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Lincoln Town Car engine failure problems

36 of the 2,986 owner complaints about the Lincoln Town Car describe engine failure, most of them for the 1992 model year.

owner complaints
36
worst model year
1992
typical mileage
90,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2008
    1
  • 2007
    1
  • 2006
    2
  • 2005
    1
  • 2004
    2
  • 2003
    2
  • 2001
    2
  • 1998
    5
  • 1997
    3
  • 1996
    3
  • 1994
    3
  • 1993
    4
  • 1992
    5
  • 1990
    2

What owners say

Filed May 23, 2024 · Transmission · 91,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Dec 19, 2019 · Suspension · 106,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 lincoln town car. While the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light, the rear passenger side axle fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the bearings seized, which caused the axle to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v328000 (suspension). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.

Filed Aug 12, 2016 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 90,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 lincoln town car. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The vehicle accelerated to 85 MPH. The contact was able to place the vehicle in neutral and slow down the vehicle. The contact turned the vehicle off and on, and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the electronic valve in the fuel injector seized in the open position and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Nov 13, 2015 · Steering · 63,478 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 lincoln town car. While driving at 40 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering shaft fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,478.

Filed Mar 13, 2015 · Steering · 135,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 lincoln town car. While driving in reverse, the steering wheel seized and the lower intermediate shaft collapsed, which caused the steering column to separate from the lower bearing. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who stated that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v385000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.

Filed Jan 27, 2015 · Electrical · 98,000 miles · IN

Engine died at stoplight. Battery jumped by another vehicle. Drove abt 4 miles, engine died again. Called for tow truck and had it towed to ford dealership. Between 9/7/2013 and 2/14/2014 battery and alternator replaced. "check battery light" constantly appeared. Used fords testor connected to vehicles computer. After three actuation's, returned to dealership for solution.this occurred numerous time in the time period. Ford;s tech center recommended to dealership, at different times to replace: alternator - wires - computer - etc - after 5 months ford could not fix the problem. Also, as of 12/15/2010 experienced sudden and violent surging during snowy days. Tachometer and speed needle would drop rapidly from 55 to zero, and return to 55mph. So severe, felt like car was rear-ended. Ford tech's could not advise dealership how to repair this. After 5 months of grief , traded auto. If ford couldn't repair it , I didn't want it !.

Filed Jan 25, 2014 · Steering · 145,000 miles · CT

Beginning on a cold morning the steering felt off, like it needed more effort to turn at times. The steering also failed to return to center on its own, indicating a possible seized up universal joint in the steering shaft. I removed the steering shaft and found the universal joint seized and very difficult to move which caused my difficult steering. There is a recall for this same issue on newer town cars, why does this not cover mine?

Filed Oct 29, 2013 · Steering · 60,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 lincoln town car. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 60,000.

Filed Aug 31, 2012 · Engine · 41,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 lincoln town car. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. He was able to pull over on the side of the road where the vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The dealer stated that they needed to replace the engine. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The failure and the current mileage was 41,000.

Filed Aug 13, 2007 · Engine · 107,000 miles · MA

Manifold developed 4" crack while on mass pike. Lost coolant in short time and overheated. Removed alternator after cool down and covered with duct tape and filled with water. Made 3 more fill stops on ride home without overheat (80mi). Replaced manifold, but started using anti-freeze. Replaced engine a month later.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipeReported December 9, 2010 · 161 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Executive coach is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 lincoln town car limousines. The fuel rail shield was left off during manufacturing. In a frontal impact the engine could potentially bend or rupture fuel lines if the replacement shield is not in place, causing those lines to leak fuel.
Risk
Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Executive coach will supply kits and installation instructions to have vehicles repaired at a facility of the owner's choice. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on december 1, 2010. Owners may contact executive coach at 888‑322‑9272.

Recall number 10V638000 · Recall details

Questions about the Lincoln Town Car engine failure

Which Lincoln Town Car years have engine failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1992 (5 complaints), 1998 (5 complaints) and 1993 (4 complaints).

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