1998 Lincoln Town Car

Defect. 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.

Remedy. Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2015. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, option 5.

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.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL 5 TIRES (INCLUDING THE SPARE TIRE) WITH MICHELIN TIRES (225/70R16 107T REINFORCED WHITE SIDEWALL) WITH A SUFFICIENTLY HIGHER LOAD RATING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 10, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-248-0186.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE JACKING INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF FOLLOWED, COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR TO PLACE THE JACK ON A FRAME WELD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RAISE A REAR WHEEL. IF THE VEHICLE IS JACKED UP WITH THE JACK PLACED ON THE FRAME WELD AND IF THE VEHICLE IS FREE TO ROLL (WHEELS NOT BLOCKED OR CHOCKED), THE JACK COULD YIELD AND THE VEHICLE MAY DROP SUDDENLY.

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS AND ANY PORTION OF THE OPERATOR'S BODY IS UNDER THE VEHICLE, THE POTENTIAL FOR PERSONAL INJURY EXISTS.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A REVISED JACK INSTRUCTION AND STOWAGE CARD AND JACK WARNING LABEL, AS WELL AS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE OWNER GUIDE.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.

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).

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE IMPROPERLY AIMED.

Remedy. OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.

All body frame has rust.

MAKES LOUD POPPING NOISE WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED TO THE EXTREME RIGHT OR LEFT WHETHER THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN OR STANDING STILL. OCCASIONALLY, THE IGNITION WON'T TURN ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED, CLOSING THE ENTIRE SYSTEM.

THE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE STOPPED WORKING ON MY VEHICLE AND NOW I'M TOLD IT CAN'T BE REPLACED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE RADIO & A/C STOPPED WORKING. THIS CRUISE CONTROL MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF IT'S ABILITY TO SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST THE CAR IN FLAMES AS IT DID ON MY 1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHY DOESN'T THE GOVERNMENT ENFORCE THE RECALL LAWS? *TR

VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVER HEAT.ONCE IT GOT HOT, THE POWER OF CAR IS,WAS LOST. AFTER HAPPENING A FEW TIMES,I FOUND A VERY SMALL [PIN SIZE] HOLE IN THE THERMASTATE RECIEVING UNIT.THIS IS A PART OF THE MANIFOLD IT SELF. ALL ATTEMPS TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM HAS FAILED.! TRYING TO FIX THIS PROVED IMPOSSIBLE.THIS PART IS IN FACT MADE OF SOME TYPE OF PLASTIC.AS IT HEATS UP THE PLASTIC EXSPANDS, AND RE-OPENS THE HOLE,WHICH HAS NOW BECOME A CRACK. ALL EFFORDS TO FIND A SEALENT TO STOP THE LEAK,HAS FAILED. TO HAVE THIS CRACK REPAIRED MEANS THAT THE ENTIRE TOP OF THE MOTOR [MANIFOLD] MUST BE RE-PLACED. FORD RE-PLACED THE TERMASTATE HOUSING UNIT IN 2000-2001, WITH AN ALUMINUM PIECE,PROBLEM SOLVED.THERE ARE NO RE-CALLS,NOR EVEN A NOTIFICATION,SENT OUT, TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. I FEEL STORNLY THAT THIS IS IN FACT A KNOWN PROBLEM,WHICH FORD WAS AWARE OF,BUT DECIDED THAT IT DID NOT HAPPEN ENOUGH TO FIX IT.PLEASE NOTE::WHEN THE CAR OVRT HEATS IT SHUTS OFF THE POWER TO THE ENGINE!!! THIS COULD POTIENTIALLY BE AVERY DANGEROUS SITUATION,ESPECIALLY IN HIGH TRAFFIC,HIGH SPEED SITUATIONS!!!! *TR

I HAVE A 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR WITH LOW MILES (125,000). THE CHEAP PLASTIC THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS MADE OUT OF HAS CRACKED WERE THE HEATER HOSE CONNECTS IN THE BACK CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO NOT BE DRIVE-ABLE DUE TO OVERHEATING. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMPLETING A TURN, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM FAILED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V322000 (SUSPENSION: LOWER BALL JOINT), BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY JUMP START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT RAIN WOULD LEAK IN THROUGH THE WINDOWS DURING RAINY WEATHER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF EITHER FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

