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: 38 of 155 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
15 crash reports26 fire reports13 injury reports
What owners actually said
155 reports
123,000 miles · May 15, 2008
Vehicle Speed ControlFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AT HIS HOME. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS DUE TO VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE FAILED COMPONENT. HIS INSURANCE COMPANY WILL NOT ASSUME ANY …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AT HIS HOME. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS DUE TO VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE FAILED COMPONENT. HIS INSURANCE COMPANY WILL NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 123,000. UPDATED 07/22/08 *BF UPDATED 07/22/08 *JB
NHTSA ODI #10227878
80,000 miles · May 13, 2008
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT SERVICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, SHE ATTEMPTED TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL, BUT IT DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE CRUISE …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT SERVICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, SHE ATTEMPTED TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL, BUT IT DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH INSPECTED AND WAS INFORMED THAT A CHARGE WOULD APPLY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10227642
Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2008
Vehicle Speed Control
1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR WITH A RECALL. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE HAS CALLED THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND KEEPS GETTING AN ANSWERING MACHINE AND NO ONE WILL RETURN HIS CALL. HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10226198
Mileage unknown · Apr 10, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed ControlFire
1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR MOTOR CAUGHT FIRE. CONSUMER STATES THAT HER MOTOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. SHE SAYS THAT FORD DOES NOT CARE. SHE WOULD LIKE FORD TO GIVE HER $500.00 FOR A NEW MOTOR. *KB THE FIRE MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO A FAULTY SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10225052
Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2008
Vehicle Speed Control
1999 FORD EXPLORER AND 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR WITH SPEED CONTROL RECALL. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED BACK IN OCTOBER OF 2007. DEALER TOLD HIM THAT FORD HAS NOT SENT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS YET. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10223972
237,576 miles · Mar 14, 2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ATTEMPTED TO STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER FOR IT TO ST…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ATTEMPTED TO STOP, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND PLACE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER FOR IT TO STOP. OCCASIONALLY, HE HAS TO OPEN THE VEHICLE DOOR AND APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AT A CERTAIN ANGLE. ADDITIONALLY, BRAKE FLUID IS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE AND ONTO THE BRAKE PEDAL. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CUPS MAY HAVE LEAKED THROUGH THE BRAKE BOOSTER. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN DENIED ASSISTANCE FROM SEVERAL DEALERS, EMERGENCY SERVICE MECHANICS, AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 237,576 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 295,350.
NHTSA ODI #10221680
160,278 miles · Mar 14, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingCrashInjury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED BETWEEN A TRACTOR TRAILER AND ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT THEN STRUCK THE REAR OF THE TRAILER. THE POLICE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AND FILED A REPORT. THE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED BETWEEN A TRACTOR TRAILER AND ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MOVE FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT THEN STRUCK THE REAR OF THE TRAILER. THE POLICE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE AND FILED A REPORT. THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL AND SUSTAINED FACE AND CHEST BRUISES FROM THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 160,278.
NHTSA ODI #10221172
100,000 miles · Mar 5, 2008
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DEACTIVATE. THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED TWICE BEFORE THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DEACTIVATE. THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED TWICE BEFORE THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 164,000.
NHTSA ODI #10220179
Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2008
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). FORD STATED THAT THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL AUGUST OF 2008. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,500.
NHTSA ODI #10218844
1 miles · Feb 6, 2008
Electrical System
A RECALL WAS INITIATED 6 MONTHS AGO FOR FAULTY FUSED WIRING HARNESSES ON MANY FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007. THIS RECALL WAS THE SUBJECT OF AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, EA05-005, CONDUCTED BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION. 07V-336. IN THE FALL OF 2007 DEALERS TOLD OWNERS THAT THE REPAIR PAR…
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A RECALL WAS INITIATED 6 MONTHS AGO FOR FAULTY FUSED WIRING HARNESSES ON MANY FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007. THIS RECALL WAS THE SUBJECT OF AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, EA05-005, CONDUCTED BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION. 07V-336. IN THE FALL OF 2007 DEALERS TOLD OWNERS THAT THE REPAIR PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL DECEMBER 2007, NOW DEALERS ARE TELLING OWNERS THAT THE PART IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND PROJECTED THAT IT WON'T BE UNTIL MARCH 2008. WHY HAS FORD BEEN ALLOWED TO DRAG IT'S FEET FOR 9 MONTHS ON REPAIRING A SAFETY HAZARD? WHEN CAN OWNERS EXPECT TO HAVE A PROPERLY RESTORED VEHICLE? *TR
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.
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).
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.
THE NUTS AND BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE REAR BRAKE ADAPTOR TO THE AXLE HOUSING FLANGE CAN LOOSEN AND EVENTUALLY SEPARATE. IF ONE OR MORE OF THE NUTS COME OFF THE BOLTS, DAMAGE TO THE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY OR TO THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR AND SENSOR RING (IF SO EQUIPPED) WILL OCCUR. IF ALL FOUR NUTS ON ONE END OF THE AXLE COME OFF THE BOLTS, DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC LINE OR THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE CAN OCCUR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: OCCURRENCE OF ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NEEDED, INSTALL NEW BOLTS. IF ANY OF THE FASTENERS ARE DISCONNECTED, THE PARKING BRAKE AND ABS COMPONENTS WILL BE INSPECTED AND SERVICED.
THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSH ROD RETAINER (HAIRPIN CLIP) MAY BE MISSING OR NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED ON THE SERVICE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS CAN CAUSE DISENGAGEMENT OF THE BRAKE PUSHROD AND LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE RETAINER.
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
4
EA02025 · 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.
1994 Lincoln Town Car Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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