Illustration1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. CUSTOMER STATES THAT HE WANTS THE MONEY FOR THE CAR AND THE TOWING AND STORAGE FEES FOR HIS VEHICLE. HE STATES THE FIRE REPORT MENTIONS A DEFECTIVE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH. *KB *JB
1993 Lincoln Town Car
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Town Car years
Owner complaints for the 1993 Lincoln Town Car are substantially higher than the model-year median of 86.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Town Car years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 32 of 176 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
13 crash reports56 fire reports10 injury reports
What owners actually said
176 reportsMY 1993 TOWN CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED FOR TWO DAYS. IT BURNED DOWN THE GAARAAAAGE IT WAS PARKED IN AND CAUGHT FIRE THE TWO OTHER NEIGHBORS CAR AAND THE CONDO COMPLEX WHERE I WAS VISITING. I HAVE WITNESSES THAT SAY THEY SAW THE FIRE STAAART FROM MY FORD TOWN CAR. MY INSURANCE SENT AN EXPERT TO DIG THROUGH THE RUBLE AND FOUND …
Read full complaint
MY 1993 TOWN CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED FOR TWO DAYS. IT BURNED DOWN THE GAARAAAAGE IT WAS PARKED IN AND CAUGHT FIRE THE TWO OTHER NEIGHBORS CAR AAND THE CONDO COMPLEX WHERE I WAS VISITING. I HAVE WITNESSES THAT SAY THEY SAW THE FIRE STAAART FROM MY FORD TOWN CAR. MY INSURANCE SENT AN EXPERT TO DIG THROUGH THE RUBLE AND FOUND THE DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH. FORD SAID MY TOWN CAAR VIN NUMBER WAS NOT ONE TO BE RECALLED. NOW I AM BEING SUED BY THE CONDO COMPLEX FOR PARKING MY CAR IN THE GARAGE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING VENT WHEN SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE. WITHIN MINUTES, THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. AN INSURANCE CLAIM WAS FILED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE.…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING VENT WHEN SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE. WITHIN MINUTES, THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. AN INSURANCE CLAIM WAS FILED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WILL NOT FILE A COMPLAINT OR PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE BECAUSE SHE FILED A CLAIM WITH HER INSURANCE COMPANY. A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 123,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FEEL SPONGY AND THE VEHICLE FEELS AS IF IT WILL NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. SHE MUST CONTINUOUSLY ADD BRAKE FLUID TO THE VEHICLE, BUT IT LEAKS OUT. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 95V133000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LIN…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FEEL SPONGY AND THE VEHICLE FEELS AS IF IT WILL NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. SHE MUST CONTINUOUSLY ADD BRAKE FLUID TO THE VEHICLE, BUT IT LEAKS OUT. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 95V133000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS) WAS REFERENCED. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE AND APPROXIMATELY FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND DESTROYED HIS HOME. THE CONTACT'S WIFE SUFFERED SEVERAL BURNS AND THE CONTACT FOUND RECALL # 99V124000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES, FIRE REPORTS, AND …
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE AND APPROXIMATELY FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND DESTROYED HIS HOME. THE CONTACT'S WIFE SUFFERED SEVERAL BURNS AND THE CONTACT FOUND RECALL # 99V124000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES, FIRE REPORTS, AND POLICE REPORTS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 92,000.
MY 1993 TOWN CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AT MY PARENTS CONDO. I WAS INSIDE AND HEARD THE EXPLOSION. THE INSURANCE SENT A MAN WHO INVESTIGATORS FIRES TO LOOK AT THE CAR. HE SAID DEFINITELY WAS THE SPEED SWITCH. FORD SENT ME A LETTER SAYING MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT ONE OF THE 263,988 CARS MADE THAT YEAR TO BE RECALLED. I CALLED THEM…
Read full complaint
MY 1993 TOWN CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AT MY PARENTS CONDO. I WAS INSIDE AND HEARD THE EXPLOSION. THE INSURANCE SENT A MAN WHO INVESTIGATORS FIRES TO LOOK AT THE CAR. HE SAID DEFINITELY WAS THE SPEED SWITCH. FORD SENT ME A LETTER SAYING MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT ONE OF THE 263,988 CARS MADE THAT YEAR TO BE RECALLED. I CALLED THEM SEVERAL TIMES TO ASK FOR A RESPONSE. FORD FINALLY SENT ME A LETTER SAYING "LIKE WE TOLD YOU ON THE PHONE, YOURS IS NOT ONE THAT NEEDED TO BE RECALLED." MY CAR NOT ONLY BURNED UP BUT MY FATHER'S NEW TOWN CAR BURNED TO THE GROUND AND HIS NEIGHBORS AND THE CAR PORT THEY WERE PARKED UNDER. NOW I HAVE RECEIVED MANY LETTERS FROM THE CONDO LAWYERS THAT THEY ARE GOING AFTER MY INSURANCE TO PAY FOR THE CAR PORT. I HAVE MANY PICTURES A POLICE REPORT EVERY THING NEEDED TO SHOW FORD WE HAVE A PROBLEM. THEY STILL CONTINUE TO IGNORE ME. *NM
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMED BY FIRE WHILE IT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 41/2 HOURS. THE FIRE INSPECTOR DETERMINED THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT IN THE WIRING OF THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH. THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD FAILED TO WORK SEVERAL MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. THERE WAS A R…
Read full complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS CONSUMED BY FIRE WHILE IT HAD BEEN PARKED FOR 41/2 HOURS. THE FIRE INSPECTOR DETERMINED THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT IN THE WIRING OF THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH. THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD FAILED TO WORK SEVERAL MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. THERE WAS A RECALL NOTICE (99V124000), BUT IT DID NOT INCLUDE THE VEHICLE'S VIN NUMBER.
