Owners filed 155 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the vehicle speed control. It has been recalled 5 times.
When it fails
111000111,000 milesMedian miles at failure
38 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Vehicle Speed Control
14
0
5
0
Seats
10
0
0
1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission
9
1
0
0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
8
2
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
7
0
1
0
Engine and Engine Cooling
7
1
4
1
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood
5
0
4
0
Air Bags › Frontal
5
5
0
7
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
4
0
2
0
Tires › Tread/Belt
4
0
0
0
5 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Vehicle Speed Control07V336000
Filed Aug 3, 20073,600,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint98V322000
Filed Dec 16, 1998175,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1996-1999 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, NATURAL GAS, AND 1996-1999 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT WERE PRODUCED WITH A LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CONTAINING A ONE PIECE BEARING; AND 1990-1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, AND NGV VEHICLES AND 1990-1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN SERVICED WITH EITHER A BALL JOINT CONTAINING THE ONE-PIECE BEARING OR A FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM CONTAINING A BALL JOINT WITH A ONE-PIECE BEARING. THE ONE-PIECE BEARING WITHIN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN WEAKEN SLOWLY DURING USE AND EVENTUALLY CRACK. THIS COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE BALL AND CAP OF THE JOINT, ALLOWING THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP TO THE GROUND.
Risk. IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, REDUCED STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings95V133000
Defect. IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE REAR BRAKE LINE AT THE POINT AT WHICH THE EXTENDED BRAKE LINE FIRST BENDS AND EXTENDS OVER THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AREA OF THE FRAME. IF NOT INSTALLED WITH SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE, CHAFING OF THE BRAKE LINE CAN OCCUR IN AN AREA ADJACENT TO THE REAR FLOOR PAN.
Risk. THE REAR BRAKE LINE CAN LEAK OR RUPTURE RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY, LOSS OF REAR BRAKES, AND/OR LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID RESERVES IN THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LINE FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND/OR DAMAGE AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY. ALSO A PROTECTIVE BOOT OR SLEEVE OVER THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE INSTALLED.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components94V152000
Filed Aug 9, 1994214,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. THE NUTS AND BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE REAR BRAKE ADAPTOR TO THE AXLE HOUSING FLANGE CAN LOOSEN AND EVENTUALLY SEPARATE. IF ONE OR MORE OF THE NUTS COME OFF THE BOLTS, DAMAGE TO THE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY OR TO THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR AND SENSOR RING (IF SO EQUIPPED) WILL OCCUR. IF ALL FOUR NUTS ON ONE END OF THE AXLE COME OFF THE BOLTS, DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC LINE OR THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE CAN OCCUR.
Risk. OCCURRENCE OF ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NEEDED, INSTALL NEW BOLTS. IF ANY OF THE FASTENERS ARE DISCONNECTED, THE PARKING BRAKE AND ABS COMPONENTS WILL BE INSPECTED AND SERVICED.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages94V129000
Filed Jul 12, 19942,500 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSH ROD RETAINER (HAIRPIN CLIP) MAY BE MISSING OR NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED ON THE SERVICE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS CAN CAUSE DISENGAGEMENT OF THE BRAKE PUSHROD AND LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY.
Risk. LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE RETAINER.
What owners reported
Newest filings
EngineFire
Filed Jan 21, 2023TX
The car had a recall I didnt know about. It states the car may catch fire due to faulty part. I drove the vehicle home after work and parked it around 9:30 PM. The next morning a neighbor woke me up banging on my front door that my car was on fire. This was at 7 AM. The fire originated in the area close to the master cylinder like the recall states. Vehicle was a total loss. Not only that but it damaged the car it was parked behind.
Tires
Filed Sep 12, 2022200,000 milesAR
The contact owns a 1994 Lincoln Town Car equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire line: Assurance Comfortred Tread Touring, Tire size: 215/70/R15 DOT: PJ343912 and PJ340214. The contact stated that all four tires were showing signs of cracked sidewalls and treads. The contact stated that the failure was discovered while cleaning the tires. The contact stated that the tires were purchased new from Walmart on 10/31/2014. The tires were not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer Goodyear was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the tires were too old as there was a 6-year warranty on cracking. There was no assistance offered. The tire failure mileage was unknown. The approximate vehicle mileage was 200,000.
