IllustrationDT: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT LEFT BALL JOINT FELL OFF OF HIS OF 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THIS HAPPENED ON 9-16-05. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED.*AK *JB
1994 Lincoln Town Car
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1994 Lincoln Town Car do not stand out strongly from 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: 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 reportsWHILE DRIVING MY 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR AT 20-25 MPH IN HOPEWELL NJ MY DRIVERS SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATED,CAUSING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FALL TO THE GROUND AND THE WHEEL WELL TO FALL ON THE TOP SIDE OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE,RENDERING THE VEHICLE IMMOVABLE. THE CAR WAS THEN TOWED 42 MILES TO MY HOME ON A FLATBED TRUCK AT TH…
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WHILE DRIVING MY 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR AT 20-25 MPH IN HOPEWELL NJ MY DRIVERS SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATED,CAUSING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FALL TO THE GROUND AND THE WHEEL WELL TO FALL ON THE TOP SIDE OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE,RENDERING THE VEHICLE IMMOVABLE. THE CAR WAS THEN TOWED 42 MILES TO MY HOME ON A FLATBED TRUCK AT THE COST OF $192.00. WITH THE AID OF A NEIGHBOR (A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC) THE BALL JOINT WAS REPLACED WITH AN AFTERMARKET PART,COST $52.00(NO LABOR COST-SELF INSTALLED).THE BROKEN BALL JOINT( I HAVE RETAINED THE BROKEN PART IN MY POSSESSION) DID NOT HAVE ANY FITTINGS FOR LUBRICATION,BUT ACCORDING TO FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION IN DEARBORN MI( MR.PAUL LAFFIN ) MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF ANY SAFETY RECALL(98S37 FORD'S # ) OR 98V322000.I WAS ADVISED THAT I SHOULD TAKE MY CAR TO THE NEAREST LINCOLN DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND OR SERVICE OF THE OTHER (RIGHT SIDE) BALL JOINT. MY DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK INVOLVES 15 MILES ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY,I GUESS I WAS JUST LUCKY TO HAVE THIS FAILURE OCCUR ON A CITY STREET AT 20 MPH. I AM VERY DISSATISFIED WITH FORD,LINCOLN FOR THEIR RESPONSE TO MY ISSUE WHICH I BELIEVE IS A DEFECTIVE PART THAT THEY REFUSE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR AND CORRECT. EVEN IF MY CAR WAS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL RECALL, I FEEL IT IS A SIMILAR ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED IN A LIKE MANNER WHEN IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION. AS FOR NHSTA I WOULD LIKE YOUR OFFICE TO LOOK INTO THE ASSEMBLY SPECS FOR ALL 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CARS TO SEE IF ALL WERE EQUIPPED WITH THIS TYPE OF (UNGREASEABLE) BALL JOINT. THANK YOU. *NM
MY CAR, A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR, CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED SITTING IN MY DRIVE WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I HAD PARKED IT AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF 5 1/2 HOURS EARLIER BEFORE THE INCIDENT. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION( I SUPPOSE IT WAS DUE TO ONE OF THE TIRES BLOWING OUT) THAT THREW SOME DEBRIS FROM ONE OF THE…
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MY CAR, A 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR, CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED SITTING IN MY DRIVE WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I HAD PARKED IT AND TURNED THE ENGINE OFF 5 1/2 HOURS EARLIER BEFORE THE INCIDENT. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION( I SUPPOSE IT WAS DUE TO ONE OF THE TIRES BLOWING OUT) THAT THREW SOME DEBRIS FROM ONE OF THE PARTS THAT BURNED INTO THE SIDE OF THE HOUSE CAUSING A HOLE IN THE SIDING ON MY HOUSE AND THE HEAT FROM THE FIRE ALSO BUCKLED THE VINYL SIDING ON MY HOUSE.. I HAVE REPORTED THIS INCIDENT TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY, BUT THEY DO NOT SEEM TOO INTERESTED IN INVESTIGATING TO SEE WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE TO START. I AM INCLUDING PICTURES OF THE BURNED CAR AND A COPY OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S REPORT. *NM
OWNER HAD TROUBLE WITH REAR AIR-RIDE SUSPENSION FOR ABOUT A WEEK. WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY ACTIVATED AFTER REPAIRS. VEHICLE WAS PARKED ABOUT 13 HRS WHEN FIRE STARTED IN LEFT FRONT ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE SUFFERED MAJOR DAMAGE. ADJACENT RESIDENCE SUFFERED MODERATE DAMAGE
WHILE PARKED IN A GARAGE THE CONSUMER'S 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE. *NM *SC *JB
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TOTALED OUT BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. NEXT DAY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. *AK
DRIVER GOT INSIDE THE VEHICLE, TURNED ON THE IGNITION, AND THE VEHICLE BURSTED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED, AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. *AK
THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY TURNED OFF WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON WHEN THE MANUAL SWITCH WAS ON. *SC WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON BY USE OF THE ON SWITCH. DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TC *JB
THE FUEL FROM THE TANK AND THE RETURN LINE WERE BURNED. THE VEHICLE LEAKED GAS RIGHT ABOVE THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Official recalls
507V336000 · 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.
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.
94V152000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components
Aug 9, 1994
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.
94V129000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages
Jul 12, 1994
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
4EA02025 · 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.