Model year record

1995 Lincoln Town Car recalls & problems

The 1995 Lincoln Town Car has 8 safety recalls and 165 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (57 complaints).

Recalls8safety recalls

Complaints165filed by owners

Crashes · fires16 · 10reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths14 · 2reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SteeringOct 6, 2015

Steering

Recall 15E0820001,767 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Vehicle speed controlAug 3, 2007

Vehicle speed control

Recall 07V3360003,600,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Air bagsOct 3, 2001

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 01V318000911 vehicles

Problem: EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE REPLACED AFTER APRIL 5, 2000. THE REPLACEMENT DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE INFLATOR MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT WELDS THAT COULD PREVENT PROPER INFLATION OF THE AIR BAG.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY NOT PROPERLY DEPLOY WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 5, 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 1-866-436-7332.

SuspensionDec 16, 1998

Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint

Recall 98V322000175,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).

SteeringJul 18, 1996

Linkages

Recall 96V13500072,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: THE PITMAN ARMS WERE NOT FULLY LUBRICATED AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT. THE "BALL JOINT" AT THE OUTER END OF THE PITMAN ARM CAN BECOME CONTAMINATED AND CORRODE.
Risk: SUCH CORROSION CAN RESULT IN ABNORMAL WEAR OF THE JOINT, RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE JOINT. LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND IF THE JOINT IS FOUND TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT WEAR, THE ARM WILL BE REPLACED. THOSE PITMAN ARMS NOT REPLACED WILL HAVE THE "BALL JOINT" FULLY GREASED.

Service brakes, hydraulicJul 11, 1995

Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 95V133000692 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasolineMar 27, 1995

Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap

Recall 95V063000100,000 vehicles

Problem: THE SEAL MATERIAL BETWEEN THE FUEL FILLER PIPE AND FUEL TANK MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FULLY CURED DURING THE MOLDING PROCESS WHICH COULD ALLOW FOR FUEL LEAKAGE.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILLER PIPE-TO-FUEL TANK SEAL WITH A NEW SEAL OF DIFFERENT MATERIAL.

Air bagsFeb 24, 1995

Frontal

Recall 95E0060028,600 vehicles

Problem: THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG HAS AN INFLATOR BODY THAT CRACKED DURING FORMING OF THE CURL THAT RETAINS THE IGNITER PLUG IN THE END OF THE INFLATOR. ALSO THE IGNITER END CAP CAN SEPARATE FROM THE INFLATOR.
Risk: THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT INFLATE PROPERLY RESULTING IN REDUCED OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. IF THE IGNITER END CAP SEPARATES IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, HOT GASES CAN BE RELEASED AND IGNITE FLAMMABLE MATERIAL OR CAUSE BURN INJURIES.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE AND REPLACE THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MODULE.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1995 Lincoln Town Car 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Town Car

