Owners have filed 99 complaints
about the 2004 Lincoln Town CAR with NHTSA between 2004 and 2025.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 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 — 29
Against the median year of the Lincoln Town CAR. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
27.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 71
42% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2004 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
56.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1620.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
45.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
911.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
810.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1620.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
810.4%
150,000+ miles
1114.3%
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.
Apr 2004peak 4Oct 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 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...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Northville, MICrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL WERE EXTREMELY CLOSE TO ONE ANOTHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10806696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TXCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
I CAME FROM WORK AT AROUND 0600 AM ON 9/4/15 IN MY 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR AND PARK IT IN MY APARTMENT. AT AROUND 0330 OF THE SAME DAY I DECIDED TO GO PICK MY CHILD FROM SCHOOL . WHENT I STATRTED MY CAR AND PUT IT IN REVERSE TRYNG TO BACK UP FROM THE PARKING LOT, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 60 ML/HR TO HIT TOW CARS PARK IN THE PARKING LOT AND DRAGGING ONE OF THE TO A TREE WHICH FINALLY STOPPED THE CAR. IF THAT TREE DID NOT STOP THE CAR THE DAMAGE WOULD HAVE BEEN WORSE BECAUSE ALL MY EFFORTS TO STOP THE CAR FAILED. THE CAR WAS JUST UNCONTROLLABLE WITH UNPRECEDENTED SPEED . IT WAS AS IF THE CAR HAD A MIND OF IT SELF. I WAS JUST LUCKY BECAUSE MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE IN ANOTHER CAR VERY CLOSE TO THE CAR THAT WAS DRAGGED. IF THEY HAVE CAME OUT OF THE CAR , THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN DRAGGED TOO. THANK GOD THEIR IS NO FATALITIES. I HAVE DIVEN ALL TYPES OF VEHICLE ,INCLUDING TRACTOR TRAILER OVER THE ROAD AND DOMESTIC AND HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH PHENOMENON.
NHTSA complaint #10761720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TXCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I CAME FROM WORK AT AROUND 0600 AM ON 9/4/15 IN MY 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR AND PARK IT IN MY APARTMENT. AT AROUND 0330 OF THE SAME DAY I DECIDED TO GO PICK MY CHILD FROM SCHOOL . WHENT I STATRTED MY CAR AND PUT IT IN REVERSE TRYNG TO BACK UP FROM THE PARKING LOT, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 60 ML/HR TO HIT TOW CARS PARK IN THE PARKING LOT AND DRAGGING ONE OF THE TO A TREE WHICH FINALLY STOPPED THE CAR. IF THAT TREE DID NOT STOP THE CAR THE DAMAGE WOULD HAVE BEEN WORSE BECAUSE ALL MY EFFORTS TO STOP THE CAR FAILED. THE CAR WAS JUST UNCONTROLLABLE WITH UNPRECEDENTED SPEED . IT WAS AS IF THE CAR HAD A MIND OF IT SELF. I WAS JUST LUCKY BECAUSE MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE IN ANOTHER CAR VERY CLOSE TO THE CAR THAT WAS DRAGGED. IF THEY HAVE CAME OUT OF THE CAR , THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN DRAGGED TOO. THANK GOD THEIR IS NO FATALITIES. I HAVE DIVEN ALL TYPES OF VEHICLE ,INCLUDING TRACTOR TRAILER OVER THE ROAD AND DOMESTIC AND HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH PHENOMENON.
