Owners have filed 17 complaints
about the 2010 Lincoln Town CAR with NHTSA between 2012 and 2024.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 18 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 — 5
Against the median year of the Lincoln Town CAR. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 91
17.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 0
0% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2010 compares with every other Lincoln Town CAR
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2010 Lincoln Town CAR
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Steering
529.4%
Median failure at 94,000 miles
Electrical System
317.6%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 41,000 mi
Seats
211.8%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 102,754 mi
Seat Belts
15.9%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
15.9%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Fuel & Propulsion
15.9%
Median failure at 319,061 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
15.9%
Median failure at 88,000 miles
Body & Structure
15.9%
Median failure at 80,000 miles
Airbags
15.9%
Median failure at 110,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
15.9%
Median failure at 94,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
430.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
430.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
323.1%
150,000+ miles
215.4%
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.
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
2010 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.
May 2012peak 3Sep 2024
Recalls on the 2010 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20145021,757 units in Canada
Steering
Certain vehicles serviced as part of recall 2013-287 (13S08) or special service campaign 13R01 may require re-inspection and repair. The service procedure may have resulted in over-extension of one part of a collapsible joint in the intermediate steering shaft. This could potentially result in the shaft becoming disconnected, resulting a loss of steering, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the intermediate shaft connection and replace the intermediate shaft if necessary.
Recall 201328716,260 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles originally sold or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), the steering column lower intermediate shaft can become severely corroded. This could cause the swing link joint to become stiff or seized. As a result, the upper intermediate shaft could collapse, allowing the steering column lower bearing to separate, causing a loss of steering capability. A loss of steering control could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the steering lower intermediate shaft. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected and, if necessary, repaired or replaced. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Phoenix, AZFire
SEATS
Electrical; fill gas tank. Minutes later gauge shows I'm empty. Continues to repeat over and over. Driver's seat; crackling sound "like metal broke" seat does not adjust correctly and can no longer move the seats tilt. Having me drive in an uncomfortable position. Wipers; rainy day both motors left and right smoke up and burn out at the same time. Can no longer drive vehicle when it rains. Can't see anything wipers motors fried. As if they were allergic to water.
NHTSA complaint #11514717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electrical; fill gas tank. Minutes later gauge shows I'm empty. Continues to repeat over and over. Driver's seat; crackling sound "like metal broke" seat does not adjust correctly and can no longer move the seats tilt. Having me drive in an uncomfortable position. Wipers; rainy day both motors left and right smoke up and burn out at the same time. Can no longer drive vehicle when it rains. Can't see anything wipers motors fried. As if they were allergic to water.
NHTSA complaint #11514717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZFire
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Electrical; fill gas tank. Minutes later gauge shows I'm empty. Continues to repeat over and over. Driver's seat; crackling sound "like metal broke" seat does not adjust correctly and can no longer move the seats tilt. Having me drive in an uncomfortable position. Wipers; rainy day both motors left and right smoke up and burn out at the same time. Can no longer drive vehicle when it rains. Can't see anything wipers motors fried. As if they were allergic to water.
NHTSA complaint #11514717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 180,000 milesStockbridge, MA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to control. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the driveshaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA complaint #11616187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZFire
SEATS
Electrical; fill gas tank. Minutes later gauge shows I'm empty. Continues to repeat over and over. Driver's seat; crackling sound "like metal broke" seat does not adjust correctly and can no longer move the seats tilt. Having me drive in an uncomfortable position. Wipers; rainy day both motors left and right smoke up and burn out at the same time. Can no longer drive vehicle when it rains. Can't see anything wipers motors fried. As if they were allergic to water.
NHTSA complaint #11514717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electrical; fill gas tank. Minutes later gauge shows I'm empty. Continues to repeat over and over. Driver's seat; crackling sound "like metal broke" seat does not adjust correctly and can no longer move the seats tilt. Having me drive in an uncomfortable position. Wipers; rainy day both motors left and right smoke up and burn out at the same time. Can no longer drive vehicle when it rains. Can't see anything wipers motors fried. As if they were allergic to water.