THE FUEL FILLER WILL NOT ACCEPT GASOLINE AT A NORMAL RATE. EVEN AT MINIMUM SPEED IT WILL SHUT OFF AND/OR SPIT FUEL BACK. HAVE USED DIFFERENT PUMPS, DIFFERENT STATIONS, DIFFERENT POSITIONS HAPPENS ALMOST 100% OF THE TIME. ALSO MAJOR WATER LEAKAGE AROUND WINDSHIELD ON PASSENGER SIDE OF CAR. *TR

FAILURE OF THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD SYSTEM. LOSS OF COOLANT, ENGINE OVERHEATED, LOSS OF POWER AND CONTROL IN HEAVY TRAFFIC PRESENTED A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD SYSTEM IS A DESIGN FLAW AND SUBJECT OF AN EARLIER RECALL BY MANUFACTURER.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED AND THE MANIFOLD CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED THAT HE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. HE REFERENCED AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED IN 2007. THE VEHICLE HAD CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT SINCE HE PURCHASED IT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

FUEL SPITS BACK OUT OF FUEL FILLER OPENING. MUST TURN FUEL NOZZLE TO 45 DEGREES TO FILL TANK. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COATING ON THE RIMS WAS WEARING DOWN AND PREVENT AIR FROM REMAINING IN THE TIRES. AS A RESULT, SHE MUST CONSTANTLY PLACE AIR IN THE TIRES. THE TIRE DEALER STATED THAT THE RIMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE HEAD LAMPS HAVE TO BE REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME BECAUSE THEY HOLD CONDENSATION, WHICH SHORTS OUT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. LASTLY, THE SEAT BELTS STICK AND ARE DIFFICULT TO USE PROPERLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK BEGAN HEARING A CLICKING SOUND PULLED OVER CALLED MY HUSBAND HE CAME OUT DECIDED IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE HOME, STARTED THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING THE HEAT WAS BLOWING AT FULL SPEED COULD NOT TURN OFF HAD TO CLOSE ALL VENTS AND RIDE WITH ALL WINDOWS DOWN, TOOK CAR BACK TO DEALER THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE HEATING& AC HAD A BROKEN PEACE TOOK TO THE SHOP AND PAID A LITTLE OVER $1600 TO TAKE OUT MY DASH AND REPLACE IT THIS WAS 2004. LAST MONTH THE SAME THING HAS HAPPENED AND I DON'T FEEL IT'S FAIR THAT I SHOULD KEEP REPLACING A FAULTY PART AT $1600 AN INCIDENT LINCOLN SHOULD PAY FOR THIS PART TO BE REPLACED SINCE IT DOES NOT COME FROM NORMAL WEAR BUT A CHEAP PART PUT ON A NOT SO CHEAP VEHICLE. *TR

UNABLE TO PROPERLY PUMP FUEL INTO THE VEHICLE. CAN ONLY PUT IN ABOUT 1/2 GALLON BEFORE THE PUMP SHUTS OFF. SOMETIMES FUEL BLOWS BACK OUT THE FILLER NECK. CALL TO DEALERSHIP WAS TOLD CAR HAD DEVELOPED A FUEL VENTING PROBLEM. APPEARS THEY KNOW THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM AND YET NO ONE IS NOTIFIED. SAY THEY WILL TRACK DOWN THE PROBLEM FOR 89.00 BUT THEN I WILL HAVE TO PAY FIX THE PROBLEM SEPARATELY. *TR

LAST YEAR I FIRST NOTICED THAT AFTER A HARD RAIN THE REAR DRIVERS PASSENGER DOOR WOULD HAVE WATER SLOSHING AROUND IN IT. NOW THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD IS ALMOST CONSTANTLY WET. RAIN AND CARWASHES MAKE THE PROBLEM WORSE BUT EVEN A BIG PUDDLE CAN SOAK IT AGAIN. *TR

