2003 Lincoln Town Car Complaint Log

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RUMBLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARING SEALS AND AXLE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION), BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 96,000. *TR

I NOTICED OIL ALL OVER THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE AND AFTER CHECKING, I FOUND THAT IT WAS THE REAR AXLE LEAKING. I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND THAT A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED BECAUSE IT WAS A DEFECT AND SOMETIMES THE WHEEL WOULD EVEN FALL OFF. I CHECKED WITH THE LINCOLN WEB SITE AND MAGICALLY MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. IT SEEMS A LOT OF PEOPLE "OUTSIDE" OF THE RECALLED VEHICLES ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. PLEASE EXPAND THE RECALL. I HAVE OWNED 17 CARS THROUGH THE YEARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. I HAVE NEVER EVEN HEARD OF THIS ISSUE BEFORE! IF AFTER 100 YEARS OF BUILDING CARS FORD CANNOT GET THE WHEELS TO STAY ON, AND DOES NOT THINK THIS IS A PROBLEM, WELL I GUESS THIS IS MY FIRST AND LAST ONE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWNCAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN HAD CAUSED THE CONTROL BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME NON ADHESIVE CAUSING THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.

I TOOK MY 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I HEARD A NOISE IN THE REAR OF THE CAR. I WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR AXEL SEAL WAS BLOWN OUT AND THE AXEL ASSEMBLY WAS DAMAGED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES WERE RUINED BY THE AXEL FLUID THAT LEAKED OUT. I FOUND OUT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE REAR AXEL PROBLEM IN 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CARS FOR FLEET CARS ONLY. I CALLED THE FORD SERVICE CENTER AND ASKED THEM FOR HELP WITH MY EXPENSIVE REPAIR BILL. THEY SAID NO. IN ADDITION TO A VERY LARGE REPAIR BILL, MY CAR WAS UNSAFE DUE TO THE CONDITION OF THE AXEL YET I WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE SITUATION BECAUSE I DON'T OWN A FLEET CAR. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL GRINDING FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT WAS HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE WHEN THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE REAR BEARINGS FAILED, CAUSING WEAR TO THE REAR AXLE. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE BEARINGS, AXLE AND THE SEALS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 89,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER, PRODUCING A STIFF BINDING WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE LOWER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220000. THE CONSUMER STATED A RECALL WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER, HIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 11/13/13

2003 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL CARTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE WHEELS REAR AXLES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS ALMOST AT HIS DESTINATION, WHEN HE HEARD THE TIRES MAKING A VERY LOUD NOISE. HE EXITED THE HIGHWAY, AND AS HE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE A TURN, THERE WAS A CREAKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE NEXT DAY, THE CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON THE RACK. IT WAS DISCOVERED THE REAR WHEEL HAD 1/2 INCH PLAY IN IT. THE REAR AXLE HAD A 1/4 INCH DEEP AND 1/4 INCH WIDE CUT. THE OTHER AXLE WAS STARTING WAS EXHIBITING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC STATED BOTH AXLES WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THE DAMAGE HAD CONTAMINATED OTHER COMPONENTS AND IT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE AXLE NOT BEING TEMPERED PROPERLY FOR HARDNESS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR AXLES, BEARINGS AND SEALS. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARINGS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY FOUR MONTHS LATER, THE SAME SYMPTOMS APPEARED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V328000 ( SUSPENSION:REAR). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,700.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, HE HEARD LOUD NOISES FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE REAR AXLE, BEARINGS AND THE SEALS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN-CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BEARING SEAL RUPTURED. AND AS A RESULT, THE AXLE BECAME DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD FLICKER. AT FIRST IT WAS ALMOST UNNOTICABLE. GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE UNTIL I AM RELUCTANT TO DRIVE AFTER DARK. FIRST TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL THEN AFTER CHECKING VIN WAS TOLD DID NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE. THEN WAS TOLD THAT PART WAS RECALLED FOR FORD CROWN VIC AND MERC GRAND MARQUIS. PROBABLY THE SAME PART. THERE SEEMS TO BE A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM AND MINE SHOULD BE COVERED BY A RECALL. WAS ALSO TOLD THAT BEING BUILT IN CANADA COULD HAVE BEEN REASON FOR RECALL REFUSAL. UPDATED 09/15/15*LJ *CN