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 99V124000 CONCERNING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. *AK
CRUISE CONTROL WAS DEFECTIVE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH FIRE. IT BURNED UP THE VEHICLE. ALSO BURNED DOWN THE HOUSE. THIS EVENT HAPPENED IN JUNE 2003. SHE WAS NOT AWARE THAT SHE NEEDED TO FILE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE EVENT AT THAT TIME. . *AK *JB
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED UNDERHOOD FIRE DUE TO DEFECTIVE CRUISE CONTROL MODULE. 1993 LINCOLN TOWN CAR WAS PARKED FOR 2 WEEKS. CRUISE CONTROL HAD FAILED TO OPERATE. RECALL NEVER RECEIVED. OWNED CAR FOR 9 YEARS. *JB
Official recalls
407V336000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Aug 3, 2007
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
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.
99V124000 · Electrical System
May 19, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH CAN DEVELOP A RESISTIVE SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. A FIRE IS POSSIBLE BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND WHEN THE VEHICLE ENGINE IS OFF. ALSO, THE SHORT COULD DISABLE THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT FUSE TO OPEN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A FIRE CAN ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT FRONT UNDERHOOD AREA.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND CONNECTOR SHELL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 20, 1999.
98V322000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
Dec 16, 1998
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, REDUCED STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).
95V133000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Jul 11, 1995
IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE REAR BRAKE LINE AT THE POINT AT WHICH THE EXTENDED BRAKE LINE FIRST BENDS AND EXTENDS OVER THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AREA OF THE FRAME. IF NOT INSTALLED WITH SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE, CHAFING OF THE BRAKE LINE CAN OCCUR IN AN AREA ADJACENT TO THE REAR FLOOR PAN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE REAR BRAKE LINE CAN LEAK OR RUPTURE RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY, LOSS OF REAR BRAKES, AND/OR LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID RESERVES IN THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LINE FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND/OR DAMAGE AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY. ALSO A PROTECTIVE BOOT OR SLEEVE OVER THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE INSTALLED.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
7EA02025 · Speed Control Deactivation Switch Fires
Opened Sep 6, 2002 · Closed Jun 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FIRE INCIDENTS (2.5 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD) WHERE FAILURE OF THE SCDS IS INVOLVED AND THE AGE OF THE VEHICLES ? 7 TO 11 YEARS ? A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
DP02007 · FUEL-FED Fires
Opened Aug 22, 2002 · Closed Dec 4, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
THE FARS DATA SHOWS THAT THE RISK OF FIRE FROM IMPACT IN ALL DIRECTIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS THE SAME AS ALL OTHER SEDANS.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT OVER REPRESENTED WITH RESPECT TO THE RISK OF FIRE IN REAL-WORLD HIGH-ENERGY CRASHES.A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF ISSUES RELATED TO POST CRASH FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS SET OUT IN THE CLOSING REPORT FOR SQ 01-014 AND THAT REPORT IS IN THE DOCKET FOR THIS PETITION.AFTER REVIEWING THE PETITION AND ITS SUPPORTING MATERIALS, AS WELL AS INFORMATION FURNISHED BY FORD AND GM, AND INFORMATION WITHIN THE AGENCY'S POSSESSION FROM PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS AND OTHER RELATED ACTIONS,NHTSA HAS CONCLUDED THAT FUTHER INVESTIGATION CONCERNING POST-CRASH FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS NOT LIKELY TO LEAD TO A DECISION THAT THE VEHICLES CONTAIN A SAFETY DEFECT.
SQ01014 · Post Rear End Collision Fires
Opened Nov 27, 2001 · Closed Oct 3, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
There is no summary currently available
RQ01002 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Sep 20, 2001 · Closed Sep 6, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
No summary supplied.
EA99006 · Under Hood Fires
Opened Mar 11, 1999 · Closed May 19, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
ALLEGED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IN THE AREA OF THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WELL AND THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER
PE98055 · Under Hood Fires
Opened Oct 27, 1998 · Closed Mar 11, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
ALLEGED ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IN THE AREA OF THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WELL AND THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINER.
PE93086 · Hood FLY-UP While Driving
Opened Oct 1, 1993 · Closed Feb 28, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available