2002 Lincoln Town Car Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 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
- Airbags2028.6%
- Driver assistance1217.1%
- Brakes1115.7%
- Engine45.7%
- Interior & seats45.7%
- Visibility34.3%
- Electrical34.3%
- Steering34.3%
- Suspension34.3%
- Tires & wheels22.9%
- Body & structure22.9%
- Seat belts22.9%
- Fuel system11.4%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON 01/12/2019 I WAS TRAVELING STRAIGHT DOWN A LEVEL COUNTRY ROAD WITH 1 PASSENGER IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AT ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN FOR NO REASON THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. AFTER REGAINING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TOOK A FEW MINUTES TO CALM DOWN AND FIGURE OUT WHAT JUST HAPPENED AND CLEAR ALL THE SMOKE FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE AIR BAG. MY FRIEND IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS SORE BUT NOT INJURED AND BOTH OUR EARS WERE RINGING. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN FIRED IN THE CAR. I CALL LINCOLN CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOT ANY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE AND DUE TO ITS AGE THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE TO GET IT REPAIRED. THE SIDE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT IS ALL TORE APART.
TAKATA RECALL ? MY WIFE AND FRIEND DRIVING 30 MPH IN NO TRAFFIC, AND THE DRIVERS SEAT AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. SHE SAID IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT AND THE YELLOW BAG CAME OUT OF THE DRIVERS SEAT. DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD ON A COUNTRY ROAD.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER HEARING C. THE RECENT SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES, I AM PROMPTED TO WRITE YOU AGAIN REGARDING THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITH MY 2002 LINCOLN TOWNCAR. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE UP MY DRIVEWAY, AND PARK IN MY GARAGE, TRAVELING C. 5 MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY SOUNDED AS IF WERE REVVING AND LURCHED FORWARD. THE AGENT SENT FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY, RECORDED 35 FEET OF SKID MARKS. BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND MY VEHICLE AND I CRASHED INTO MY DEN. I DID REPORT THIS INCIDENT TO FORD AND TO YOU AT THE TIME. MY COUSIN, IN ILLINOIS, HAD THE SAME MAKE AND YEAR AUTOMOBILE, AND HAD THE INCIDENT OCCUR THREE TIMES. IT IS A FRIGHTENING OCCURRENCE AND ONE FEELS TOTALLY HELPLESS. WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ELIMINATE THIS FROM OUR DRIVING EXPERIENCE? *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE UNTIL ONE MINUTE LATER. THE MECHANIC AND DEALER WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 49,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL I'VE CHANGE THE BRAKE SWITCH ON MY CAR OVER FOUR TIMES AND IT WENT OUT AGAIN. MT CAR WILL NOT CHAGE GIER WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL WITH THIS PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENS AFTER THE VEHICLE IS PARK.
RE 2002 LINCOLN TC CARTIER L. THE MOST USELESS AND DANGEROUS ACCESSORY ON THIS AUTO IS THE ADJUSTABLE BRAKE & ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE DOESN'T APPEAR THAT THERE IS ANY WAY ONE MAY ADJUST EITHER/OR AS THEY ADJUST SIMULTANEOUSLY. RECENTLY THIS "ACCESSORY" COST ME $1000.00. MY WIFE WAS STOPPED, WAITING ON THE LIGHT TO CHANGE AND HAD HER FOOT PARTIALLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WHEN SHE PUSH ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, SHE ALSO PUSHED ON THE ACCELERATOR CAUSING HER TO REAR-END THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. ONCE THE BRAKE PADS WEAR, THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ACCELERATOR IS AT THE SAME LEVEL. THIS IS NO JOKE. THIS HAS HAPPEN TO ME TWICE, FORTUNATELY IN BOTH INSTANCES THERE WERE NO PEOPLE OR VEHICLE (S) IN FRONT OF ME.- ( NO EXCUSES, JUST FACTS). I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE (REPORTED TO YOU)? THANK YOU. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. EZRA RACHAL. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
INTAKE MANFIOLD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING EXCESSIVELY AND EXHIBITING LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISES FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ONE OF THE CYLINDERS MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RUN ON SEVEN CYLINDERS INSTEAD OF EIGHT. HE ALSO DISCOVERED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO THEN REPLACED THE MANIFOLD AND THE PLUG WIRE FOR THE CYLINDER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING REIMBURSEMENT AND THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, IT COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY LED TO A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