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	57	3	0	5	87,500 mi
SuspensionFront › Control arm › Lower ball joint; Rear	26	0	0	0	120,000 mi
Electrical systemHorn; Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers	22	0	3	1	94,804 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal; Cruise control	19	4	3	4	137,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Axle assembly › Axle shaft › Seal	17	0	0	0	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	17	0	2	0	—
SteeringLinkages; Steering wheel/handle bar	16	1	0	0	151,628 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	12	6	0	2	107,500 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Turn signal	12	1	1	0	103,233 mi
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap; Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	9	0	2	1	60,000 mi
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washer; Rearview mirrors/devices › Interior	7	0	0	0	—
StructureBody; Frame and members	6	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Electronic stability control (esc)Fire
WELL I WAS DRIVING HOME ONE DAY AND SMOKE WAS STARTING TO POOR OUT FROM UNDERNEATH MY DASHBOARD LUCKILY I WAS CLOSE ENOUGH TO THE HOUSE TO BE ABLE MAKE IT HOME AND THEN AFTER I HAD GOTTEN HOME I CUT THE CAR OFF AND WAS NOT ABLE TO START IT UP SINCE
Jun 25, 2012 · 103,467 miles
Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ALSO, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS STIFF WHEN DEPRESSED. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. FURTHERMORE, THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE MANEUVERED IN EITHER DIRECTION TO PREVENT IT FROM SEIZING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15E082000 (STEERING), 96V135000 (STEERING), 98V001000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), 01V318000 (AIR BAGS), AND 95E006002 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURES LISTED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGNS. LIBERTY FORD LINCOLN CANTON (423…
Feb 5, 2018 · 135,000 miles
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED A POOL OF FLUID UNDER THE VEHICLE WHILE IDLING. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE LEAKING FLUID. WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 98I001000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND 95V063000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AS POSSIBLE CAUSES OF THE FAILURE DUE TO SIMILAR FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Jul 22, 2018 · 106,000 miles
Service brakes
THE BALL JOINT SO MY 1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR HAVE FELL OFF THE LOWER CONTROLLER ARM IS BADLY DAMAGED AND I GET A LOT OF MISFIRES IN THE ENGINE IS JUST A LOT OF STUFF THIS WRONG WITH IT
Jun 20, 2017 · 2,010 miles
Air bags
THE 1995 IS VERY COMFORTABLE BUT AIR BAGS, SUSPENSION, WINDOWS, AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (UNLOCATABLE SHORTAGE) DO NOT WORK. GOOD MILEAGE AND SEATS, ETC VERY GOOD. THE KEY SWITCH IS DEFECTIVE AND YOU CAN REMOVE KEYS WITHOUT TURNING OFF. NO AIR BAGS OPERABLE. *TR
Nov 8, 2000 · 80,000 miles
Exterior lightingCrash
THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE WENT OFF AT NIGHT COMPLETELY 4 TIMES AND BACK ON. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH ABOUT A BLOCK FROM MY HOUSE AT 4AM WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS MARKER LIGHTS AND EVERYLIGHT EXCEPT TAIL LIGHTS WENT OFF. I RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A DITCH AND BACK ON. I REACHED FOR THE BLINKERS WHICH WORKED AND SAW I WAS IN THE OTHER LANE. I WENT INTO MY LANE AND STOPPED. A FEW SECONDS LATER THE HEADLIGHTS CAME BACK ON AND ALL OTHER LIGHTS. THIS HAS HAPPENED AGAIN TWICE. THE SECOND TIME ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. THE LAST TIME I HAD TO HAVE A WRECKER PULL ME OUT OF A SIDE DITCH. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY WERE VERY RUDE AND WOULD NOT HELP AT ALL. I TOLD THEM THIS WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE , EVEN…
Jul 1, 2014 · 217,000 miles
Vehicle speed controlFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 LINCOLN TOWNCAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, IT IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES AND ALSO DETECTED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE AREA OF THE CRUISE CONTROL COMPONENT. THE CONTACT'S GARAGE AND THE VEHICLE WERE DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. ...UPDATED 09-26-13 *BF
Jun 5, 2013 · 97,000 miles
EngineFire1 injury
[XXX] DROVE [XXX] 1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR FOR DAY AND ARRIVED HOME BETWEEN 5:00 TO 5:30 P.M. ON 3/4/13. [XXX] PULLED LINCOLN INTO GARAGE NEXT TO [XXX] 1956 FORD THUNDERBIRD. [XXX] PULLED INTO DRIVEWAY OUTSIDE GARAGE DOOR BEHIND TOWN CAR WITH OUR MINIVAN AND WENT INTO GARAGE TO PUT SOME THINGS AWAY. [XXX] SHUT GARAGE DOOR AND WENT OUTSIDE GARAGE DOOR INTO HOUSE TO PUT PURSE INSIDE. [XXX]IMMEDIATELY WENT BACK OUTSIDE AND WENT TO DECK TO WATER PLANTS AND SMELLED AND NOTICED SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF SIDE GARAGE DOOR. [XXX] OPENED SIDE GARAGE DOOR AND SAW FIRE COMING OUT OF HOOD ON DRIVER'S SIDE OF LINCOLN TOWN CAR AND SPREADING. [XXX] RAN INSIDE HOUSE GOT [XXX] AND TOLD HIM ABOUT FIRE AND CALL…
Mar 4, 2013 · 104,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