MY VEHICLE BROKE DOWN AND THUS HAD IT TOWED TO A FORD DEALERSHIP TO BE FIXED. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A CRACKED ENGINE MANIFOLD THAT LEAKED COOLANT ALL OVER THE TOP OF THE ENGINE RUINING THE CYLINDERS, SPARK PLUGS, IGNITION COILS, OIL, OIL FILTER AND FUSE BOX. THE DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED TO ME THAT BECAUSE THESE MANIFOLDS ARE NOW PLASTIC AND NO LONGER METAL, THEY ARE PRONE TO BREAKING. THE TOTAL OF THE REPAIRS CAME TO OVER $2000. UPON SOME RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED THAT I WAS NOT ALONE IN THIS FIASCO. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED BACK IN 2004-05 AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY. HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD THAT I DID "NOT QUALIFY BECAUSE MY LINCOLN WAS NOT A FLEET VEHICLE" SEEMS TO BE FORD'S GO TO EXCUSE WHEN MASS AMOUNTS OF THEIR CARS (TOWN CAR, CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS) ARE RECALLED. RECEIVED NO COMPENSATION HELP FROM FORD OR THE LAWSUIT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN ENERGY LX4 TIRES, SIZE P225/60/R17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S TIRE AND BOTH REAR TIRES HAD DRY ROTTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES HAD BEEN INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE FOR TWO YEARS. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRES WERE NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY OR RECALL FOR DRY ROTTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THE REAR SUSPENSION FAILED, CAUSING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO DROP. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THEIR HOME WHERE HE NOTICED THAT THE AXLE WAS FRACTURED IN HALF. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR) AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN . THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,972.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND SUBSEQUENTLY WHEN THE STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT FAILED INTERNALLY. THIS VEHICLE IS A STRETCH LIMO AND DRIVEN SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY ON LEVEL SURFACES AND SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED AT THIS LOW MILEAGE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE OUTSIDE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE AT A REDUCED SPEED. LATER, BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDATED 02/14/12*LJ THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLIES AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 02/27/12

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE REPAIRED AND THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE AXLE SEAL WAS LEAKING OIL. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION: REAR). THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURE AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AXLE AND WHEEL BEARINGS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR) THAT BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A SOUND IN THE REAR END OF VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR SHOP FOUND TWO AXLES WITH GROOVES CUT INTO THE BEARING JOURNALS NEARS THE FLANGES. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER LEARNED THE GARAGE DID NOT REPLACE THE AXLES, BUT THE ROLLER BEARING WERE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL # 04V328000. *JB

2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A TOXIC MOLD PROBLEM *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOTORIOUS FOR BODY LEAKS. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE WENT TO VACUUM THE RIGHT REAR FLOOR BOARD, HE NOTICED IT WAS SOAKED. THE DEALER PULLED UP THE CARPET AND DISCOVERED THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM THE A/C UNIT. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, IT WOULD COST $1200 TO PULL THE DASH TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. FORD WAS WILLING TO REDUCE THE PRICE BY HALF. *JB

MERGING INTO TRAFFIC ON A INTERSTATE HIGHWAY I HAD TO ACCELERATE MY SPEED. VEHICLE SEEMED TO LOCK AT THIS HIGHER SPEED AND THE ONLY WAY I WAS TO RELEASE THIS CONDITION WAS TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND SLOWLY BRAKE, THIS COULD HAVE EASILY BECOME UGLY.THIS TO ME WAS LIKE THE PROBLEM WITH THE UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION WITH A GM. PRODUCT. *TR

WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT MY CAR WAS NOT IN THE RECALL DATE, HOWEVER MY ISSUE IS THE SAME. I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN MARCH 2010 AND RIGHT OFF I HAD ISSUES WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK. TOOK IT BACK AND HAD TO HAVE THE BEARING REPLACED. I COMPLAINED OF A "NOISE" ON LEFT SIDE. SEEMS IT NEVER WENT AWAY. NOW A FEW MONTHS AGO I HAD TO PARK IT BECAUSE "FLUID" WAS LEAKING ON THE LEFT REAR. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE IS TELLING ME I NEED BEARING REPLACED AND SOMETHING ABOUT A AXLE MAYBE! OK, I CALLED FORD LAST YEAR AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING I AM READING ALL OVER THE INTERNET ON THIS RECALL. MY CAR IS NOT IN THIS RECALL! WHAT HOW CAN THIS BE, I HAVE A 2003 AND I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE HERE! PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AS I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY CAR SINCE 11/2011 AND VERY FRUSTRATED OVER THIS ENTIRE PURCHASE!!! *TR

I WAS IN FRONT OF THE TOWNHOUSE WHERE I LIVE WAITING IN IDLE FOR AN ONCOMING CAR TO PASS SO I CAN PARK ON MY SPOT WHEN I HEARD THREE CLICKING SOUNDS BENEATH THE CAR AT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. SECONDS AFTER THAT THE CAR JERKED FORWARD AT AN INCREASING SPEED ,KNOCKED A NISSAN PATHFINDER AND CARRIED A MITSUBUSHI ECLIPSE ,FROM THE PARKING LOT, OVER THE SIDEWALK TO THE GRASS WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL GAINING SPEED TOWARDS A LIVINGROOM WITH THE FAMILY IN THERE. I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE CAR AWAY FROM THE BUILDING, BETWEEN A BIG TREE WITH A SPACE THE SIZE OF THE CAR.AS I CAME OUT THROUGH THE TIGHT SPACE THE SPEED OF THE CAR WAS TOO FAST FOR ME TO NEGOTIATE IT BETWEEN THE NEXT SET OF TREES.THE CAR HIT A TREE AND CAME TO A STOP. THIS IS A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ,REGISTERED FOR A LIMOUSINE SERVICE. I SENT THE CAR TO FIVE SHOPS AND THEY STILL CANNOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS THE REASON WHY I AM ASKING FOR HELP BECAUSE I KNOW THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 10 MPH WHEN THE REAR AXLE BROKE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT CAUSING A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME AND THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN. THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION: REAR); HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE RECALL WAS ONLY FOR FLEET VEHICLES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD FEEL VIBRATIONS COMING FROM THE REAR END WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF AND NOTICED THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE VERY LOOSE. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,692.

WHILE BACKING UP, UNKNOWN TO ME, MY PARKING AID SYSTEM FAILED, I RAN OVER A GARBAGE RECYCLE BIN, DAMAGING MY REAR BUMPER COVER. IF THE SYSTEM WORKED AS ADVERTISED, THIS WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. THANK GOD IT WASN'T A CHILD! *TR