NHTSA complaint #10761720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,002 milesLakeland, FLCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PULLING INTO A SPACE IN A PARKING LOT, UPON APPLICATION OF THE FOOT BRAKE, THE CAR EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION, JUMPED THE CURB, AND STRUCK A TREE IN FRONT OF THE PARKING SPACE. ACCELERATION STOPPED WHEN THE CAR WAS SHIFTED OUT OF D INTO P. FRONT BUMPER OF THE CAR WAS DAMAGED, AND A WRECKER HAD TO BE CALLED TO PULL THE CAR OVER THE CURB, WHICH WAS PREVENTING BACKING UP THE CAR. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED, BUT THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION IS VERY SIMILAR TO WHAT OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CAR DESCRIBE. IT WAS LIKE THE CRUISE CONTROL CAME ON AND STARTED TO ACCELERATE THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10585003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesST Louis, MOFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
WE OWNED A 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WE DROVE THAT CAR THAT EVENING, PARKED IT IN THE GARAGE AT 10:45PM AND WENT TO BED. AT 3:30AM, WE WERE AWOKEN BY POLICE BREAKING OUR DOOR DOWN AND FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT OF OUR GARAGE. THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE WAS DETERMINED TO BE FROM THE LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE TOWN CAR HAD NO HOOD AFTER THE FIRE, 2 OTHER VEHICLES WERE ALSO DESTROYED. OUR HOME ALSO CAUGHT ON FIRE AND APPROXIMATELY 100% OF OUR CONTENTS AND 50% OF OUR HOME WAS DESTROYED. LUCKILY, NOONE WAS INJURED.THE TOWN CAR ENGINE WAS BURNT BEYOND RECOGNITION, SO THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHICH PART WAS DEFECTIVE, HOWEVER THE INSURANCE CO, (AMERICAN FAMILY INVESTIGATORS) DETERMINED IT HAD DEFINITELY STARTED FROM THE LINCOLN . THEY STATED THAT WE CANNOT PROVE TO FORD WHICH PART IS DEFECTIVE SO IT WAS NOT REPORTED TO FORD.
NHTSA complaint #10284045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesWappingers Falls, NYCrash5 injured
STEERING
2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR, POWER STEERING FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER MAY LOSE CONTROL OF CAR, JUST LIKE DRIVING ON BLACK ICE. WHILE DRIVING MAKING A RIGHT HAND MERGE, STEERING GOT STUCK FOR A FEW SECONDS. AND WHEN DRIVER TRIED TO CORRECT THE CAR WAS GOING ONE WAY WHILE THE DRIVER WAS STEERING ANOTHER. DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND HIT THE WALL TOTALING THE CAR AND PUTTING 5 PEOPLE INTO THE ER.
NHTSA complaint #10283952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Tampa, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My car has the same lcm control module issues as cars from the same years ad models, but when I enter my VIN it is not showing. +4 PO#3 1998-2000 Lincoln Town Car Lighting Control Module YW1T ... Yes, a recall exists for a 2003-2005 model year Ford/Lincoln Town Car lighting control module (LCM) failure that can cause a loss of headlights. The recall, #15S39, involves dealers installing a bypass module kit to fix the problem for free. The issue stems from a cracked solder joint inside the LCM that can lead to intermittent or complete headlight failure, increasing crash risk at night. The lcm is under the dash near the pedals. It causes loud vibrating noise for a long time and causes a parasitic drain to my battery almost daily especially when it's cool outside. The relay under the hood vibrates as well
NHTSA complaint #11694438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tampa, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car has the same lcm control module issues as cars from the same years ad models, but when I enter my VIN it is not showing. +4 PO#3 1998-2000 Lincoln Town Car Lighting Control Module YW1T ... Yes, a recall exists for a 2003-2005 model year Ford/Lincoln Town Car lighting control module (LCM) failure that can cause a loss of headlights. The recall, #15S39, involves dealers installing a bypass module kit to fix the problem for free. The issue stems from a cracked solder joint inside the LCM that can lead to intermittent or complete headlight failure, increasing crash risk at night. The lcm is under the dash near the pedals. It causes loud vibrating noise for a long time and causes a parasitic drain to my battery almost daily especially when it's cool outside. The relay under the hood vibrates as well
NHTSA complaint #11694438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paul, ID
STEERING
Bought a 2004 Linc Tow as a gift to my grandson. Drove it a couple of times and had no issues. After it had sat for about 2-3 weeks, I drove it to town to let it run after sitting. On my way home I was turning on to the road for home and the steering suddenly caught, I was in the middle of a turn and pulled steering wheel to straighten the car when it released. I almost hit the car next to me. I have an appointment on October 14th to have it checked out. I understand that this is a problem that has occurred often in other years and was fixed, so why not the 2004. This car only has 92,500 miles on it. I can't risk my grandson getting into an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11692471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Robbinston, ME
STEERING
The steering is binding really bad. Noticed it yesterday while taking hubby to docs. Much worse today. Unable to pull into parking spaces, did not dare to try to pull up to pumps. Cornering was a challenge in either direction. We do not have any Ford garages in this area. Think this is a major issue that may go with Lincolns. had 2 other ones with similar issues. It is not too bad if rolling along, but almost impossible when going slow.
