Model year record

2000 Lincoln Town Car recalls & problems

The 2000 Lincoln Town Car has 9 safety recalls and 108 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (20 complaints).

Recalls9safety recalls

Complaints108filed by owners

Crashes · fires11 · 8reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths12 · 0reported in complaints

2000 Lincoln Town Car in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

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.

VisibilityAug 8, 2001

Windshield wiper/washer › Motor

Recall 01V2580001,083,000 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.
Risk: LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 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.

TiresDec 12, 2000

Tires

Recall 00V35600010,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Seat beltsNov 13, 2000

Front

Recall 00V36400034 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH MEDIUM GRAPHITE SEAT BELTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." AN INCORRECT FRONT CENTER SEAT BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Fix: ALL SUSPECT VEHICLES HAVE HAD THE SEAT BELTS INSPECTED OR REPLACED BY FORD.

Seat beltsNov 9, 2000

Rear/other

Recall 00V368000170 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH MIDNIGHT BLACK OR MEDIUM PARCHMENT SEAT BELTS MANUFACTURED ON JULY 31, 2000, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." AN INCORRECT DRIVER'S SIDE REAR SEAT BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELTS AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED SEAT BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLIES.

Seat beltsAug 18, 2000

Seat belts

Recall 00V228001144,435 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES, LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES OF YOUR VEHICLE AND REPLACE ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 26, 2000. 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 1-800-392-3673.

EquipmentJul 18, 2000

Mechanical › Integrated jack/leveler/stabilizer

Recall 00V200000875,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Seat beltsJun 12, 2000

Front › Anchorage

Recall 00V1570011,167 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Seat beltsJun 12, 2000

Front › Anchorage

Recall 00V1570021,129 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

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

2000 Lincoln Town Car 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2000 Lincoln Town Car NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

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	16 / 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*
Electrical systemWiring › Front underhood; Wiring	20	0	3	0	78,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	17	8	0	8	30,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	14	0	2	0	115,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	11	5	0	7	30,000 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Windshield wiper/washer	10	0	0	0	72,000 mi
SuspensionFront; Front › Springs › Air suspension system	10	1	0	0	—
Vehicle speed controlCruise control; Linkages	9	2	2	4	55,000 mi
EquipmentMechanical › Accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift; Other › Owners/service/other manual	8	0	0	0	52,442 mi
Exterior lightingBrake lights › Switch; Brake lights	7	0	0	0	—
SteeringLinkages; Steering wheel/handle bar	7	0	0	0	128,700 mi
Unknown or other	5	0	0	0	—
StructureBody › Door; Frame and members	5	1	0	0	—