I WAS DRIVING FROM FLORIDA TO SOUTH DAKOTA AND STARTED UP THE FIRST FOOTHILL OF THE OZARK MOUNTAINS ABOUT 35 MILES WEST OF JONESBORO, ARKANSAS ON US 63. THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD JUST STARTED TO INCREASE THE ENGINE RPMS WHEN I HEARD A BANG FOLLOWED BY WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A BELT OR SOMETHING THUMPING ON THE INSIDE OF THE HOOD. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS THE 2ND ENTRANCE TO A REST STOP ON US 63 IMMEDIATELY TO MY LEFT AND I PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT. US 63 IS A 2 LANE HIGHWAY WITH AN OCCASIONAL PASSING LANE ON SOME HILLS. IT WAS ALSO FORTUNATE IT HAPPENED AT THAT POINT OR I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A DIFFICULT AND DANGEROUS POSITION WITH LITTLE ROOM TO GET SAFELY OFF THE HIGHWAY WITH THE NARROW SHOULDERS AND ROCK CUTS RIGHT UP TO THE ROAD. I OPENED THE HOOD AND RESTARTED THE ENGINE IN THE PARKING LOT. IT WAS THEN I FOUND SOMETHING EXPLODING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE. I COULD SMELL A LOT OF GAS AND SHUT THE ENGINE OFF IMMEDIATELY. I CALLED AAA AND WAS CARRIED BACK TO JONESBORO ON A FLATBED ABOUT 3 HOURS LATER. I WENT TO CAVENAUGH FORD THE NEXT MORNING AND THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A SPARK PLUG BLOWN OUT OF THE #3 CYLINDER. THE REPAIR WITH A FULL SET OF NEW PLUGS INSTALLED IN ADDITION TO THE BAD CYLINDER COST $629 PLUS AN ADDITIONAL $190 FOR TOWING. ONE ADDITIONAL PLUG ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE ENGINE WAS ALSO LOOSE AND A POTENTIAL BLOWOUT. THESE PLUGS WERE FACTORY ORIGINAL AND HAVE NOT BEEN CHANGED SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THE PLUGS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED IN AT THE FACTORY WHICH RESULTS IN LOOSENING OF THE THREADS IN THE HEAD OVER TIME FROM THE PERCUSSION IN EACH CYLINDER. THIS APPEARS TO HAPPEN QUITE OFTEN ON THE 4.6 AND 5.4 LITER ENGINES. I WAS LUCKY SINCE MANY FIRES HAVE ALSO OCCURRED BECAUSE OF THESE PLUGS BLOWING OUT OF THE ENGINE. *TR

RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2003 LINCOLN TOWNCAR WITH 35,000 MILES THAT EXHIBITED REAR AXLE NOISE. FORD REPLACED THE AXLES AND BEARINGS SITTING NO RECALL EXISTED. *TR

HAD A PREMATURE AXLE FAILURE ON MY 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR, ONLY 110K MILES. SAME YEAR, MODEL, BODY CODE, ASSEMBLY PLANT & PROBLEM AS ADDRESSED IN THE RECALL FOR THIS CAR, BUT WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT IT WAS NOT THERE PROBLEM BECAUSE THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND WAS BUILT A FEW MONTHS OUTSIDE OF THE DATE RANGE GIVEN IN THE RECALL. A LITTLE INTERNET RESEARCH WILL SHOW YOU THAT THERE ARE MANY OF US OUT HERE THAT HAVE RECEIVED NO REMEDY FROM FORD TO CORRECT THIS POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM. ALSO WHILE DOING RESEARCH ON THIS CAR I DISCOVERED THAT MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE THAT BROKE A FEW MONTHS AGO CREATING ANOTHER POTENTIALLY DEADLY SITUATION HAS ALSO BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED AND IGNORED BY FORD & THE NHTSA. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR, SOMEONE TO BE TRAPPED & DIE BECAUSE OF A BROKEN PIECE OF PLASTIC. *TR

LOWER STEERING SHAFT IS BINDING AT 25,000 MILES I FIND THIS TO BE A DEFECT FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR. THIS DEFECT MAKES STEERING VERY HARD, LIKE HAVING LIMITED POWER STEERING, AND IT GRABS AND BINDS AS YOU TURN THE WHEEL. I REPLACED THE PART AT MY OWN EXPENSE, PART #5W1Z-3B676-AA AND INSTALLED IT MYSELF. IT COST 168.00 USD, WITH A DISCOUNT. THIS IS THE SECOND TOWN CAR I HAVE HAD TO DO THIS REPAIR TO. *LN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWNCAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BEARINGS ON THE REAR AXLE HAD FAILED AS IT LEAKED OIL FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WILL BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 117,000. UPDATED 03/31/11*LJ UPDATED 05/04/11