NHTSA complaint #11440077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,890 milesMansfield, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE DURING RAIN SHOWERS AND WATER ACCUMULATED INSIDE THE REAR PASSENGER FOOT AREA 1ST AND OVERFLOWED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER'S FOOT AREA.
NHTSA complaint #11325896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,500 milesWauwatosa, WI
STEERING
MY STEERING IS HARD TO TURN. VERY STIFF. BOUGHT IT USED AND I SEE THEY REPAIRED THE UPPER AND LOWER POWER STEERING SHAFT., ALL OTHER MODELS WERE BEING RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM. WHY NOT THIS YEAR? IT ONLY HAS 65,500 MILES
NHTSA complaint #11319767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,118 milesCanal Winchester, OH
STEERING
I HAVE ONLY 20,118 ORIGINAL MILES ON MY 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR ULTIMATE. THE STEERING COLUMN UNDER THE HOOD IS TERRIBLY RUSTED. THE CORROSION LOOKS SCARY. I WANTED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM TELL ME IF I NEEDED TO REPLACE IT! NOW, I WASN'T LOOKING FOR FORD TO PAY FOR ANYTHING BUT GET THIS - THEY WANT ME TO PAY THEM A $100 DIAGNOSTIC FEE JUST TO TELL ME IF I NEED TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN! THE 2005 TOWN CAR IS BEING RECALLED FOR THE SAME THING YET FORD IS PAYING FOR THIS. WHAT RECOURSE DO I HAVE. I SEE NOW WHY THEY WANT TO CHARGE FOR THIS INSPECTION BECAUSE THEY KNOW THESE CARS WELL AND ARE AWARE OF THE CORROSION ISSUE WITH THEIR STEERING COMPONENTS. NOW THE I LOOK AT THE TOE-IN TOE-OUT POSITION OF THE FRONT WHEELS ONE WHEEL IS POINTING STRAIGHT AHEAD AND THE OTHER IS TURNED SLIGHTLY AWAY FROM STRAIGHT. IT ISN'T CAUSING ANY PROBLEMS BUT I WANT THIS INSPECTED SO I CAN REPLACE THE PARTS IF NEEDED BUT I'LL BE DOUBLE-DAMNED IF I GIVE THE MORONS $100 JUST TO TELL ME IF I NEED TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT. THIS CAR LOOKS LIKE IT IS BRAND NEW ON THE OUTSIDE, THE INTERIOR'S LEATHER HAS NO CREASES...NO ONE HAS EVEN SAT IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT. IT HAS BEEN WELL CARED FOR TOO. THIS IS WHY I CANNOT BELIEVE THE STEERING COLUMN IS SO FREAKIN RUSTY - IT LOOKS DANGEROUS! I LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING FROM A CAR THAT'S BEEN SITTING IN A JUNK YARD ALL ITS LIFE. NOW I SEE WHY THE LINCOLN CONCIERGE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO HELP WHAT SO EVER. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS CORROSION ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11301254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesNatchez, MS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE BATTERY DRAINED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 64,000.
NHTSA complaint #11174557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,000 milesPittsburgh, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
OPERATOR EXPERIENCED STUCK SPEED CONTROL BUTTON AND ACCELERATED COULDN�T STOP THE SPEED ACCELERATION WITH STEERING WHEEL SO OPERATOR HIT BREAKS. LOUD BANG SOUND FOLLOWED BY DRASTIC REDUCED SPEEDS. COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL. RESULTED IN SPEEDING TICKET DURING FAILURE SPEEDS ALMOST UP TO 100MPH DURING EMERGENCY EVENT MODE.
