NHTSA vehicle safety data
1998 Lincoln Town Car Recalls & Complaints
The 1998 Lincoln Town Car has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns and 154 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 1998 Lincoln Town Car. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
1998 Lincoln Town Car owner complaints
Owners have filed 154 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998 Lincoln Town Car, describing incidents dated December 15, 1997 to August 30, 2023.
Most-cited components
- Engine 33 complaints
- Service Brakes 19 complaints
- Suspension 19 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 16 complaints
- Electrical System 14 complaints
- Steering 13 complaints
Of the 154 complaints on file, 7 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 154 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11541626 · Filed
all body frame has rust.
ODI #11084191 · Filed
MAKES LOUD POPPING NOISE WHEN THE WHEEL IS TURNED TO THE EXTREME RIGHT OR LEFT WHETHER THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN OR STANDING STILL. OCCASIONALLY, THE IGNITION WON'T TURN ON AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED, CLOSING THE ENTIRE SYSTEM.
ODI #10552317 · Filed
THE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE STOPPED WORKING ON MY VEHICLE AND NOW I'M TOLD IT CAN'T BE REPLACED. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE RADIO & A/C STOPPED WORKING. THIS CRUISE CONTROL MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF IT'S ABILITY TO SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST THE CAR IN FLAMES AS IT DID ON MY 1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHY…
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1998 Lincoln Town Car in 5 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.
- Defect Petition DP05-005: SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
Closed January 4, 2006
- Defect Petition DP02-007: FUEL-FED FIRES
Closed December 4, 2002
- Service Query SQ01-014: POST REAR END COLLISION FIRES
Closed October 3, 2002
- Engineering Analysis EA99-010: FUEL SPIT BACK DURING REFUELING
Closed May 4, 1999
- Preliminary Evaluation PE98-052: FUEL SPIT BACK DURING REFUELING
Closed April 9, 1999
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/FMVSS 109/110/LIMOUSINE
NHTSA #00V356000 · Tires · NHTSA notice
Reported December 12, 2000 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 10,000 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 00S51 · Owners notified January 10, 2001 · Vehicles built September 19, 1997 – September 26, 2000 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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."
Safety consequence
THE VEHICLE WEIGHT COULD EXCEED THE MAXIMUM LOAD RATING FOR THE TIRE, INCREASING THE RISK OF PREMATURE TIRE WEAR OR BLOWOUT.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FORD/JACKING INSTRUCTIONS
NHTSA #00V200000 · Equipment — Mechanical — Integrated Jack/Leveler/Stabilizer · NHTSA notice
Reported July 18, 2000 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 875,000 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 00S13 · Owners notified August 3, 2000 · Vehicles built June 10, 1997 – June 14, 2000 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
IF THIS OCCURS AND ANY PORTION OF THE OPERATOR'S BODY IS UNDER THE VEHICLE, THE POTENTIAL FOR PERSONAL INJURY EXISTS.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 3, 2000.OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE INSTRUCTIONS AND LABEL 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 #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/FMVSS 108
NHTSA #98V028000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice
Reported February 10, 1998 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 571,800 vehicles
Owners notified March 23, 1998 · Vehicles built October 13, 1997 – November 23, 1997 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Safety consequence
IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE IMPROPERLY AIMED.
Manufacturer remedy
OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN MARCH 23, 1998. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE OWNER GUIDE 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).
Other Lincoln Town Car model years
Check your 1998 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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