2006 Lincoln Town Car

Routine

Owners filed 143 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
62,780 milesMedian miles at failure

120 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 40,00050,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags40
101
Vehicle Speed Control18
302
Seat Belts17
101
Steering10
200
Service Brakes8
102
Fuel/Propulsion System7
000
Unknown or Other5
100
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages5
100
Structure4
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
100

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Steering › Rack and Pinion › Pinion Shaft14V704000
Filed Nov 5, 201436,888 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.

Risk. Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S25.

Steering13V385000
Filed Aug 29, 2013355,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.

Risk. If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed. The recall began on October 23, 2013. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S08.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Body › Door
Filed Nov 20, 2024OK

The contact owns a 2006 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated that after it rained, rainwater entered the vehicle, soaking the rear passenger’s and rear driver's side seats. The contact removed the debris around the doors, but the failure persisted. Additionally, the front driver's seat remained extremely hot even after the seat heater was turned off. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the intake manifold; however, the failure recurred, and the vehicle made an abnormal sound while being started. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Power Train
Filed May 23, 202491,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2006 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he was unable to shift into the intended gear. The contact stated that the gear shifter had seized. The contact stated the steering shaft was maneuvered until the gear shifter unlocked. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the local dealer was contacted; however, no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 20, 202375,000 milesOR

The contact owns a 2006 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine made an abnormally loud sound. The contact stated upon shifting into drive(D), the vehicle accelerated unintendedly down the steep driveway. The contact continuously depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact then turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently while driving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 9, 2023PA

Fuel Tank Strap broke leaving only 1 strap to hold fuel tank in place. Multiple complaints filed but no recall. What are you waiting for? Someone to die in a fire? This needs to be addressed with a nationwide recall.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 23, 2023VA

When the foot was on the brake in stopped position, the accelator kept revving at high level. The only way to correct it the problem was to turn off the vehicle.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 29, 2021TN

Want to report similar problem others seem to be reporting. When starting the car you hear 5 chimes/beeps repeating five times. The airbag light remains lit the entire time. On extended trips the chimes/beeps comes on again roughly every thirty minutes. Being directly linked to the airbag I’m surprised to find that this has yet to be recalled especially since many other towncar owners are reporting the exact same problem. I discovered that others were having similar issues when I was looking for a replacement seat belt because ours is sluggish to retract, you have to help it back to starting position.

Steering
Filed Sep 3, 2021120,000 milesWI

The contact owns a 2006 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated that while in his driveway, the manifold plate detached into the steering shaft however, he was able to remove the part. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was not available.

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Jun 11, 2021MD

When braking to stop there was sudden acceleration that braking could not control resulting in hitting the rear of a stopped car in front of me. This has happened in the past with no warning. It usually happens when braking, but not always. I have had the car to a Ford dealership twice with this problem. They claim they can find nothing wrong with the car. I took it into them today after this incident. They would not even look at the car. Said that Ford had no bulletins on this and said that I was on mu own. I see online that there has been a class action lawsuit against Ford about this. This could be a life-threatening problem. What do I do?

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 11, 2021220,000 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH ON A LOCAL HIGHWAY, THERE WAS AN UNCOMMANDED MOVEMENT OF THE FOOT PEDAL ADJUSTMENT. THE PEDALS RETRACTED AWAY FROM MY FEET TO THE MAXIMUM STOP FURTHEST AWAY, WHICH PUT THEM OUT OF MY REACH AND RENDERED IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO ACTIVATE THE BRAKES OR ACCELERATOR PEDALS. THIS NEARLY CAUSED A LOSS OF CONTROL ACCIDENT, HAD I NOT DISENGAGED MY SEAT BELT AND SLID FORWARD UNDER THE DASH TO REACH THE PEDALS TO STOP THE VEHICLE. I WAS SUBSEQUENTLY ABLE TO USE THE CONTROL SWITCH TO MOVE THE PEDALS BACK INTO POSITION.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 5, 2020CA

AS SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED, MY 2006 TOWN CAR HAS HAD THE ORANGE ILLUMINATED AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH , ALONG WITH THE 5 CHIMES OVER AND OVER. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS, AND I'M SHOCKED TO SEE HOW PREVALENT IT ACTUALLY IS. SHAME SHAME LINCOLN.

SteeringCrash
Filed Aug 12, 2019103,000 milesTX

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON A CITY STREET AND SUDDENLY I LOST CONTROL AND RAN INTO A POLE.

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 30, 201997,000 milesMO

SEATBELT SENSOR ON OUR 06 LINCOLN TOWN CAR FAILED AND REPLACEMENT COST TO REPLACE THE SENSOR IS VERY PROHIBITIVE. I READ MANY COMPLAINTS WITH THIS SAME ISSUE, SO I BELIEVE FORD/LINCOLN SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL AND REPLACE SAID EQUIPMENT.

Steering
Filed Jul 10, 2019186,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS COMING APART AND THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED WHILE DRIVING AND PARKING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A PREVIOUS RECALL REPAIR FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V385000 (STEERING) WAS PERFORMED INCORRECTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V704000 (STEERING). RILEY FORD INC (9693 U.S. 9, CHAZY, NY 12921, (518) 846-7131) WANTED TO CHARGE THE CONTACT $2,600 TO CORRECT THE INITIAL RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER ADMITTED THAT THE CONTACT HAD A VALID POINT, BUT THEY WERE NOT AUTHORIZED TO MAKE A DECISION. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 186,000.