NHTSA complaint #11133036 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,000 milesPittsburgh, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
OPERATOR EXPERIENCED STUCK SPEED CONTROL BUTTON AND ACCELERATED COULDN'T STOP THE SPEED ACCELERATION WITH STEERING WHEEL SO OPERATOR HIT BREAKS. LOUD BANG SOUND FOLLOWED BY DRASTIC REDUCED SPEEDS. COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #11112085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 204,000 milesMooresville, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WHEN LIGHTING IS SWITCHED ON FROM THE DASHBOARD SWITCH OR FROM AUTO LAMP FEATURE, ALL LIGHTS COME ON EXCEPT THE HEADLIGHTS.. NO HI OR LO BEAM. THE HIGH BEAMS WILL WORK FROM THE "FLASH TO PASS" FEATURE WITH THE TURN SIGNAL STALK. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED SUDDENLY. FORTUNATELY JUST BEFORE I ENTERED THE HIGHWAY THIS SEEMS PRECISELY THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE PROBLEM THAT FORD COVERS FOR THE CROWN VIC AND MARQUIS VEHICLES UNDER RECALL 15S39. THE TOWN CAR IS THE SAME PANTHER PLATFORM AS THE "COVERED" VEHICLES, AND CERTAINLY WITHIN THE SAME YEAR RANGE AS COVERED IN THE RECALL. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. MINE IS A "HARD" FAILURE.. NOT INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE HAS NO HEADLIGHTS AT THIS MOMENT. I VISITED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER TODAY AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE TOWN CAR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER FORD 15S39.
NHTSA complaint #11004112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 220,000 milesForsyth, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE SAME PART NUMBER AS FORD RECALL FOR MARQUIS OF SAME YEAR, WHY ISN'T TOWN CARS INCLUDED FROM SAME PERIOD. POSSIBLE LINK TO LEFT INFORMATION DISPLAY IN DASH HAS BEGUN FLICKERING, NUMBERS PHASE OUT AND EVENTUALLY AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME, ENTIRE DISPLAY DISAPPEARS LOSING SPEED, ODOMETER, WARNING LIGHTS, EVERYTHING ON THAT SIDE OF THE DISPLAY PANEL. RIGHT DISPLAY PANEL HAS DISPLAYED SIMILAR FLICKERING WHEN LEFT SIDE COMPLETELY GOES OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10811817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 220,000 milesForsyth, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE SAME PART NUMBER AS FORD RECALL FOR MARQUIS OF SAME YEAR, WHY ISN'T TOWN CARS INCLUDED FROM SAME PERIOD. POSSIBLE LINK TO LEFT INFORMATION DISPLAY IN DASH HAS BEGUN FLICKERING, NUMBERS PHASE OUT AND EVENTUALLY AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME, ENTIRE DISPLAY DISAPPEARS LOSING SPEED, ODOMETER, WARNING LIGHTS, EVERYTHING ON THAT SIDE OF THE DISPLAY PANEL. RIGHT DISPLAY PANEL HAS DISPLAYED SIMILAR FLICKERING WHEN LEFT SIDE COMPLETELY GOES OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10811817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northville, MICrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL WERE EXTREMELY CLOSE TO ONE ANOTHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10806696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesWest Palm Beach, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 OF 4 INTERIOR DOOR LATCHES BROKE IN NORMAL USE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND THE PART IS INTEGRAL TO THE DOOR PANEL. FORD DEALER SAYS THE PARTS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND FORD HAS PROVIDED NO OTHER MEANS OF REPAIR. EXITING THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE IN AN EMERGENCY AND MAY POSE A SERIOUS THREAT TO LIFE & SAFETY.
NHTSA complaint #10783336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TXCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
I CAME FROM WORK AT AROUND 0600 AM ON 9/4/15 IN MY 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR AND PARK IT IN MY APARTMENT. AT AROUND 0330 OF THE SAME DAY I DECIDED TO GO PICK MY CHILD FROM SCHOOL . WHENT I STATRTED MY CAR AND PUT IT IN REVERSE TRYNG TO BACK UP FROM THE PARKING LOT, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 60 ML/HR TO HIT TOW CARS PARK IN THE PARKING LOT AND DRAGGING ONE OF THE TO A TREE WHICH FINALLY STOPPED THE CAR. IF THAT TREE DID NOT STOP THE CAR THE DAMAGE WOULD HAVE BEEN WORSE BECAUSE ALL MY EFFORTS TO STOP THE CAR FAILED. THE CAR WAS JUST UNCONTROLLABLE WITH UNPRECEDENTED SPEED . IT WAS AS IF THE CAR HAD A MIND OF IT SELF. I WAS JUST LUCKY BECAUSE MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE IN ANOTHER CAR VERY CLOSE TO THE CAR THAT WAS DRAGGED. IF THEY HAVE CAME OUT OF THE CAR , THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN DRAGGED TOO. THANK GOD THEIR IS NO FATALITIES. I HAVE DIVEN ALL TYPES OF VEHICLE ,INCLUDING TRACTOR TRAILER OVER THE ROAD AND DOMESTIC AND HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH PHENOMENON.
