2004 Lincoln Town Car steering problems

Filed Oct 10, 2025 · Steering · ID

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.

Filed Nov 10, 2021 · Steering · ME

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.

Filed Mar 30, 2020 · Steering · 65,500 miles · WI

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

Filed Jan 22, 2020 · Steering · 20,118 miles · OH

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.

Filed Dec 1, 2014 · Steering · WI

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

Filed Aug 6, 2014 · Steering · 80,000 miles · WI

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.

Filed Jul 15, 2014 · Steering · 245,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed May 2, 2014 · Steering · 78,300 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 lincoln town car. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH , the power steering assist suddenly malfunctioned and made it very difficult to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the lower intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 78,300.

Filed May 1, 2014 · Steering · 37,847 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 lincoln town car. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH , there was an immediate loss of steering control. The contact was able to regain control and maneuvered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who replaced two steering column shaft assemblies. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 37,847. Updated 06/27/14*lj the consumer stated this vehicle's model and model year were excluded from the steering recall. Updated 07/2/2014

Filed Apr 10, 2014 · Steering · WI

2010 lincoln town car. Consumer writes in regards to steering linkage shaft due to corrosion recall. Consumer states 2004 lincoln town car with same issue is not under recall. *smd the consumer stated he had difficulty turning the steering wheel due to corrosion of the linkage shaft being very corroded. The cost of the repair was $ 296.80. It had rusted out and made the vehicle nearly impossible to turn.