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NHTSA vehicle safety data

1996 Lincoln Town Car Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 1996 Lincoln Town Car has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 257 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Lincoln dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1996 Lincoln Town Car, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

1996 Lincoln Town Car owner complaints

Owners have filed 257 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 Lincoln Town Car, describing incidents dated November 1, 1995 to January 26, 2023.

Most-cited components

  • Engine 90 complaints
  • Vehicle Speed Control 31 complaints
  • Service Brakes 27 complaints
  • Suspension 23 complaints
  • Electrical System 19 complaints
  • Steering 18 complaints

Of the 257 complaints on file, 9 report a crash and 12 a fire; across all 257 complaints, owners report 7 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11503799 · Filed

    The contact owns a 1996 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated while the vehicle was turned on and he was shifting the vehicle from park(P) to drive(D), with his foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle lunged forward at high speed. The contact stated that the acceleration was extreme. The contact…

  • ODI #11310265 · Filed

    AS PER RECALL CRUISE CONTROL NEITHRT STARTS OR WORKS ON HIGHWAY

  • ODI #11019367 · Filed

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND SHIFT THE GEAR INTO DRIVE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONTACT POURED BRAKE FLUID INTO THE RESERVOIR AND DEPRESSED THE…

Read all 257 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1996 Lincoln Town Car in 6 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

1 more NHTSA investigation
Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Steering Shaft May Separate

NHTSA #15E082000 · Steering · NHTSA notice

Reported October 6, 2015 · Dorman Products, Inc.

Potentially affected: 1,767 vehicles

Repair completion: 19.86% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified October 28, 2015

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the shafts separate during vehicle operation, a loss of steering control would result, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH

NHTSA #07V336000 · Vehicle Speed Control · NHTSA notice

Reported August 3, 2007 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 3,600,000 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 05S28 · Owners notified August 13, 2007 · Vehicles built November 5, 1991 – February 28, 1998 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

FORD RECALL NO. 05S28.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION;S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FORD/AUTOLIV/AIRBAG INFLATORS

NHTSA #01V318000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported October 3, 2001 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 911 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 01S28 · Owners notified October 5, 2001

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FORD/FMVSS 209/SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES

NHTSA #00V157002 · Seat Belts — Front — Anchorage · NHTSA notice

Reported June 12, 2000 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 1,129 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 00S16 · Owners notified September 28, 2000

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 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.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FORD/FMVSS 209/SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES

NHTSA #00V157001 · Seat Belts — Front — Anchorage · NHTSA notice

Reported June 12, 2000 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 1,167 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 00S15 · Owners notified September 28, 2000

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 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.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FORD/LOWER CONTROL ARM

NHTSA #98V322000 · Suspension — Front — Control Arm — Lower Ball Joint · NHTSA notice

Reported December 16, 1998 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 175,000 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 98S37 · Owners notified January 18, 1999 · Vehicles built March 15, 1996 – December 18, 1998 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, REDUCED STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JANUARY 18, 1999.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.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

FORD/BRAKE LINE WEAR

NHTSA #98I001000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported April 7, 1998 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 167,742 vehicles

Owners notified May 1, 1998 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. FORD IS INITIATING AN OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR OWNERS OF CERTAIN 1995-1997 CROWN VICTORIA MODEL VEHICLES WITH POLICE, TAXI, AND COMMERCIAL FLEET PACKAGES AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES WITH THE LIVERY PACKAGE. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE UNDERBODY FRONT FLOOR PAN ASSEMBLY WHICH COULD CAUSE WEAR OF THE BRAKE LINES.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FLUID LOSS FOR THE REAR BRAKES AND, POTENTIALLY, INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LINES FOR WEAR, INSTALL TWO NEW TUBE BUNDLE CLIPS, AND CHECK THE BRAKE LINES FOR PROPER CLEARANCES. IF THE BRAKE LINES ARE WORN, THE DAMAGED SECTION OF THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.

Notes

NOTE:FORD HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO INSPECT THE BRAKE LINES WITHOUT CHARGE.OWNERS CAN CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Steering — Linkages

NHTSA #96V135000 · NHTSA notice

Reported July 18, 1996 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 72,000 vehicles

Owners notified August 28, 1996 · Vehicles built August 1, 1994 – April 1, 1996 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

SYSTEM: STEERING; LINKAGES; ARM; PITMAN. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: POLICE INTERCEPTORS, COMMERCIAL FLEET, TAXI, LIMOUSINES, OR LIVERY/TRAILER TOW PACKAGES. OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN AUGUST 19, 1996. NOTE: 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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Seat Belts — Rear/Other

NHTSA #96V109000 · NHTSA notice

Reported June 24, 1996 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 350 vehicles

Owners notified September 25, 1996 · Vehicles built August 1, 1995 – May 1, 1996 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

THE ELR/ALR FEATURE IS USED TO ACCOMMODATE CHILD RESTRAINTS. WHEN SERVICING THE REAR BELT ASSEMBLIES, WRONG PARTS COULD HAVE BEEN USED WHICH DO NOT CONTAIN THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING FEATURE.

Safety consequence

IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY NOT PROPERLY SECURE THE CHILD RESTRAINT INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BELT ASSEMBLIES WITH THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN RETRACTOR AND TONGUE ASSEMBLIES.

Notes

SYSTEM: INTERIOR; SEAT BELTS; REAR. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH NEW SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT USE A SWITCHABLE ELECTRONIC/AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ELR/ALR) FEATURE. OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JULY 17, 1996. NOTE: 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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch

NHTSA #96V070000 · NHTSA notice

Reported April 22, 1996 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Potentially affected: 73,500 vehicles

Owners notified May 15, 1996 · Vehicles built February 1, 1996 – March 1, 1996 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

WHEN IN THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, THE DRIVER DOOR LATCHES MAY OPEN WHEN SUBJECTED TO TRANSVERSE LOADS LESS THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."

Safety consequence

THE DRIVER'S DOOR, WHEN CLOSED ONLY TO THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, MAY NOT SUSTAIN A 1,000 POUND TRANSVERSE LOAD.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH.

Notes

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER, MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES AND MINI-VANS.NOTE: 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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Other Lincoln Town Car model years

Check your 1996 Lincoln Town Car VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Lincoln Town Car at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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