2002 LINCOLN TOWNCAR CAR HAS AUTO LOCK FEATURE LOCKING ALL DOORS WHEN MOVING FORWARD. AFTER STOPPING THOSE IN THE FRONT SEAT CAN EXIT BY USING DOOR HANDLE. THOSE IN REAR SEAT MUST FIRST USE THE UNLOCK PLUNGER. IN EVENT OF ACCIDENT IF REAR PASSENGERS DO NOT KNOW THIS THEY ARE TRAPPED IN CAR. *CW
AUTO DOOR LOCKS AFTER LOCKING ALL DOORS DO NOT UNLOCK REAR DOORS AFTER STOPPING AND EXITING CAR. ONE MUST MANUALLY UNLOCK THEM. IN A EMERGENCY ONE NOT FAMILIAR WOULD BE TRAPPED IN CAR. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON A CITY STREET, SMOKE ERUPTED FROM ALL OF THE AIR VENTS ON THE DASH, AND FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THERE WERE NO VISIBLE FLAMES PRESENT. THE CONTACT TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, WHICH STOPPED THE SMOKE. AFTERWARDS, AS SOON AS THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED, SMOKE WAS AGAIN PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR SHORTED OUT AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 01V258000, REGARDING THE WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER MOTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
WE WERE TRAVELING THE I-40 IN AZ BEHIND A TRACTOR/TRAILER RIG. THE RIG THREW UP A ROCK. IT HIT OUR CAR. WE LOOKED AT OUR WINDSHIELD THINKING THE ROCK HIT THERE AND SAW NOTHING SO WE PROCEEDED. LATER, WE HEARD A STRANGE SOUND. I LOOKED IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SAW SOMETHING FLY OFF. WE STOPPED AND DISCOVERED PART OF OUR SUNROOF HAD BROKEN APART AND FLEW OFF. WE DUCT TAPPED THE REMAINING SUNROOF AND PROCEEDED AT A VERY SLOW SPEED. IT OCCURRED TO US IF A MOTORCYCLE OR CONVERTIBLE WOULD HAVE BEEN BEHIND US THEY COULD HAVE BEEN HIT BY THE GLASS. THANK GOD, THEY WEREN'T THERE. WE COULD HEAR PIECES OF THE GLASS FALLING ON THE SUNSHIELD. THANKFULLY, WE WEREN'T CUT. THE DEALER TOLD US THAT SUNROOF GLASS ISN'T LAMINATED OR OF THE QUALITY OF WINDSHIELD GLASS. IS IT POSSIBLE TO REQUIRE A DISCLAIMER OR A SAFER GLASS FOR SUNROOFS? *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE SITTING IN A DRIVE THRU MY 2002 LINCOLN TOWNCAR CAUGHT A BLAZE UNDER THE HOOD. *TR
WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED FOR A LONG TRAFFIC LIGHT STOP, I COULD SMELL BURNING PLASTIC. AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS OF THIS MY CAR WOULD NOT COME OUT OF PARK. FOUND THE HARNESS PLUG TO THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MELTED. I AM CURIOUS AS TO WHY THE FUSE DIDN'T BLOW ?. I REPLACED THE PLUG WITH NEW CONNECTORS AND A FEW WEEKS LATER THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING - WIRES ARE MELTED AND THE FUSE IS NOT TRIPPED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME LOOSE AS THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE ALSO WENT AIRBORNE, ROLLED OVER AND SPUN THREE TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS FRACTURED AND THE REAR WINDSHIELD BECAME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THREE OCCUPANTS AND A PET DOG WERE SEVERELY INJURED AND WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE STEERING OR AIR BAG FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000. UPDATED 08/06/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY HERNDON AND ASSOCIATES EGINEERING FIRM. THE REPORT WAS SENT TO FORD, WHICH FORD DISSMISSED IN FOUR (4) DAYS. UPDATED 08/5/2013 *JS
THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE IN THE STEERING, AND CONTAINED A LOT OF PLAY, WHICH WAS CAUSED BY TWO MOUNTING BOLT WHICH BROKE. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING FOOT PEDAL/FRONT SEAT VIBRATED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
PURCHASED NEW 2002 LINCOLN TOWNCAR APRIL 2002 FROM CENTRAL FLORIDA LINCOLN MERCURY IN ORLANDO FLORIDA. CAR IS GARAGED ALL THE TIME AND NOW HAS 3000 MILES ON IT. THE CHASSIS AND VARIOUS STEEL SUPPORT AND STEERING PARTS HAVE SEVERE AND I MEAN SEVERE RUST. THE DEALER SAYS IT IS MORE THAN THEY HAVE SEEN BUT THERE IS NO PROBLEM. I HAVE NEVER SEEN RUST AS BAD AS THIS AND I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF CARS IN MY LIFE TIME AS A MECHANIC. THE RUST LOOKS LIKE THE CAR WAS IN ROAD SALT FOR MANY YEARS EVEN THOUGH THE CAR HAS NOT AND ONLY 8 MONTHS OLD. TS
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Last week I blow a back tire . They said the belt broke separated. GOT a knot. This week Im having the same problem with one of my front tires. On way ro work had to pull over. Tire has a knot. I used Firestone but have had nothing but issues. Didn't tighten down my tires wore tire another store replaced the. Piedmont stoe . First store was powtersprings.