Service BrakesFire
Filed May 25, 2016130,000 milesIA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ODOR OF BURNING RUBBER AND PLASTIC. THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED WITH SMOKE AND FLAMES. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BURNED BODY ON THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WAS ABOVE THE MASTER CYLINDER. NO REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT HAD NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL AND THE VEHICLE HAD NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
EngineFire
Filed Jul 18, 2014190,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE WAS MADE AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND REMAINED IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVE WAY, WHICH WAS ADVISED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BUT THE DIRECT ORIGINA OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 27, 2013200,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PUMP IT REPEATEDLY. ADDITIONALLY, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS A REAR BRAKE SEAL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. *TR
Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Jun 25, 2012KY
1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR, REGARDING A POTENTIAL UNDERHOOD FIRE RISK. CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. UPDATED 06/26/12 *BF THE CONSUMER SENT SUPPLIED THE RECALL NOTICE. RECALL# 07V336000. *JB
Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Apr 15, 2009180,000 milesCA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH, WHICH CAUSED HIS VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. THE SWITCH WAS NEVER REPLACED BECAUSE THE CONTACT NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. AFTER THE FIRE, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SWITCH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND FILED A REPORT. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Jan 29, 2009244,857 milesOH
1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR SUDDENLY BROKE IN HALF ALLOWING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM OF THE CAR TO FALL TO THE GROUND. FORTUNATELY, I WAS JUST PARKING WHEN IT HAPPENED. THEIR WAS NO WARNING OF A PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINT. THE CAR DROVE FINE. I UNDERSTAND THAT A RECALL EXISTS FOR THIS PROBLEM (98S37), BUT ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, MY CAR IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. OBVIOUSLY, IT SHOULD BE. *TR
Suspension › Front
Filed Nov 29, 2008TX
MY ELDERLY PARENTS WERE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE AT LOW SPEED WHEN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILED. THE CONTROL ARM DROPPED, DUG INTO THE PAVEMENT AND RENDERED THE CAR OUT OF CONTROL. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO JACK UP THE CAR, SLIDE A DOLLY UNDER IT, TOW IT HOME, ETC. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS EXACT PROBLEM. A RECALL ADDRESSING THIS SERIOUS LIFE THREATENING DEFECT HAS BEEN ISSUED ON VEHICLES OF THE SAME MODEL, YEAR AND CONSTRUCTION; BUT, NOT ALL VIN WERE COVERED IN THE RECALL. AS OF THIS DATE NO WORK HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. *TR
Seats
Filed Sep 3, 2008120,000 milesCA
THE LEFT FRONT AND RIGHT REAR DRIVER SEAT MOUNTING BRACKETS BROKE. *TR
Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed May 15, 2008123,000 milesFL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AT HIS HOME. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS DUE TO VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE FAILED COMPONENT. HIS INSURANCE COMPANY WILL NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 123,000. UPDATED 07/22/08 *BF UPDATED 07/22/08 *JB
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed May 13, 200880,000 milesTN
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT SERVICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, SHE ATTEMPTED TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL, BUT IT DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH INSPECTED AND WAS INFORMED THAT A CHARGE WOULD APPLY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 24, 2008MO
1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR WITH A RECALL. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE HAS CALLED THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND KEEPS GETTING AN ANSWERING MACHINE AND NO ONE WILL RETURN HIS CALL. HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *KB
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Apr 10, 2008KY
1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR MOTOR CAUGHT FIRE. CONSUMER STATES THAT HER MOTOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. SHE SAYS THAT FORD DOES NOT CARE. SHE WOULD LIKE FORD TO GIVE HER $500.00 FOR A NEW MOTOR. *KB THE FIRE MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO A FAULTY SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. *JB
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 7, 2008NM
1999 FORD EXPLORER AND 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR WITH SPEED CONTROL RECALL. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED BACK IN OCTOBER OF 2007. DEALER TOLD HIM THAT FORD HAS NOT SENT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS YET. *KB
Engine and Engine CoolingCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 14, 2008160,278 milesND
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED BETWEEN A TRACTOR TRAILER AND ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT THEN STRUCK THE REAR OF THE TRAILER. THE POLICE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AND FILED A REPORT. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND SUSTAINED FACE AND CHEST BRUISES FROM THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 160,278.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Filed Mar 14, 2008237,576 milesCA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ATTEMPTED TO STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER FOR IT TO STOP. OCCASIONALLY, HE HAS TO OPEN THE VEHICLE DOOR AND APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AT A CERTAIN ANGLE. ADDITIONALLY, BRAKE FLUID IS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE AND ONTO THE BRAKE PEDAL. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CUPS MAY HAVE LEAKED THROUGH THE BRAKE BOOSTER. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN DENIED ASSISTANCE FROM SEVERAL DEALERS, EMERGENCY SERVICE MECHANICS, AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 237,576 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 295,350.
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Mar 5, 2008100,000 milesTX
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DEACTIVATE. THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED TWICE BEFORE THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 164,000.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 22, 2008AZ
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). FORD STATED THAT THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL AUGUST OF 2008. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,500.
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood
Filed Feb 6, 20081 milesIL
A RECALL WAS INITIATED 6 MONTHS AGO FOR FAULTY FUSED WIRING HARNESSES ON MANY FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007. THIS RECALL WAS THE SUBJECT OF AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, EA05-005, CONDUCTED BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION. 07V-336. IN THE FALL OF 2007 DEALERS TOLD OWNERS THAT THE REPAIR PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL DECEMBER 2007, NOW DEALERS ARE TELLING OWNERS THAT THE PART IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND PROJECTED THAT IT WON'T BE UNTIL MARCH 2008. WHY HAS FORD BEEN ALLOWED TO DRAG IT'S FEET FOR 9 MONTHS ON REPAIRING A SAFETY HAZARD? WHEN CAN OWNERS EXPECT TO HAVE A PROPERLY RESTORED VEHICLE? *TR
A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Aug 3, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.