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT TRIED OPENING THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND THE LATCH ASSEMBLY BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED BY A TECHNICIAN THAT THE LATCH WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

VERY NOISY REAR AXLE BEARINGS, FORD HAS A SAFETY RECALL IF THIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN SOLD AS A FLEET VEHICLE,SAFETY #04S16,THEY WOULD REPAIR IT FREE OF CHARGE AS A SAFETY ISSUE, I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 12-20-06 IN FL.IT HAD 52,343 MI. AT THAT TIME., THOUGHT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE TYPE OF ROAD SURFACE IN FL. AND THE SALESMAN SAID IT WAS THE ROAD ALSO, BROUGHT IT TO INDIANA AND IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE, IT NOW HAS OF THIS DATE 11-16-2010, 59,335 MILES, THIS VEHICLE SITS IN THE GARAGE BECAUSE I FELL IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IT WAS TITLED IN MICH. AND ORIGINAL PURCHASER HAD A HOME IN FL. AND I BELIEVE THEY MADE TRIPS TO AND FROM THERE WITH VEHICLE OVERLOADED. FORD HAS THE RECALL FOR ANYONE THAT HAD A FLEET VEHICLE BUT NO ONE THAT HAS A PERSONAL VEHICLE, DOES NOT SEEM RIGHT TO FORD THAT A PERSONAL VEHICLE WOULD HAVE THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE HAD TWO OTHER TOWNCARS AND HAD NO ISSUES LIKE THIS. GUESS I SHOULD NEVER HAVE PURCHASED THE THIRD ONE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AS HE BEGAN TO HEAR AN UNUSUAL THUMPING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT INQUIRED WITH AN AUTHORIZED DEALER IN REGARD TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION: REAR) AND WAS TOLD THAT HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT INDEPENDENTLY SLID BACKWARD TO THE END OF THE MOUNTING TRACKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED FOR THE SEAT FAILURE. BOTH FAILURES CONTINUED TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

WITHIN THE PAST 8 MONTHS, I HAVE HAD THREE (3) INCIDENTS: TWO OF WHICH OCCURRED AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN; WHEN STARTING TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR SUDDENLY JUMPED INTO PASSING GEAR WITHOUT WARNING! ONE OF THOSE INCIDENTS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO REAR-END THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE HAPPENED AS I WAS PUTTING THE CAR INTO MY GARAGE. AGAIN, IT RAPIDLY ACCELERATED, CAUSING ME TO RUN INTO THE BACK OF MY GARAGE (RESULTING IN MAJOR DAMAGE TO MY BRICK HOME)! AFTER THE SECOND OCCURRENCE, I TOOK THE CAR TO MY DEALER, WHERE THEY TOLD ME THERE HAD BEEN NO RECALLS; AT WHICH TIME THEY CHECKED IT OUT AND TOLD ME THEY HAD FOUND NOTHING WRONG. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE WHERE THEY STATED THE REAR AXLE WAS BENT. THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, SEALS,AND AXLE SHAFTS WERE REPLACED . THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER : 04V328000 SUSPENSION:REAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93000. UPDATED 12/23/10*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE HE VEHICLE WAS BUILT AT THE SAME PLANT DURING THE SPECIFIC PERIOD OF THE RECALL. UPDATED 01/04/11*JB

MANUFACTURING / DESIGN DEFECT IN VEHICLE INSIDE DOOR PANEL CAUSING PANEL TO FAIL AND INSIDE DOOR LATCH HANDLE TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THIS RESULTS IN DRIVER BEING UNABLE TO OPEN DOOR FROM INSIDE VEHICLE. DRIVER IS TRAPPED AND IN DANGER IN AN EMERGENCY. COMPANY NO LONGER PRODUCES REPLACEMENT PARTS OR REPAIR PARTS. THIS DESIGN CONTINUES IN CURRENT MODELS AND WILL MULTIPLY EXPOSURE AS VEHICLES AGE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING WHEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN UNUSUAL NOISE FROM THE REAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED THERE WAS OIL LEAKING ONTO THE WHEELS OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY AND DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE REAR SUSPENSION WHEEL BEARINGS, AXLE SHAFT AND SEALS WHICH WERE ALL REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION: REAR) THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,944 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,672. UPDATED 01/31/11 *BF UPDATED 04/20/11

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE A RECALL RELEVANT TO THE FAILURE AND INQUIRED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION: REAR) AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,842 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,920.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE AXLE SHAFT SUDDENLY CRACKED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 04V328000 (SUSPENSION: REAR). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL TO THE RECALL; HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED HIM A 20% DISCOUNT OFF OF THE REPAIR EXPENSES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 54,230.

I HAVE A 2003, LINCOLN TOWNCAR AND WHEN IT RAINS, THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD GETS SOAKING WET, I CAN HAVE IT UNDER THE CAR PORT AND IT STILL GETS WET. I DO NOT HAVE ANY HOLES IN THE CAR. I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY 1999 LINCOLN TOWNCAR AND THEY CHANGED BY WIND SHEILD FOUR OR FIVE TIMES AND IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM IN THE 1999 THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR BOARD WOULD WETTER THAN THE BACK, WITH THE 2003 THE BACK FLOOR BOARD IS WETTER THAN THE FRONT, I ALMOST THINK IT IS COMING FROM SOMETHING UNDER THE SEAT. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, HE ENGAGED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT FELL TO THE FLOORBOARD. THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY HIGH INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AND THE VEHICLE THEN ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED REPEATEDLY BUT TO NO AVAIL. SUDDENLY, THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS SHIFTED INTO THE NEUTRAL POSITION AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND IT OPERATED NORMALLY. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION IN WHICH THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO DAMAGES OR PERSONAL INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED SIGNIFICANT CONCERN OF A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

2003 LINCOLN TC RECENTLY NEEDED REPAIRS AT DEALERSHIP FOR REAR AXLE & BEARINGS. ADVISED BY DEALER THAT REPAIRS NOT COVERED BY RECALL, 04V328000 (FORD-04S16). FOUND 44 COMPLAINTS IN YOUR SYSTEM FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY DID THE ORIGINAL RECALL NOT APPLY TO VEHICLES SUCH AS MINE. ARE NOT THE SAME PROBLEMS OCCURRING? ARE NOT THE SAME SAFETY ISSUES AT RISK? MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 36,000 MILES & IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION SO I DO NOT FEEL WEAR & TEAR IS THE ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE LEAKING. HE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL# 04V328000, REAR SUSPENSION; HOWEVER, HE WAS ADVISED THAT SINCE HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED HE IS INELIGIBLE FOR A FREE REMEDY. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 64,000. UPDATED 10/20/09 *CN THE PROBLEM WITH THE RIGHT REAR AXLE SHAFT AND WHEEL BEARING WAS NOTICED DURING A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE VISIT. UPDATED 10/22/09.*JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWNCAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WOULD COME TO A STOP AFTER HEAVY PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.

2003 TOWN CAR ON AUG. 3, 2009 THE CAR LOST DRIVE FUNCTION ON INTERSTATE. THE REPAIR WAS A NEW DRIVE AXLE FROM THE FORD DEALER. ON AUG. 8, THE SAME THING HAPPEN AGAIN WE LOST DRIVE FUNCTION AND THE REAR AXLE IS BROKEN. I SPOKE TO THE DEALER ABOUT THE FORD RECALL NO. 04S16 OR 04V328000 AND HE EXPLAINED THAT THE VIN NO. DID NOT APPLY. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR .THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER SIDE SRS AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARRANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 45,000.