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

Recent owner complaints

Electrical system
I've replaced brake wires on my 2000 Lincoln executive series 5-6 times out keeps burning out wire by brakes light switch. Tried relay kit brakes worked for one day but no brake lights again since I first bought this car I've in multiple occasions replaced this problem in the past 4-5 years no one seen to know what the main issue is
Jul 26, 2019
Steering
Inner and outer tie rod ends, tie rod end adjusting sleeve, and sway bar link replaced after inner tie rod end pulled out of the adjusting sleeve thatâs on the sway bar link thereâs still constant pulling in the steering and is either to touchy when trying to correct vehicle back into lane or has to be turned excessively far before it even starts to correct then tries to jerk the vehicle really hard when the steering finally catches up with how far the steering wheel has been turned
Jan 4, 2024
Seat belts
THE STEERING IS EXTREMELY LOOSE. THE LEAST AMOUNT OF MOVEMENT OF THE STEERING WHEEL WILL JERK YOU INTO ANOTHER LANE AND IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS ALMOST LIKE FLOATING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH YOU. WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE PASSING SEMIS IT FEELS AS IF IT'S GOING TO PUSH ME OFF OF THE ROAD. IT'S EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD WITHOUT EVEN MOVING THE STEERING WHEEL IT'LL DRIFT TO THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT. WHEN TRYING TO CORRECT IT GOING INTO ANOTHER LANE IF YOU JUST TURN THE STEERING WHEEL JUST A HAIR IT'S ALMOST LIKE YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL 180. ALSO WHEN ATTEMPTING TO GO AROUND A CURVE YOU HAVE TO BARELY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL OR ELSE IT'LL RUN YOU OFF THE ROAD.
Jan 2, 2019 · 200,000 miles
Steering
I WASN'T AWARE UNTIL RECENT THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE ON OCTOBER 28, 2015. I FIND THIS INFORMATION ON CREDIT KARMA AND I BEEN HAVING PROBLEM WITH LOOSE STEERING I NEVER RECEIVED ANYTHING REGARDING A RECALL ON MY CAR. I WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIRS. I NEED TO KNOW IF THE RECALL STILL VALID BECAUSE I NEED THE STEERING FIXED. WHEN DRIVING THE STEERING HAS A LOT PLAY AND I NO THAT'S NOT THE WAY IT SUPPOSED TO BE. WILL SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME REGARDING THIS MATTER.
Jul 15, 2016 · 128,700 miles
Electronic stability control (esc)Fire
NO INDICATION OR WARNING PRIOR TO INCIDENT. WITHIN 2 MI OF DRIVING, BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON, ELECTRICAL ISSUES BEGAN (RADIO/DOME LIGHTS, ETC), THEN SMOKE BILLOWING FROM UNDER HOOD. IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF IGNITION, AND ENTIRE FRONT END WAS ON FIRE.
Jun 27, 2018 · 138,000 miles
Service brakes
STEERING, WHEELS SHAFT
Dec 8, 2017 · 258 miles
Exterior lighting
LIGHT CONTOL MODULE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSES LIGHTS TO TURN OFF WHEN DRIVING. THIS HAPPENS EVEN WHEN IGNITION IS OFF, EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF, DRAINING THE BATTERY.. FORD SAYS IT IS A BAD LCM. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS
Mar 1, 2017
Fuel/propulsion system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, FUEL WAS DRIPPING ON THE EXHAUST PIPE AND DRIPPING UNDER THE VEHICLE. A TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FILLER TUBE WAS RUSTED AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000.
Jan 31, 2016 · 210,000 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

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEADClosed
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN ANY OF THE 10,319,810 SUBJECT VEHICLES.IN ADDITION, ODI IS AWARE OF ONLY TWO INCIDENTS WHERE THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT RESTART.INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE ODI CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND OBTAINED FROM 72 TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS WITH COMPLAINANTS SHOWED THE FOLLOWING:(1) 99% OF THE COMPLAINTS WERE ON MY…
DP05005 · opened Sep 22, 2005 · closed Jan 4, 2006
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTClosed
ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 173 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING INADVERTENT OR NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT OF SIDE AIR BAGS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2003 LINCOLN TOWN CARS.MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT ONE OF THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY IMPACT.ANALYSIS SHOWED THAT MY 2001 THROUGH EARLY MY 2003 TOWN CARS HAVE MUCH HIGHER COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIM RATES (138 COMPLAINTS AND 120 WARRANTY CLAIMS) THAN THE REMAINING VEHICLES (35 COMPLAINTS AND 32 WARRANTY CLAIMS).FORD CHANGED ITS SUPPLIER OF THE SIDE CRASH SENSORS FOR THE MY 2001 TOWN CARS.FORD STATES THAT THE ALGORITHM IN THE MY 2001 TOWN CARS IS DIFFERENT FROM THE PREVIOUS MODEL YEAR'S DESIGN, AND THAT IT IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE IMPROVED OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN MODERATE SPEED SIDE POLE IMPACTS.IN DECEMBER 2002 (I.E., EARLY MY 2003 VEHICLE PRODUCTION), THE CRASH SENSORS WERE MOVED FROM THE FLOOR OF VEHICLE TO NEAR THE BASE OF B-PILLARS IN…
PE03011 · opened Mar 14, 2003 · closed Aug 22, 2003
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