RoadVitals

2000 Lincoln Town Car Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
108
Latest Jan 16, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
19

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2000 Lincoln Town Car, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED BY ITSELF WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN A PARKING LOT. I WAS MAKING A SLIGHT TURN TO THE RIGHT AT THE TIME OF DEPLOYMENT. THE CAR DID NOT HIT OR COME IN CONTACT WITH ANYTHING AND TO MY KNOWLEDGE THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT PRIOR. NO ONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AT THE TIME OF AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.

NHTSA ID 10631140 · filed Sep 5, 2014

2000 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE AND HIS WIFE WERE TRAVELING ON A STRAIGHT, DRY SMOOTH, PAVED ROAD, WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. *JB

NHTSA ID 10617520 · filed Jul 31, 2014
All 17 reports naming airbags

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11565861 · filed Jan 16, 2024

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 that’s on the sway bar link there’s 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

NHTSA ID 11563495 · filed Jan 4, 2024
All 17 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11565861 · filed Jan 16, 2024

STEERING, WHEELS SHAFT

NHTSA ID 11054848 · filed Dec 14, 2017
All 16 reports naming brakes

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11104464 · filed Jun 28, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. *TR

NHTSA ID 10503655 · filed Mar 19, 2013
All 14 reports naming engine

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 that’s on the sway bar link there’s 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

NHTSA ID 11563495 · filed Jan 4, 2024

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 3 MPH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE FELL TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE LOWER BALL JOINT WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 10/4/2006 - *NM

NHTSA ID 10168540 · filed Sep 18, 2006
All 10 reports naming suspension

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11104464 · filed Jun 28, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT WAS A PASSENGER OF A 2000 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED BRUISES. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AND THE REAR PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BROKEN JAW. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO SHOP WHERE IT WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ID 10423975 · filed Sep 6, 2011
All 10 reports naming driver assistance

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V258000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR). WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED IN THE RAIN, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 20,000.

NHTSA ID 10237703 · filed Aug 11, 2008

MY WIPER MOTOR STOPPED FUNCTIONING WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN. WHEN I TOOK IT TO A LINCOLN DEALERSHIP IN N. PALM BEACH. THE SERVICE PERSON MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON A WIPER MOTOR COVER..THAT WAS LIKELY TO CAUSE COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY ABOUT THIS AT THE REQUEST OF THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER MANY CALLS. 1. TO A PERSON CALLED MISSY 2. TO A PERSON CALLED ROBIN #7352 3. TO A PERSON CALLED RANDY IN MELBOURNE, FLA. AFTER TALKING TO THEM THEY MENTIONED THAT A PERSON ON THEIR "TECHLINE" NAMED DURSUM SENT A MESSAGE TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT THEY WOULD NOT TAKE CARE OF THE WIPER MOTOR REPAIR. (NO EXPLANATION OF WHY NOT) UPON CALLING FORD MO CO , THE PERSON RANDY, TRIED TO GET A SUPERVISOR, AND MENTIONED THAT ALL THE SUPERVISORS WERE BUSY, AND WOULD CALL ME BACK IN 24 HR. UPON MENTIONING THAT 24 HRS WAS A LONG TIME. RANDY TRIED AGAIN. A SUPERVISOR AT THE MELBOURNE OFFICE OF FORD CALLED MARISHA SAID THAT NOTHING WOULD BE DONE. SHE ALSO MENTIONED THAT I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET A COPY OF THE REASON FORD REFUSED TO MAKE THE REPAIR. I AM UPSET THAT FORD REFUSED TO FIX A PART THAT WAS EXPRESSLY STATED IN A RECALL. I AM GOING TO HAVE MY MOTOR REPAIRED AT ANOTHER SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT, DEFINITELY NOT FORDS. I WILL RETAIN THE RECEIPTS. I AM REQUESTING A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THIS REPAIR, AND WANT TO MAKE IT NOTED OF FORDS' RESPONSE TO THIS SITUATION. THE REFERENCE # OF THIS TO FORD IS 1363350186 MY CAR IS A 2000 TOWN CAR IT LOOKED AS THOUGH 1,083,00 UNITS WERE AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THAT'S A LOT OF CARS THAT COULD CAUSE A LOT OF DAMAGE. *NM

NHTSA ID 10148044 · filed Jan 18, 2006
All 9 reports naming visibility

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

STEERING, WHEELS SHAFT

NHTSA ID 11054848 · filed Dec 14, 2017

I TRIED TO ACCELERATE TO MERGE ONTO THE FREEWAY. IT WAS DRY, BUT THE TRAC ACTIVE CAME ON AND MY 2000 LINCOLN WOULD NOT GO MORE THAN 45MPH WITH THE GAS PEDAL MASHED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE PROBLEM REMAINS. HELP. *TR

NHTSA ID 10352862 · filed Aug 30, 2010
All 9 reports naming other / unspecified

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 that’s on the sway bar link there’s 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

NHTSA ID 11563495 · filed Jan 4, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID 11194828 · filed Apr 8, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11194828 · filed Apr 8, 2019

DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NOT CLICK INTO PLACE ANY MORE.