NHTSA complaint #10761720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, TXCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I CAME FROM WORK AT AROUND 0600 AM ON 9/4/15 IN MY 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR AND PARK IT IN MY APARTMENT. AT AROUND 0330 OF THE SAME DAY I DECIDED TO GO PICK MY CHILD FROM SCHOOL . WHENT I STATRTED MY CAR AND PUT IT IN REVERSE TRYNG TO BACK UP FROM THE PARKING LOT, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 60 ML/HR TO HIT TOW CARS PARK IN THE PARKING LOT AND DRAGGING ONE OF THE TO A TREE WHICH FINALLY STOPPED THE CAR. IF THAT TREE DID NOT STOP THE CAR THE DAMAGE WOULD HAVE BEEN WORSE BECAUSE ALL MY EFFORTS TO STOP THE CAR FAILED. THE CAR WAS JUST UNCONTROLLABLE WITH UNPRECEDENTED SPEED . IT WAS AS IF THE CAR HAD A MIND OF IT SELF. I WAS JUST LUCKY BECAUSE MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE IN ANOTHER CAR VERY CLOSE TO THE CAR THAT WAS DRAGGED. IF THEY HAVE CAME OUT OF THE CAR , THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN DRAGGED TOO. THANK GOD THEIR IS NO FATALITIES. I HAVE DIVEN ALL TYPES OF VEHICLE ,INCLUDING TRACTOR TRAILER OVER THE ROAD AND DOMESTIC AND HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH PHENOMENON.
NHTSA complaint #10761720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 256,000 milesLoris, SC
STRUCTURE:BODY
2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR CARTIER. RIDING DOWN ROAD 35 MPH ACCELERATING. WINDOWS WERE ALL UP, SUNROOF CLOSED. NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS PRIOR. WIFE TOUCHED SUNROOF BUTTON TO OPEN SUNROOF WHILE WINDOWS STILL CLOSED, AND BAM! THE SUNROOF EXPLODED; LUCKILY DID NOT SHATTER ONTO US BUT CRACKED IN LARGE PIECES. SCARED US BOTH BUT I KEPT CONTROL OF THE CAR UNTIL COULD PULL OVER. NO CARS IN THE AREA AROUND US. NOT AWARE OF ANY DEBRIS. A WINDSHILED REPLACEMENT COMPANY TOLD US THERE IS A HIGH INCIDENCE OF SUNROOFS EXPLODING FOR NO REASON. MY THOUGHTS ARE THAT THE SUDDEN PULLING BACK OF THE SUNROOF COVER CAUSED A BIG DIFFERENCE IN AIR PRESSURE CAUSING THE SUNROOF GLASS TO BREAK. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM NEEDING ATTN. USUALLLY I HAVE MY WINDOWS OPENED SLIGHTLY BEFORE OPENING SUNROOF..NO PRIOR PROBLEMS. ON THAT DAY, MY WIFE WAS HAPPY AS WE LEFT A BUSINESS AND OPENED THE SUNROOF BEFORE THE WINDOWS..AND THEN BAM! NEVER EXPECTED SOMETHING LIKE THIS ON A LINCOLN TOWN CAR. BUT, THE AUTO GLASS CO SAID IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SUNROOFTS. HAVE NOT YET HAD IT FIXED, WONDERING IF IT'S WORTH USING ANOTHER SUNROOF THAT MIGHT BREAK. MY CAR STILL OPERATES GOOD OTHERWISE.