REAR BRAKE LINE FAILUREClosedLed to recall 05V086000
IN A LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 25, 2005, FORD MOTOR COMPANY (FORD) NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WOULD BE CONDUCTING A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (FORD NO. 04B26) TO CORRECT A REAR BRAKE LINE CHAFING CONCERN IN APPROXIMATELY 44,000 MODEL YEAR (MY) 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA AND GRAND MARQUIS NON-FLEET VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC TRACTION CONTROL THAT WEREBUILT AFTER MARCH 19, 1997.THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN ADDITIONAL REAR BRAKE LINE AND A MASTIC PATCH CAUSING REDUCED CLEARANCE FROM A STIFFENING RIB IN THE FLOOR PAN.ODI?S ANALYSIS SHOWED HIGHER COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY RATES RELATED TO REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURES IN THIS POPULATION THAN IN OTHER SUBJECT VEHICLES AND PEER MID-SIZED PASSENGER CARS THAT WERE EVALUATED DURING THE INVESTIGATION.VEHICLES INVOLVED IN FORD?S PROGRAM WILL HAVE THE REAR BRAKE LINES INSPECTED FOR CONTACT WITH THE FLOOR PAN STIFFING RIB.IF THERE IS CONTACT, BUT NO ABRASION OR…
EA03012 · opened Jul 25, 2003 · closed Apr 11, 2005
REAR BRAKE LINE FAILUREClosed
ODI HAS RECEIVED 40 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, INCLUDING 8 THAT HAVE BEEN RECEIVED THIS YEAR.AN ADDITIONAL 192 REPORTS AND 478 WARRANTY CLAIMS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM FORD.A LEAK IN THE REAR BRAKE LINE CAN CAUSE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE.A SEARCH OF ODI'S COMPLAINT DATABASE FOR PEER VEHICLE COMPLAINTS, USING THE SAME BRAKE LINE FAILURE CRITERIA AS FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE SAME MODEL YEARS (1995-97), IDENTIFIED ONLY 1 COMPLAINT INVOLVING GENERAL MOTORS CAPRICE/IMPLALA/88/98/REGAL VEHICLES AND ONLY 2 COMPLAINTS INVOLVING CHRYSLER LH-CARS.THE INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER EVALUATE THE FREQUENCY, SCOPE, AND CAUSAL FACTORS RELATED TO REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION.
RQ03004 · opened Mar 11, 2003 · closed Jul 25, 2003
BALL JOINT SEPARATIONClosed
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
RQ03002 · opened Jan 3, 2003 · closed Jun 3, 2003
SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRESClosed
BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FIRE INCIDENTS (2.5 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD) WHERE FAILURE OF THE SCDS IS INVOLVED AND THE AGE OF THE VEHICLES ? 7 TO 11 YEARS ? A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
EA02025 · opened Sep 6, 2002 · closed Jun 30, 2004
FUEL-FED FIRESClosed
THE FARS DATA SHOWS THAT THE RISK OF FIRE FROM IMPACT IN ALL DIRECTIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS THE SAME AS ALL OTHER SEDANS.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT OVER REPRESENTED WITH RESPECT TO THE RISK OF FIRE IN REAL-WORLD HIGH-ENERGY CRASHES.A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF ISSUES RELATED TO POST CRASH FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS SET OUT IN THE CLOSING REPORT FOR SQ 01-014 AND THAT REPORT IS IN THE DOCKET FOR THIS PETITION.AFTER REVIEWING THE PETITION AND ITS SUPPORTING MATERIALS, AS WELL AS INFORMATION FURNISHED BY FORD AND GM, AND INFORMATION WITHIN THE AGENCY'S POSSESSION FROM PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS AND OTHER RELATED ACTIONS,NHTSA HAS CONCLUDED THAT FUTHER INVESTIGATION CONCERNING POST-CRASH FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS NOT LIKELY TO LEAD TO A DECISION THAT THE VEHICLES CONTAIN A SAFETY DEFECT.
DP02007 · opened Aug 22, 2002 · closed Dec 4, 2002
POST REAR END COLLISION FIRESClosedLed to recall 02I003000
There is no summary currently available
SQ01014 · opened Nov 27, 2001 · closed Oct 3, 2002