1998 LINCOLN TOWNCAR PLASTIC INTAKE LEAKAGE PROBLEMS FROM CRACKS THAT ORIGINATED FROM OEM FAULTY DESIGN. I WOULD LIKE TO STATE, "FORD AND/OR HIS LEGAL DISTRIBUTOR DID NOT DISCLOSE THAT THE DESIGN OF THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS DEFECTIVE AND DID NOT CONTACT ME THEREAFTER IN REGARD TO THIS MATTER WHEN AND AFTER I PURCHASED SAID VEHICLE". IF FORD'S LEGAL DISTRIBUTOR HAD DISCLOSED THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN I WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. THE COST FOR THE REPAIR AND THE POSSIBILITY OF ENGINE DAMAGE IS ENORMOUS. FORD SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE FOR NEGLECT TO DISCLOSE THIS INFORMATION FOR BUYER'S OF THIS VEHICLES. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. SINCE EARLY FEBRUARY OF 2009, WATER BUILDS UP IN THE DOOR OF THE VEHICLE AFTER IT RAINS OR THE VEHICLE IS WASHED. IN ADDITION, THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE BECOMES WET EVERYTIME IT RAINS. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 117,000.

I TOOK MY 1998 LINCOLN TO A DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS OF ENGINE NOISE AND IT WAS DETERMINED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED CAUSING LOSS OF COOLANT AND COLLATERAL DAMAGE COSTING $1400.00. THE DEALER ADVISED THIS WAS A RECALL ITEM BUT EXPIRED IN 2005. CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR FORD WOULD NOT GRANT ANY CONCESSIONS AND BEING ON A FIXED INCOME, I'M LOOKING FOR SOME FINANCIAL RELIEF. I HAD BEEN TO THE DEALERS IN THE PAST FOR SERVICE AND NEVER ONCE DID THEY MENTION A RECALL, EVEN PRIOR THE EXPIRATION DATE. I NEVER RECALLED A NOTICE POSSIBLY BUYING THE CAR IN 2000 BUT YOU WOULD THINK THE DEALERSHIP COMPUTERS WOULD ALERT TO THE RECALL. YOUR ASSISTANCE WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARS A SQUEAKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DUST COVER ON THE LOWER BALL JOINT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WAS WORN, AND THE BALL JOINT WAS CRACKED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V322000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000. UPDATED 10/14/08. *LJ UPDATED 10/16/08. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM HER VEHICLE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE THERMOSTAT FAILED. REPAIRS WERE MADE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER MECHANIC, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. SHE BEGAN LOOKING FOR ASSISTANCE WITH HAVING HER VEHICLE REPAIRED. UNFORTUNATELY, THE DEALER WAS ALSO UNABLE TO PROVIDE THE ASSISTANCE SHE NEEDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 7/3/08 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED. UPDATED 07/03/08.

PLASTIC MANIFOLD LEAKING AND OVER HEATING ENGINE. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE ENGINE TURNED OVER, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACTUALLY START. A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND A LOUD BOOM OCCURRED AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THERE WAS SMOKE AND LOUD NOISES COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE POWERTRAIN AND MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR CAUGHT FIRE. ELECTRICAL FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT DRIVERS SIDE. CAR BURNT TO GROUND, FIRE DEPT. PUT OUT FIRE. *TR

1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR MADE A GRINDING SOUND UNDERNEATH. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A DEALER. HE STATED THAT HE SAW A FRONT BALL JOINT DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE BALL JOINTS DID NOT HAVE ANY GREASE FITTINGS. THE CONSUMER HAD ALL OF THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A RECALL REGARDING THE BALL JOINTS. HOWEVER, NO ONE INFORMED HIM THERE WAS A PROBLEM. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE ACCELERATING AT 15 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM DETACHED FROM THE BALL JOINT. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BALL JOINT. THE DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT FAILED SHORTLY THEREAFTER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,447 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

1998 LINCOLN TOWNCAR. CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE THE LEFT TIE ROD DROPPED FROM ITS RETAINER. *MC THE CONSUMER STATED THE INCIDENT WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED IF THE PARTS HAD GREASE FITTINGS. *JB