NHTSA complaint #11514717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZFire
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Electrical; fill gas tank. Minutes later gauge shows I'm empty. Continues to repeat over and over. Driver's seat; crackling sound "like metal broke" seat does not adjust correctly and can no longer move the seats tilt. Having me drive in an uncomfortable position. Wipers; rainy day both motors left and right smoke up and burn out at the same time. Can no longer drive vehicle when it rains. Can't see anything wipers motors fried. As if they were allergic to water.
NHTSA complaint #11514717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesStoughton, MA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH and steering the steering wheel, the steering wheel was resistant and was emitting abnormal metallic sounds, and the accelerator pedal was making clicking sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. However, the failure reoccurred increasingly. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was a plastic component of the driveshaft that had slipped and had bond to the accelerator pedal, which caused it to click. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V38500 (Steering) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V704000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
NHTSA complaint #11481797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesStoughton, MA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH and steering the steering wheel, the steering wheel was resistant and was emitting abnormal metallic sounds, and the accelerator pedal was making clicking sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving. However, the failure reoccurred increasingly. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was a plastic component of the driveshaft that had slipped and had bond to the accelerator pedal, which caused it to click. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V38500 (Steering) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V704000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
NHTSA complaint #11481797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesHemet, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 SUA - SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION ACCIDENTS. 1 IN 2016 IN TOWN, 2ND ON FEB. 9, 2018 ON I-10 FOR AN ACCIDENT AHEAD, AND 3 ON MAR. 4, 2018 ON A RURAL HIGHWAY. ALL THREE WERE ABOUT 10 MPH WHEN SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP. THE CAR THEN WENT FULL ACCELERATION AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11093516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesDuquesne, PA
STEERING
POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAD 39,000 MILES. POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON ROADWAY MAKING IT VERY HARD TO STEER AND CONTROL. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER WHO REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP AND STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE FOR THIS YEAR MODEL
NHTSA complaint #11013810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesTracy, CA
AIR BAGS
MY AIRBAG ICON LIGHTS UP MOST OF THE TIME THAT IAM DRIVING THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAYS IT MEANS THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX IT I TOLD THE MANAGER WHY IS THAT ON ME ITS NOT APART THAT I WORE OUT BY DRIVING THE CAR HE SAID WHY ISNT ON YOU
NHTSA complaint #11004675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesParkland, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHEN I OPENED THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR, THE INTERIOR HANDLE STUCK OUT WHEN I PULLED IT AND REMAINED SO. I COULD ONT OPEN THE DOOR. HE DEALER PUT A BOLT IN IT TO FIX IT BUT THEN IT CRACKED AROUND THE BOLT AND I HAD TO REPLACE THE DOOR PANEL. TWO YEARS LATER (5/6/2017), THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR DID THE SAME THING. HANDLE STUCK IN UP POSITION AND COULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR. AM SEARCHING FOR A REPLACEMENT BECAUSE TOWN CAR IS DISCONTINUED AND LINCOLN SAID THEY CANNOT HELP ME. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS EXACT ISSUE IS A RECALL FOR THE NAVIGATOR BUT NOT TOWN CAR. BEING UNABLE TO OPEN A DOOR IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND APPARENTLY A KNOWN ISSUE BY LINCOLN. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER (LINCOLN MARGATE FLORIDA) THAT OTHER CUSTOMERS HAD TO BUY REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THIS ISSUE