NHTSA ID 10723626 · filed Jun 5, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2000 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING PLACE, THE CAR KEPT GOING FORWARD, OVER THE 4' RETAINING WALL, AND INTO AN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING APPROXIMATELY 6' AWAY. THE CAR WAS TOTALED, AND THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING. FORTUNATELY, THE BUILDING STOPPED THE CAR. PART OF THE DAMAGE HAPPENED WHEN THE TOW TRUCK PULLED THE CAR OUT OF THE BUILDING. DRIVER WAS ONLY SLIGHTLY HURT ON THE LOWER ARMS WHICH HIT AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10578376 · filed Apr 8, 2014

CONSUMER STATED THAT THE FRONT DOORS ARE TOO HEAVY FOR THE CONSUMER TO OPEN OR CLOSE. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR

NHTSA ID 8022755 · filed Nov 14, 2002

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10823441 · filed Feb 1, 2016

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S GAS TANK WAS NOT PROTECTED PROPERLY. THE CONTACT OBSERVED A NEWS REPORT THAT STATED THAT THE GAS TANK OF THE SAME MODEL VEHICLES WOULD EXPLODE DURING A SEVERE REAR IMPACT, AND THAT PROTECTIVE CASES WERE BEING INSTALLED ON POLICE VEHICLE OF THE SAME MODEL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON 03/26/06 TO INQUIRE ABOUT INSTALLING A PROTECTIVE CASE FOR THE GAS TANK. THE DEALER DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE SAFETY REPAIR.

NHTSA ID 10161080 · filed Jun 29, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10966140 · filed Mar 15, 2017

WHEN ENGAGED, THE TURN SIGNALS CLICKED AS IF THEY WERE FUNCTIONING, BUT LIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL MODULE FAILED. *AK THE LCM MODULE WAS REPLACED. *SCC *JB

NHTSA ID 10027124 · filed Aug 7, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DURING A FOUR MONTH PERIOD, I EXPERIENCED 3 FLAT TIRES, INCLUDING 2 BLOWOUTS, USING DILL TR-413 VALVE STEMS. TIRE FAILURE RESULTED FROM VALVE STEM FAILURE ACCORDING TO TIRE DEALER. ALL THREE FAILURES OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, RESULTING IN BODY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.*TR

NHTSA ID 10245162 · filed Oct 11, 2008

CONSUMER STATES TIRE BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE PROBLEMS WAS THE WHEELS, AND IRREGULAR TIRE SEAL SURFACE. THEY ALWAYS LOSS TIRE PRESSURE AND LEAKED . CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE 4 NEW TIRES. *AK *CB *JB

NHTSA ID 10027044 · filed Aug 7, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2000 LINCOLN TOWN CAR CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. CONSUMER STATED THAT THEY PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT. *KB OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT# 10-0069-91. *JB

NHTSA ID 10218367 · filed Feb 14, 2008

THE STEREO SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED AND THE NEW SYSTEM HAS THE SAME FAILURE. THE STEREO BUTTON LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON AT NIGHT AND THE STEREO ITSELF DOES NOT STAY ON FOR THE REQUIRED 10 MINUTES AFTER VEHICLE SHUT-OFF (UNTIL DOORS ARE OPENED). *LA THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS NO LONGER LOCK AFTER CAR IS IN DRIVE. THE HORN NO LONGER HONKS WHEN THE AUTO-KEY LOCK IS ACTIVATED. *LA

NHTSA ID 10043337 · filed Oct 21, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

2000 LINCOLN TOWN CAR SIGNATURE SERIES...AIR CONDITIONER HAS A MUSKY, WET ODOR COMING FROM THE INTERIOR VENTS. THE ODOR IS VERY BAD AT TIMES INSIDE THE CAR. DEALER SPRAYED ODOR KILLER IN THE INTAKE VENTS UNDER THE HOOD--THINGS SEEM TO GET BETTER BUT CAME RIGHT BACK IN A COUPLE OF DAYS. CARPET HAS NEVER BEEN WET .. I HAVE BAD ALLERGIES AND NEED TO GET THIS MATTER CORRECTED.. CAR HAS 31000 MILES. *AK

NHTSA ID 10074789 · filed Jun 4, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY WENT DEAD. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO BACK OR IF PLACED IN DRIVE, IT WOULD NOT GO FORWARD. SCC *JB

NHTSA ID 10001969 · filed Jan 13, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .