RoadVitals

2011 Lincoln Town Car

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
6
Latest Oct 3, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Nov 5, 2014
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
2
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Lincoln Town Car, most frequently naming the steering, airbags and brakes categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 20 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Steering440.0%
  • Airbags220.0%
  • Brakes110.0%
  • Driver assistance110.0%
  • Seat belts110.0%
  • Tires & wheels110.0%

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

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
14V704000

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:PINION SHAFT

Nov 5, 2014
36,888 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.
The risk: Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S25.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 14S25View on NHTSA.gov
13V385000

STEERING

Aug 29, 2013
355,000 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.
The risk: If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed. The recall began on October 23, 2013. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S08.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 13S08View on NHTSA.gov
10V638000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Dec 9, 2010
161 units potentially affected
The defect: EXECUTIVE COACH IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINES. THE FUEL RAIL SHIELD WAS LEFT OFF DURING MANUFACTURING. IN A FRONTAL IMPACT THE ENGINE COULD POTENTIALLY BEND OR RUPTURE FUEL LINES IF THE REPLACEMENT SHIELD IS NOT IN PLACE, CAUSING THOSE LINES TO LEAK FUEL.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: EXECUTIVE COACH WILL SUPPLY KITS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS TO HAVE VEHICLES REPAIRED AT A FACILITY OF THE OWNER'S CHOICE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EXECUTIVE COACH AT 888-322-9272.
EXECUTIVE COACH BUILDERSManufacturer number FR5010View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Steering
Filed Oct 3, 2022

I believe I have problem with the ,safety recall ,the vehicle experience a loss of steering, and I was almost crash my vehicle on the highway ,and also believe car was recalled but not fixed .

NHTSA ID
11487568
Incident
Oct 2, 2022
Steering
Filed May 22, 2022

I WAS DRIVING GOING OVER 50 PER MILE ON HWY , WHEN I TRY TO TAKE THE EXIT MY VEHICLE KEEP GOING STRAIGHT I CAN'T MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL , I WAS ALMOST GOING TO THE TREES THAN I STOP . AND I THINK THIS PART OF RECALL PLEASE CONTACT ME AT [XXX] THANK YOU . INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11465653
Incident
May 21, 2022
AirbagsDriver assistanceSeat belts
Filed Jul 2, 2019
Crash reported1 injury reported

THE CAR ACCELERATED WHILE GOING UP A RAMP THAT WENT TO AN AXIS ROAD TO THE INTERSTATE. WE HIT A RETAINING WALL HEAD ON, SPUN AROUND AND THEN THE BACK OF THE CAR ALSO HIT THE WALL. MY SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD ME BACK. I ENDED WEDGED BETWEEN THE CONSOLE AND DASHBOARD. I HAVE A BROKEN RIB AND CHIPPED TOOTH AND BUMPS AND BRUISES. MY WIFE WAS A PASSENGER AND HER SEAT BELT HELD HER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. OUR CAR WAS TOTALED

NHTSA ID
11228950
Incident
Jun 7, 2019
Mileage
92,000 mi
Steering
Filed Mar 9, 2018

STEERING BINDS DURING RIGHT AND LEFT TURNS. I HAVE TO MANUALLY RETURN THE WHEEL TO CENTER AFTER A TURN.

NHTSA ID
11078365
Incident
Jan 1, 2018
Mileage
120,000 mi
AirbagsBrakesSteering
Filed Jan 9, 2014
Crash reported1 injury reported

WHILE DRIVING, MY 2011 LINCOLN, CONTINENTAL WHICH WAS IS SHOWROOM CONDITION, AT APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH, ON WET PAVEMENT (NOT SATURATED) NEGOTIATING SLIGHT CURVE,WHILE WEARING A SEATBELT, VEHICLE VEERED LEFT MORE THAN A LEFT FRONT FLAT TIRE WOULD CAUSE. STEERING DID NOT RESPOND. VEHICLE CROSSED YELLOW DOUBLE SOLID LINE STRIKING GUIDE RAIL HEAD ON. NO INTERIOR SAFETY EQUIPMENT WORKED FOR PASSENGER. SEATBELT REMAINED IN LATCHED POSITION BUT DID NOT TIGHTEN. STANDING ON BRAKE VEHICLE DID NOT APPEAR TO SLOW. ... 10-12 SECONDS LATER MY VEHICLE WAS STRUCK AT THE DRIVER'S FRONT WHEEL AND FENDER BY A TRUCK TRAVELING APPROX. 50 MPH. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. INJURIES TO PASSENGER. VEHICLE TOTALED. NOTE:LINCOLN CONTINENTAL DRIVER IS A PROFESSIONAL DRIVER WITH NO ACCIDENTS IN 34 YEARS. 1. STEERING DID NOT WORK, LEFT OR RIGHT. 2. ABS DID NOT ACTIVATE. 3. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN FIRST OR SECOND COLLISION. NO FRONT AIRBAG NO SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10559255
Incident
Nov 7, 2013
Mileage
15,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jan 14, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LINCOLN TOWN CAR EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN RADIAL XSE TIRES, SIZE P225/60/R17. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE TIRE WAS COMPLETELY FLAT WITH A 3 INCH GASH ON IT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE TIRE TO A DEALER WHO STATED THAT HE MUST HAVE HIT A POT HOLE IN ORDER FOR THE TIRE TO SUCH EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED BUT ANOTHER FAILURE RECURRED ON THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS ALSO A BLISTER ON THE TIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRE AND VEHICLE WAS 6,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10492859
Incident
Dec 17, 2012
Mileage
6,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 54601

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

SSM 52476

EQUIPMENT

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.

DOR-L2Q6V-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

This SKU is a Radiator Fan. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the electrical connections. An electrical connection issue may lead to the fan not working potentially throwing a check engine light for overheating.

SSM 48130

VISIBILITY; VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found, inspect the area of the glass that is covered by the cowl and/or molding. The portion of glass that is covered by the cowl or molding will not be affected by the acid. Hydrofluoric acid damage is not a defect in material or workmanship and is not a warrantable condition.

SSM 47976

POWER TRAIN

On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.

SSM 47201

EQUIPMENT

Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only approved Genuine Ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original equipment: Monroney Label (Window Sticker), Professional Technician Society (PTS) OASIS tab  select SYNC or HVBOM. For Genuine Ford accessories use: PTS Workshop Tab  select Dealer Installed Accessory or Accessory Installation.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Lincoln Town Car by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2013000—
2011Viewing630—
2010133045.8
2009530—
2008203057.1
2007843160.0
20061432047.8
20051193052.7
2004830151.8
20032011448.6
2002651360.7
20011616666.7
20001089464.8
19991486464.7
19981548560.5
19973148759.6
199625910661.3
19951659665.1
19941555468.0
19931764773.8
19922494774.5
19911555162.8
19902094271.3
1989895065.8
1988995271.8
1987326065.8
1986504170.7
1985211263.3
1984151161.6
1983431—
1982201—
1981101—
1980101—
1978100—
1977100—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.