NHTSA complaint #10746915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesPotomac, MD
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DRIVING SLOWLY ON A SUBURBAN STREET AT TWILIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE SAME THING OCCURRED A THREE TIMES WEEK LATER ON THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH ABOUT 10 P.M. THE AUTOMATIC DELAYED HEADLIGHT OFF SETTING NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. THE LIGHTS CAN BE TURNED ON IN THE MANUAL POSITION.APPARENTLY, THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE HAS FAULTY RELAYS WHICH FAIL SUDDENLY DURING THE COURSE OF NORMAL USE.
NHTSA complaint #10743986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesPotomac, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DRIVING SLOWLY ON A SUBURBAN STREET AT TWILIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE SAME THING OCCURRED A THREE TIMES WEEK LATER ON THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH ABOUT 10 P.M. THE AUTOMATIC DELAYED HEADLIGHT OFF SETTING NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. THE LIGHTS CAN BE TURNED ON IN THE MANUAL POSITION.APPARENTLY, THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE HAS FAULTY RELAYS WHICH FAIL SUDDENLY DURING THE COURSE OF NORMAL USE.
NHTSA complaint #10743986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peru, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
HEARD A POP AND CRUISE CONTROL LOST SPEED, AND THEN ACCELERATED HIGHER SPEED UNTIL I TURNED OFF SPEED CONTROL. SPEED CONTROL DOES NOT WORK ANY MORE. COST 112.00 TO FIND OUT WHAT PART IS NEEDED. 2. DRIVER SIDE MIRROR HAS STEADILY GETTING WORSE SINCE 2008. THE HEATING ELEMENT HAS DISTORTED MIRROR MAKING IT BRONZE. NEED TO REPLACE BUT FORD DOES NOT HAVE THE MIRROR. GARAGE SUGGESTED I FIND ONE IN A JUNK YARD.
NHTSA complaint #10703009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fond DU LAC, WI
STEERING
WE WERE ENTERING INTERSTATE 75 IN FLORIDA ON A RAMP AND THE CAR BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. WHEN WE WERE ABLE TO RETURN AND TAKE IT TO AN AUTOMOBILE SHOP, THEY TOLD US THE MULTIPLE U-JOINTS ON THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN WERE RUSTED TO WHERE THEY WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. WE HAVE A 2010 LINCOLN TOWN CAT THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON IT. THE 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR HAS THE SAME STEERING SO WHY WASN'T THERE A RECALL ON IT. WE ARE STILL DRIVING THE 2004, BUT IT WAS AFTER WE SPENT A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY ON HAVING IT REPAIRED SO IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. WE WROTE A YEAR AGO ABOUT THE 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR, BUT RECEIVED AN ANSWER....UPDATED 12/04/14
NHTSA complaint #10661732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesJacksonville, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
2004 LINCOLN LEAKS ON PASSENGER SIDE UNDER GLOVEBOX AREA, DURING MODERATE TO HARD RAIN, SEEMS TO BE MUCH WORSE WHILE STANDING STILL. PASSENGER CARPET FLOODS AND VEHICLE MUST HAVE 'SHOP VAC' TREATMENT TO GET ALL THE WATER OUT OF THE CAR AND CARPET. LEAVES THE CARPET STAINED AND MUSTY SMELLING. NOW I MUST PUT A LARGE TRASH SACK UNDER THE PASSENGER WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE SO IF IT RAINS THE CAR WON'T FLOOD. LINCOLN SAYS THEY ARE SORRY BUT DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AS THEY CAN SEE NOTHING WRONG. I SHOWED THEM PICTURES AND LINCOLN WAS UNIMPRESSES. YOU CAN IDENTIFY MY CAR IN THE PARKING LOT WITH BY WATCHING FOR THE TRASHCAN LINER ON THE HOOD. STILL ONGOING PROBLEM. THANKS LINCOLN.
NHTSA complaint #10649831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesSouth Range, WI
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING TO A STOP AT 10 MPH, THEY TRIED TO STEER OUT OF THE WAY OF AN ONCOMING VEHICLE THAT HAD VEERED OUT OF IT'S LANE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STEER AWAY, THE VEHICLE STEERED THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION INTO A DITCH. THE PROBLEM HAD RECURRED TWO TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #10619361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 245,000 milesClinton Township, MI
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE KNUCKLE WAS RUSTED AND THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 245,000.
NHTSA complaint #10610681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.