NHTSA vehicle safety data

1999 Lincoln Town Car Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 1999 Lincoln Town Car has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 148 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 1999 Lincoln Town Car, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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

1999 Lincoln Town Car owner complaints

Owners have filed 148 complaints with NHTSA about the 1999 Lincoln Town Car, describing incidents dated May 15, 1998 to April 26, 2023.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 29 complaints
Suspension 21 complaints
Service Brakes 19 complaints
Visibility/Wiper 19 complaints
Engine 17 complaints
Steering 15 complaints

Of the 148 complaints on file, 18 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 148 complaints, owners report 14 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11617160 · Filed September 30, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
ODI #11519232 · Filed April 27, 2023
Front driver seatbelt does not lock. Unknown when or why this occurred. All other seatbelts in car still functioning. Not repaired yet. Would this be covered under any type of federal warranty?
ODI #11499152 · Filed December 28, 2022
The contact owns a 1999 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel started pulling to the left with extreme force. The contact attempted to correct the over steering and the vehicle started pulling to the right and the left. The contact stated that an…

Read all 148 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1999 Lincoln Town Car in 4 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
Preliminary Evaluation PE03-011: INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
Closed August 22, 2003
Defect Petition DP02-007: FUEL-FED FIRES
Closed December 4, 2002
Service Query SQ01-014: POST REAR END COLLISION FIRES
Closed October 3, 2002
- Campaign 02I-003

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.

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

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).

1999 Lincoln Town Car 4-DR. w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

4 investigations

148 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Lincoln Town Car.

Suspension

ODI #11617160

Incident: November 18, 2018 · Filed: September 30, 2024

See attached document for complaint.

Seat Belts

ODI #11519232

Incident: April 26, 2023 · Filed: April 27, 2023

Front driver seatbelt does not lock. Unknown when or why this occurred. All other seatbelts in car still functioning. Not repaired yet. Would this be covered under any type of federal warranty?

Steering; Suspension

ODI #11499152

Incident: December 13, 2020 · Filed: December 28, 2022

The contact owns a 1999 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel started pulling to the left with extreme force. The contact attempted to correct the over steering and the vehicle started pulling to the right and the left. The contact stated that an unknown warning was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to his residence. The contact stated that he drove the vehicle several more times and the steering failure recurred while driving at various speeds. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the ball joints, upper and lower control arms, and the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 132,000. The dealer is requesting the consumer get a diagnostic for $168 eventhough the consumer presented them with a safety recall via carfax.

Structure; Service Brakes

ODI #11384666

Crash

Incident: December 1, 2020 · Filed: December 23, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE CONTACT FELT THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE CONTACT MADE A RIGHT HAND TURN AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED TRUCK. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE AN INJURY THAT REQUIRED TRANSPORT TO A HOSPITAL AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CRASH HAPPENED RIGHT AT THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC'S SHOP. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FIXED THE BRAKES WITH A FLUID LEAK FROM THE BRAKE LINE AS THE CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT FELT THERE ALSO WAS AN ISSUE OF THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEING OUT OF ALIGNMENT THAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DRIFT TO ONE SIDE. THE ISSUE RECURRED WITH THE FRONT END STILL BEING OUT OF ALIGNMENT WITH A SCRAPING SOUND. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER GRIFFIN FORD: NEW FORD 511 7TH ST W, TIFTON, GA 31794 (229) 382-1300 BUT RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE FROM THE DEALER . THE CONTACT WENT TO ANOTHER UNKNOWN DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE WITH THE BRAKES BUT STATED THAT THE FRONT END WAS NOT DAMAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNREPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Suspension

ODI #11329554

Incident: June 16, 2020 · Filed: June 18, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHEEL DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARMS AND BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED LAMARQUE FORD LOCATED AT 3101 WILLIAMS BLVD SUITE F, KENNER, LA 70065, (504) 443-2500, AND MADE THE DEALER AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.*DT *AS

Engine

ODI #11306764

Incident: January 8, 2020 · Filed: February 3, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF NOTICED LIQUID DRIPPING FROM THE AIR VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS A FAILURE WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Steering; Electrical System; Structure

ODI #11221391

Incident: January 4, 2016 · Filed: June 20, 2019

TAKATA RECALL: STEERING WHEEL HAS SMOKED BEFORE LIGHTLY, INTERIOR LIGHTS HAVE STAYED ON,STEERING WHEEL HAS DONE A 360 TURN,CORROSION ON THE SIDE PANEL AND PANEL(CHROME) HAS FALLEN OFF. I'M NOT SURE HOW LATE A RECALL TIME FRAME IS BUT MY CAR HAPPENS TO BE VERY OLD NOW SO I'M WONDERING IF THIS IS THE CASE I HAVE PICTURES FROM WHAT THE CAR LOOKED LIKE AND UP TO NOW ALSO MY CAR IS NOW AT 366.'- MILES SO THIS MAY NOT EVEN BE SOMETHING TO BE TURNED IN, THIS STATE HAS ALSO DONE SO MUCH DAMAGE FROM THE POTHOLES..

Unknown or Other; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11196539

Fire

Incident: April 13, 2019 · Filed: April 15, 2019

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A PUBLIC STREET NOT EVEN GOING THE SPEED LIMIT AND I CAME TO THE STOP LIGHT MY CAR ACTED LIKE IT DIDN'T WANNA GO I GOT IT TO A PARKING SPOT AND IT BURST TO A BALL OF FLAMES I HAD NO PREVIOUS SYMPTOMS AND THE CAR WAS DRIVING FINE IT HAD JUST GOTTEN TO HALFWAY MARK ON MY HEAT GAUGE. I THINK IT MAY HAVE BEEN THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD MELTED MAYBE? ANY WAYS THOUGHT I WOULD REPORT THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY A VERY DANGEROUS THING IT ALMOST BURNT ME ALIVE GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND THEN ALMOST BURNT A BUSINESS DOWN AND I'M HOPING TO GET SOME SORT OF COMPENSATION BECAUSE NO ONE TOLD ME TILL JUST NOW. IF I COULD GET SOME INFO ON WHO TO CALL AT FORD THAT'D BE GREAT

Air Bags

ODI #11150889

Incident: September 10, 2018 · Filed: November 12, 2018

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY

Steering

ODI #11132298

Incident: August 29, 2018 · Filed: September 29, 2018

THE STEERING IN MY CAR IS VERY LOOSE. THE CAR TURNS AT THE SLIGHTEST SHIFT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. IT'S DIFFICULT TO CONTROL ON THE INTERSTATE.

Other Lincoln Town Car model years

Check your 1999 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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