Air Bags
Filed May 9, 201947,000 milesCA

WARNING LIGHT FOR AIRBAG CAME ON SUDDENLY YESTERDAY WITH NO INCIDENT, LIGHT STAYS ON AND 5 SETS OF BEEPS REPEATING 5 TIMES OCCURS, THIS OCCURRED AFTER THE CAR WAS STARTED AND BEEPS STARTED AFTER DRIVING... AFTER TURNING OFF VEHICLE AND TURNING BACK ON IT CONTINUES TO EXHIBIT SAME AIRBAG LIGHT AND BEEPING...DRIVES WITH NO ISSUES EXCEPT THAT.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 29, 2018121,655 milesCA

UNEXPECTED ENGINE RUN AWAY. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THE ENGINE HAS GONE TO MAX RPM AS THE CAR IS BEING SHIFTED INTO GEAR. ONLY THE FACT THAT I HAD MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL KEPT THE CAR FROM MOVING. THE BRAKES KEPT THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED BUT THE REAR WHEEL OR WHEELS WERE ABLE TO SPIN. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN STATIONARY EVERY TIME THIS HAS OCCURRED. THE DATE BELOW IS JUST FOR ONE TIME. THIS HAS OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY 8 TIMES SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE ON JULY 17, 2018.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 8, 201886,000 milesGA

WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED THE CAR KEPT WANTING TO ACCELERATE. I HAD TO KEEP MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND PUT THE CAR IN N THEN TURN IT OFF. I WAS STOPPING AT A LIGHT. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE WITH THIS VEHICLE.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 2, 201878,500 milesNJ

THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY DEVELOPS PINHOLES IN IT AND GASOLINE FUEL LEAKS ON THE MANIFOLD AND ENGINE AND CAN START A CAR FIRE. THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY HAS FAILED ON A LOT OF THESE CARS. THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY FAILS ON ITS OWN. THERE IS NO WEAR AND TEAR ON THIS IETM. FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 27, 201845,000 milesWI

MY 2006 LINCOLN TOWN CAR ONLY HAS 45,000 MILES ON IT AND IS KEPT IN A GARAGE. THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS WITH MY FAMILY ON VACATION IN SOUTH DAKOTA. THE GAS PEDAL STUCK DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING BY ITSELF. WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE VEHICLE SPEED REACHED 85 MPH. THE SECOND TIME LESS THAN A YEAR LATER MY HUSBAND WAS PULLING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY AND IT DID THE SAME THING HE TURNED OFF INTO THE GRASS TO AVOID HITTING OUR CHILDREN AND GARAGE. BOTH TIMES HE HAD TO REACH DOWN AND MANUALLY PULL UP THE GAS PEDAL. EVEN HITTING THE BRAKES WOULDN'T STOP IT.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 4, 201757,209 milesNJ

AIRBAG AND SEATBELT ORANGE COLORED LIGHT HAS COME ON DASHBOARD; 5 CHIMES X 5 TIMES STARTING CAR AND EVERY HALF HOUR THEREAFTER; CAR TO GARAGE, ON DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER, FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT REMOVED; SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER BAD; UNKNOWN WITH AIRBAG; DEALERSHIP STATES CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY; MILEAGE IS 57209.3; SEAT BELT LAP AND SHOULDER HARNESS HAVE LOCKED INTO PLACE AFTER ADJUSTMENT SINCE CAR PURCHASED IN AUGUST OF 2006; SHOULD NOT LOCK PER MY MECHANIC; DEALERSHIP AND LINCOLN UNWILLING TO PAY TO REPLACE PRETENSIONER AND SEAT BELT; CAN'T DETERMINE IF AIRBAG IS DEFECTIVE UNTIL PRETENSIONER AND SEAT BELT REPLACED; LINCOLN COULD OFFER TO COMP DEALERSHIP THE COSTS OF THE PRETENSIONER AND SEAT BELT REPLACEMENT AND AIRBAG IF AIRBAG IS FOUND TO BE DEFECTIVE; HAVE NO IDEA IF SEAT BELT WOULD WORK LET ALONE AIRBAG NOW; VERY CONCERNED DRIVING THIS CAR GOING FORWARD; CURRENT AND POTENTIAL COSTS ARE HIGH FOR ME NOW; FEEL LINCOLN SHOULD PAY AS THIS HAD TO BE A KNOWN DEFECT TO ANYONE WHO DROVE THIS CAR AT THE DEALERSHIP ONCE IT WAS DELIVERED FROM THE FACTORY.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 29, 2017107,000 milesKY

AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND STAYS ON DURING DRIVING WAS TOLD IT IS CODE 33 AND AIRBAG IS NOT ACTIVATED.

20 of 143 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1997
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20116300Routine
201013310Routine
20095300Routine
200820300Routine
200784310Routine
2006 — this page143210Routine
2005119321Fatalities reported
200483030Routine
2003201100Above average
200265110Routine
2001161640Routine
2000108980Routine
1999148670Routine
1998154870Routine
1997314860Above average
199625910110Above average
19951659102Fatalities reported
19941555260High concern
19931764560High concern
19922494931Fatalities reported
19911555140Routine
19902094640High concern

Compare every Town Car year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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: Nov 5, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.