THE FAN BLEW ONLY HOT AIR, AND IT DID IT ALL THE TIME WITHOUT STOPPING, WHETHER IT WAS ON OR OFF. THERE WAS NO WAY TO STOP THE HOT AIR FROM BLOWING RIGHT OUT. THE FORD DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE FOR $100, AND SAID THAT THE BLEND-DOOR WAS STUCK ON HEAT, AND THAT IT WOULD COST ME ANOTHER $1600 TO GET IT FIXED. THE MOTOR WASN'T EVEN BROKEN, AND IT WAS THAT EXPENSIVE. THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE DASHBOARD APART TO GET TO THE PLASTIC PLENUM, WHICH THEY WOULD REPLACE WITH ANOTHER PLASTIC BREAKABLE PLENUM.*AK

USE OF THE HAZARD LIGHTS RESULTED IN FAILURE OF THE CONTROL MODULE AND ULTIMATE FAILURE OF BOTH THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND THE TURN SIGNALS. THIS OCCURRED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2005 AND AGAIN IN DECEMBER 2006. THE TURN SIGNAL/ HAZARD LIGHT CONTROL HAD TO BE REPLACE IN BOTH INCIDENTS. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED A SQUEEKING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL. THE CONTACT TREATED THE WHEEL WITH WD-40 AND THE SOUND WENT AWAY. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH IN A PARKING LOT, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD FAILED AND WERE REPLACED AS WELL AS STEERING GEAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED. UPDATED 12/18/06. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STEER PROPERLY. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THE IDLER ARM SEIZED TO WORK AND IT WAS REPLACED.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S INTERIOR HAD AN ANTIFREEZE ODOR. THERE WERE ALSO PUDDLES OF ANTIFREEZE IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS SLOWLY LEAKING ANTIFREEZE. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS IMMEDIATELY PERFORMED.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH., ON A CLEAR DRY DAY, THERE WAS A SOUND HEARD RESEMBLING THE SOUND OF A TIRE BLOW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND THE TIRES WERE CHECKED FOR A FLAT. WHEN NO FLAT TIRE WAS FOUND, THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY DRIVEN TO A NEAR-BY SERVICE STATION. ON THE WAY TO THE STATION, A RECURRING HISSING SOUND WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE SPARK PLUG WAS BLOW OUT OF ITS THREADING FROM #8 CYLINDER AND THE SPARK PLUG FROM #7 CYLINDER WAS ALSO DAMAGED. THE HEADS WERE SENT OUT TO BE DRILLED AND RETHREADED.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE BEGAN RUNNING ROUGH AND MISFIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON TWO OCCASIONS. ON THE FIRST VISIT, THE DEALER CHANGED THE #4 COIL. AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT THE DEALER DETERMINED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED WHICH WAS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE CLEAN AND THE CONTACT WAS DIRECTED TO HAVE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON THIS VEHICLE IS MADE OF PLASTIC. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FOR THE MODEL OF THIS VEHICLE IS NO LONGER PRODUCED IN PLASTIC.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TURNING ON THE AIR CONDITIONER, THE HEATER CAME ON INSTEAD AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE HEARD. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE DOES NOT REACT CORRECTLY WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS TURNED. THERE WAS A RECALL, #98V322000, CONCERNING THE LOWER BALL JOINT. THE RECALL WORK WAS PERFORMED PRIOR TO PURCHASE, BUT THE PROBLEM HAS RETURNED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY A MECHANIC.

CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD-MY CAR OVERHEATED AND DIED. IT NEEDS REPAIR THAT IS ESTIMATED TO COST A LOT OF MONEY THAT I DO NOT HAVE!!! *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE HOOD WAS OPENED, THERE WAS WATER LEAKING FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 03/09/06

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS, THE VEHICLE WILL START, BUT NOT GO ANYWHERE WHEN PUT IN GEAR. THE VEHICLE WILL THEN STALL; IT WILL RESTART AND GO AFTER WAITING 20 MINUTES. THE DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM. ALSO, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING HOT, AT 45 MPH, AND THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT TEMPORARILY FIXED THE VEHICLE WITH ADHESIVE, BUT IT IS LEAKING AGAIN.

