TRAFFIC LIGHT STOP, I COULD SMELL BURNING PLASTIC. AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS OF THIS MY CAR WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK. FOUND THE HARNESS PLUG TO THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MELTED. I AM CURIOUS AS TO WHY THE FUSE DIDN'T BLOW ?. I REPLACED THE PLUG WITH NEW CONNECTORS AND A FEW WEEKS LATER THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING - WIRES ARE MELTED AND THE FUSE IS NOT TRIPPED.
NHTSA complaint #10257974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesNine Miles Falls, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHENEVER THE CONTACT DEPRESSES THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED INSTEAD. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO UNEXPECTEDLY SPEED UP. THE FAILURE RECENTLY OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH. HE HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT THEY STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM TO BE MORE CAREFUL WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE BECAUSE AN ADJUSTABLE BRAKE PEDAL WAS INSTALLED IN HIS VEHICLE. HE BELIEVES THAT THERE SHOULD BE SOME SORT OF REPAIR OR SOLUTION TO THIS FAILURE. THE CONTACT FEELS UNSAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BECAUSE HE COULD MISTAKENLY DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND CAUSE A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 11/07/08. *LJ UPDATED 11/07/08.
NHTSA complaint #10246525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesKennebunk, MECrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE UNTIL ONE MINUTE LATER. THE MECHANIC AND DEALER WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 49,000.
NHTSA complaint #10207330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
TRAVELING AT 65 OR 70 MPH ON A CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY LAST SUMMER, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED (CAUSING PAIN, BRUISING, ETC. BUT NOTHING APPARENTLY PERMANENT - NO PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM HAS EVER BEEN CONTEMPLATED). IT WAS SHOCKING IN THAT THERE WAS NO CRASH OF ANY KIND. THE PASSENGER THOUGHT THE BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. THE DRIVER, NOT BEING CERTAIN, HAD THE IMPRESSION THAT SOME OBJECT (E.G., A SMALL PIECE OF TIRE RUBBER) WAS KICKED UP AGAINST THE CAR FROM THE ROADWAY. THERE ARE NO SIGNS OF ANY IMPACT WITH ANYTHING. THE BAG TORE PART OF THE LEATHER SEAT (BEYOND THE SEAM). THIS OCCURRED NEAR THE 5 YEAR POINT RE: WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER, FORD MOTOR COMPANY, SEEMED RESPONSIVE AT FIRST AND ASKED THAT WE TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER. I DID SO, AND WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT FORD INFORMED THEM IT WAS REFERRED TO THEIR LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND, THUS, THEY COULD NOT EVEN LOOK AT, LET ALONE REPAIR IT. THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT TOOK SEVERAL WEEKS TO ULTIMATELY SEND A LETTER STATING THEY HAD NO RESPONSIBILITY. OUR INSURANCE CARRIER IS UNCERTAIN AS TO HOW TO HANDLE THE CLAIM. THE AIR BAG SYSTEM IN THIS LINCOLN TOWN CAR IS OBVIOUSLY DEFECTIVE. IS THIS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THIS MODEL, ETC.? WHAT RECOURSE DO WE HAVE AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR FAILURE TO FULFILL ITS MORAL AND LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY TO REPLACE THE AIR BAG AND REPAIR THE SEAT? IS THERE NOT A FEDERAL AGENCY THAT CAN BE HELPFUL IN SUCH MATTERS? NOTE: THE DAMAGE OCCURRED IN EARLY JUNE, 2006 (ENTERED 1ST BELOW TO ALLOW FOR TRANSMISSION OF CLAIM).
NHTSA complaint #10184974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marion, AL1 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
ON THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2007, MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY LINCOLN TOWN CAR APPROXIMATELY 55 MILES PER HOUR. FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THE PASSENGER RIGHT SIDE AIRBAG INFLATED. ALSO CAUSING INJURIES TO MY DAUGHTER, INJURIES INCLUDES A BRUISED EAR DRUM AND AN ASTHMA ATTACK.
NHTSA complaint #10184737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,529 milesNorthport, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
2/20/2007. CONTACT REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER. *MC THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE, ONCE AT 1090 MILES AND AGAIN AT 1529 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10183712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,571 milesGlens Falls, NY
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON A CITY STREET, SMOKE ERUPTED FROM ALL OF THE AIR VENTS ON THE DASH, AND FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THERE WERE NO VISIBLE FLAMES PRESENT. THE CONTACT TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, WHICH STOPPED THE SMOKE. AFTERWARDS, AS SOON AS THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED, SMOKE WAS AGAIN PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR SHORTED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 01V258000, REGARDING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER MOTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
NHTSA complaint #10175317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesRiverside, CA
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
WE WERE TRAVELING THE I-40 IN AZ BEHIND A TRACTOR/TRAILER RIG. THE RIG THREW UP A ROCK. IT HIT OUR CAR. WE LOOKED AT OUR WINDSHIELD THINKING THE ROCK HIT THERE AND SAW NOTHING SO WE PROCEEDED. LATER, WE HEARD A STRANGE SOUND. I LOOKED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SAW SOMETHING FLY OFF. WE STOPPED AND DISCOVERED PART OF OUR SUNROOF HAD BROKEN APART AND FLEW OFF. WE DUCT TAPPED THE REMAINING SUNROOF AND PROCEEDED AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. IT OCCURRED TO US IF A MOTORCYCLE OR CONVERTIBLE WOULD HAVE BEEN BEHIND US THEY COULD HAVE BEEN HIT BY THE GLASS. THANK GOD, THEY WEREN'T THERE. WE COULD HEAR PIECES OF THE GLASS FALLING ON THE SUNSHIELD. THANKFULLY, WE WEREN'T CUT. THE DEALER TOLD US THAT SUNROOF GLASS ISN'T LAMINATED OR OF THE QUALITY OF WINDSHIELD GLASS. IS IT POSSIBLE TO REQUIRE A DISCLAIMER OR A SAFER GLASS FOR SUNROOFS?
NHTSA complaint #10168269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,534 milesVienna, VACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON A DRY HIGHWAY, ANOTHER VEHICLE HIT THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE HEAD ON CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. NEITHER THE PASSENGER NOR DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WERE MINOR INJURIES SUSTAINED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. SEAT BELTS WERE WORN DURING THE INCIDENT AND FUNCTIONED PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #10166859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesCalumet, OK1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED FOR THE 2ND TIME. ON EACH INCIDENT, THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40-45 MPH ON A DRY COUNTRY ROAD. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THAT GRAVEL CAUSED THE DEPLOYMENT. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO SAID THERE WAS A DING ON THE BELLY PAN OF THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THERE ARE NO MARKS ON THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO EITHER INCIDENT. THE PASSENGER WAS INJURED WHEN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. UPDATED 09/05/06.
NHTSA complaint #10166414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