NHTSA complaint #10983845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 319,061 milesTemecula, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE FUEL PUMP/SENDING UNIT THAT IS IN THE FRONT OF THE TANK LEAKS FUEL WHERE THE WIRES GO INTO THE UNIT. THIS IS NOT CONTRIBUTED A GASKET BETWEEN THE FUEL PUMP UNIT AND THE TANK. REPEAT..IT LEAKS THRU THE WIRES IN THE FUEL PUMP/SENDING UNIT. WE HAVE GROUNDED THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. WE HAVE A FLEET OF 6 LINCOLN TOWN CARS. ON OCTOBER 22 OF 2015 WE REPLACED ONE ON ANOTHER LINCOLN TOWN CAR VIN [XXX] THRU A SHOP WHEN I NOTICED A PUDDLE OF GASOLINE UNDER THE TANK WHILE IT WAS STATIONARY AND PARKED IN OUR PARKING GARAGE AND CRAWLED UNDER TO INSPECT THE SOURCE OF THE LEAK...THAT WAS COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE I DO NOT WANT ANYONE TO BURN UP BECAUSE OF IT, WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT I AM NOW REPORTING. I HOPE SOMEONE WILL CONTACT ME BEFORE I HAVE IT REPAIRED TO GET IT ON THE ROAD. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
NHTSA complaint #10837579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesHuntington Beach, CA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING LINKAGE SHAFT FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V385000 AND 14V704000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10821301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,000 milesChristiansted, VI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON 10/09/14, WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND THEN ALL SYSTEMS AND ENGINE WENT TOTALLY OFF. THIS HAPPENED FOR THE FIRST TIME TWO WEEKS AGO WHILE DRIVING WHICH WAS REPORTED. THE SAME FUSE THAT WAS CHANGED TWO WEEKS AGO WAS AGAIN CHANGED AND THEN THE VEHICLE PERFORMED NORMAL AGAIN. THIS WAS AGAIN REPORTED TO OUR MECHANIC WHO HAS A LONG HISTORY OF WORKING ON LINCOLN CARS.
NHTSA complaint #10643605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,000 milesChristiansted, VI
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN REPAIRED THE CHIP AND WANTED THE CONTACT TO DRIVE FOR A WEEK TO DETERMINE IF THE REMEDY WORKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000. UPDATED 10/30/14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A SHORT IN A WIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN, WHICH CAUSED A FUSE TO BLOW OUT. UPDATED 11/07/14
NHTSA complaint #10641051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,000 milesChristiansted, VI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN REPAIRED THE CHIP AND WANTED THE CONTACT TO DRIVE FOR A WEEK TO DETERMINE IF THE REMEDY WORKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000. UPDATED 10/30/14 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A SHORT IN A WIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN, WHICH CAUSED A FUSE TO BLOW OUT. UPDATED 11/07/14
NHTSA complaint #10641051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW York, NY
SEAT BELTS
THIS VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A TETHER ANCHOR INSTALLED IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE POSITION IN THE BACK SEAT. THERE WERE TETHER ANCHORS INSTALLED IN THE CENTER & PASSENGER SEATS. THERE WAS THE PLASTIC CAP ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, BUT LIFTING IT UP REVEALED NO TETHER ANCHOR. THIS IS IN VIOLATION WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 213 & 225 WHICH REQUIRE ALL VEHICLES 2000 AND NEWER (WEIGHING LESS THAN 8,500 POUNDS) TO HAVE AT LEAST 3 TETHER ANCHORS. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAD 2. SEE PICTURES: HTTP://THECARSEATLADY.FILES.WORDPRESS.COM/2014/04/MISSING-DRIVERS-SIDE-TETHER-ANCHOR.JPG HTTP://THECARSEATLADY.FILES.WORDPRESS.COM/2014/04/PRESENT-CENTER-TETHER.JPG HTTP://THECARSEATLADY.FILES.WORDPRESS.COM/2014/04/PRESENT-PASSENGER-TETHER.JPG.
NHTSA complaint #10586924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,754 milesSacremento, CA
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE DRIVER'S SEAT WIRING FAILED AND CAUSED THE SEAT TO MOVE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE MALFUNCTION OCCURRED DUE TO A BEVERAGE UNDER THE SEAT SPILLING ONTO THE WIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 102,754.
NHTSA complaint #10457941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