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL CAUSED VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE WHILE HE WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE SPED UP. HE HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES TO GET THE CRUISE CONTROL TO SHUT OFF. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER ,THEY OFFERED TO FIX THE PROBLEM AT CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THEREFORE, REPAIRS WERE NOT DONE.*AK UPDATED 12/27/05. *JB

COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. 1998 LINCLON PURCHASED 9/6/98. ORIGINAL OWNER AND CAR IS MAINTAINED AT DEALERSHIP AT APPROX 3500 MILES. FULL COMPLEMENT OF OIL AT TIME OF INCIDENT. 56087 MILES. FV826006ARM 4.6L . 1LNFM83WIWY718403. ENGINE WAS REPLACED. *JB

PIECE WHICH CONTROLS THE HOT AIR/COLD AIR MIXTURE'S DOOR CRACKED AND ALLOWED THE SQARE METAL PEG TO SPIN FREELY IN THE CRACKED PLASTIC - ELIMINATING THE ABILITY TO MAKE THE AIR EITHER HOTTER OR COLDER. WE HAD TO DRIVE 3000 MILES (MUCH OF IT THROUGH ICY ROADS AND BLIZZARDS) WITHOUT HEAT OF ANY KIND AS A RESULT OF THIS DEFECT. VERY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS, BUT FORD COULDN'T FIT US IN AT ANY OF THEIR SHOPS DUE TO THE LENGTH IT WOULD TAKE (A WEEK) TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS ENDED UP COSTING US OVER $2000 FOR FORD TO FIX UPON OUR ARRIVAL HOME. CLEARLY A DEFECTIVE PART SINCE TO GET TO THE PART A PERSON MUST REMOVE ALL THE AIRBAGS, FRONT SEATS, DASH, AND ETC. - IT ISN'T SOMETHING THAT COULD HAVE BEEN USER CAUSED OR USER ERROR. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT, AS IT SEVERLY LIMITED OUR VISIBILITY (NO DEFROSTERS). AMBIENT TEMPERATURE IN THE VEHICLE WAS LESS THAN 30 DEGREES F FOR 1500 MILES.

2 COOPER SLE 22560 16 TIRES HAD BLOWOUTS WITHIN A SPACE OF 8 WEEKS GOING 60-70 MPH. THE TIRES HAD APPROXIMATELY 8,000-11,000 MILES RESPECTIVELY. BOTH TIRES WERE ON THE BACK OF THE CAR. *N

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THAT THE 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LEAKS WATER INTO THE WINDSHIELD WHEN IT IS RAINING. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT FIXED. THIS PROBLEM ONLY HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED, NOT WHEN HE IS DRIVING. IF THE CAR IS PARKED UP HILL IT IS WORSE THAN WHEN PARKED ON A FLAT SURFACE, DOWN HILL. *AK *SC

IN WET WEATHER ABOVE 40 MPH THE TOWN CAR WEAVES ERRATICALLY LEFT AND RIGHT UPON TOUCHING BRAKES.

THE DIRECTIONAL, EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND WIPER FAILED DUE TO OOZING OF LUBRICANT WITHIN THE MAIN CONTROL SWICH ON THE STEERING COLUMN

PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD ON 1998 LINCOLN TOWN CAR WITH FORD 4.6 LITER V-8 ENGINE CRACKED CAUSING LOSS OF COOLANT. THE CAR HAS 102,000 MILES ON IT. SO FAR, REPAIR COSTS HAVE COME TO $1250.00. THE LEAK ALSO DAMAGED THE ALTERNATOR WHICH WILL COST AN ADDITIONAL $400 TO REPLACE. THE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED AT MY COST BY A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE PART WAS NOT SAVED. *JB

DURING RAINY WEATHER, THE SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF THE ENGINE. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. *JB

WINSHIELD GUTTER, BY DESIGN, DUMPS WATER DIRECTLY ONTO FIREWALL WHERE VENTILATION SYSTEM PLENUM IS ATTACHED, RESULTING IN INTERIOR LEAK

WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALER STATED THE FUEL PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE, AND SERVICED IT. *AK THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO CUT OFF WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNING CORNERS. THERE WOULD BE NO POWER BRAKES AND STEERING. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK OR NEUTRAL AND THE KEY WAS TAKEN OUT, THE VEHICLE WOULD START IMMEDIATELY. *SC *JB