2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT.*MR THERE WAS A NAIL FOUND IN THE TIRE, THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE TIRE SHOULD HAVE JUST GONE FLAT AND BLOW OUT. *JB
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 2002 LINCOLN TOWNCAR AT 51200 MILE I DISCOVERED THAT THE DOOR HING ON THE DRIVERS DOOR CAUSED THE DOOR TO MAKE NOISE WHEN YOU OPENED AND CLOSED IT.I DISCOVERED THE THE DOOR HING WAS DEFECTIVE. I FEAR THAT THE DOOR MAY COME OPEN IF I HIT A BUMP. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED OR MISTREATED. THIS IS CLEARLY A FACTORY DEFECT AND LINCOLN SAID THEY WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT.
PURCHASED NEW 2002 LINCOLN TOWNCAR APRIL 2002 FROM CENTRAL FLORIDA LINCOLN MERCURY IN ORLANDO FLORIDA. CAR IS GARAGED ALL THE TIME AND NOW HAS 3000 MILES ON IT. THE CHASSIS AND VARIOUS STEEL SUPPORT AND STEERING PARTS HAVE SEVERE AND I MEAN SEVERE RUST. THE DEALER SAYS IT IS MORE THAN THEY HAVE SEEN BUT THERE IS NO PROBLEM. I HAVE NEVER SEEN RUST AS BAD AS THIS AND I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF CARS IN MY LIFE TIME AS A MECHANIC. THE RUST LOOKS LIKE THE CAR WAS IN ROAD SALT FOR MANY YEARS EVEN THOUGH THE CAR HAS NOT AND ONLY 8 MONTHS OLD. TS
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DRIVER SIDE SAFETY BELT ON MY 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR NO LONGER LATCHES AND APPEARS TO BE LOCKED PREVENTING THE SEAT BELT FROM BEING CONNECTED/LATCHED. THE DASH BOARD SEAT BELT INDICATOR (NORMALLY LIT UP WHEN A SEAT BELT IS NOT ATTACHED) DOES NOT LIGHT UP. THIS PROBLEM STARTED ONLY A COUPLE WEEKS AGO AND CONTINUES. THIS CAR HAVE LESS THAN 48,000 MILES AND IS USED TO DRIVE TO WORK AND BACK. BECAUSE I AM UNABLE TO LATCH MY DRIVER SEAT BELT THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND I WANTED TO REPORT IT TO YOUR AGENCY. AS OF THIS WRITING I HAVE NOT HAD A FORD SERVICE REP LOOK AT THIS, BUT INTEND TO SHORTLY. BECAUSE I HAVE NOT YET TAKEN MY CAR INTO A FORD SERVICE CENTER FOR EXAMINATION I AM UNABLE TO REPORT WHAT WAS DONE TO CORRECT THIS FAILURE OR PARTS NEEDED/REPLACED. *TR
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER COULD SMELL GASOLINE, CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SHOULDER AND THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE CAUSED THE FIRE, CLAIM 13-7076-635. *SLC
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER COULD SMELL GASOLINE, CONSUMER PULLED TO THE SHOULDER AND THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE CAUSED THE FIRE, CLAIM 13-7076-635. *SLC
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .