IllustrationDEFECTIVE BRAKE LINES ON 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR.*MR BOTH BRAKES LINES BURST LEAVING THE CONSUMER WITH NO BRAKES. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE METAL LINES HAD CORRODED, POSSIBLY FROM ROAD SALT. *NM
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 reportsTHE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE INSUFFICIENT DUE TO THE DULLING OF INTERNAL COMPONENTS AS THE RESULT OF AN APPARENT DESIGN DEFECT. THE MFG. USED A 9005 BULB WITH A DIFFUSER. THE BULB AND DIFFUSER GENERATE EXCESSIVE HEAT AND HAVE DULLED THE REFLECTIVE MATERIAL INSIDE THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY. THE 9005 BULB IS A HIGH BEAM BULB USED, IN T…
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THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE INSUFFICIENT DUE TO THE DULLING OF INTERNAL COMPONENTS AS THE RESULT OF AN APPARENT DESIGN DEFECT. THE MFG. USED A 9005 BULB WITH A DIFFUSER. THE BULB AND DIFFUSER GENERATE EXCESSIVE HEAT AND HAVE DULLED THE REFLECTIVE MATERIAL INSIDE THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY. THE 9005 BULB IS A HIGH BEAM BULB USED, IN THIS CASE, IN A LOW BEAM ASSEMBLY. I URGE THE NHTSA TO INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER AS IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT COUPLED WITH A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. *LA
WHILE COMING TO A STOP SIGN CONSUMER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. CONSUMER CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AND FOUND THAT THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL WAS LESS THAN HALF FULL. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN HOME, AND THE BRAKE LINE WAS FOUND TO BE RUPTURED. *AK
THE SOLENOID WHICH UNLATCHES THE DRIVER-SIDE FRONT DOOR ON MY 1994 LINCOLN TOWNCAR FAILED. WITH THE SOLENOID INOPERABLE, THER IS NO MECHANICAL MEANS OF UNLATCHING THE DRIVER DOOR. FORTUNATELY, THE PASSENGER DOOR HAD UNLATCHED, SO EGRESS WAS POSSIBLE. *AK IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE OR OTHER LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION, THE DRIVER…
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THE SOLENOID WHICH UNLATCHES THE DRIVER-SIDE FRONT DOOR ON MY 1994 LINCOLN TOWNCAR FAILED. WITH THE SOLENOID INOPERABLE, THER IS NO MECHANICAL MEANS OF UNLATCHING THE DRIVER DOOR. FORTUNATELY, THE PASSENGER DOOR HAD UNLATCHED, SO EGRESS WAS POSSIBLE. *AK IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE OR OTHER LIFE-THREATENING SITUATION, THE DRIVER WOULD BE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. WHILE THIS IS AN OLDER AUTOMOBILE, IT IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND HAS JUST OVER 50,000 MILES. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE IT WAS NEW, AND IT HAS HAD ALL DEALER RECOMMENDED SERVICE UNTIL THE 6-YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD ENDED. SINCE THAT TIME, IT HAS BEEN CARED FOR BY A PRIVATELY OWNED SHOP, BUT THE MECHANIC IS WELL CERTIFIED. THE AUTOMOBILE HAS PROVIDED EXCELLENT SERVICE OTHERWISE, AND I ALSO OWN A 2002 LINCOLN TOWNCAR. I HAVE NO COMPLAINT AGAINST THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY, BUT AS A REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER, I BELIEVE IT IS MY DUTY TO REPORT THIS PROBLEM. IF I CAN BE OF FURTHER ASSISTANCE, PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU, ROBERT W. PHILLPOTT, P.E.
THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE FIRE STARTED WHILE PARKED WITH THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. THE FIRE SPREADED TO THE HOUSE. FIRE INVESTIGATOR, CHAD BIBLE, CALLED THIS COMPLAINT IN FOR OWNER WILLIAM LARNER AT 6823 WINDOVER WAY, TITUSVILLE, NC. *AK *SC
DRIVERS SEAT MOUNTING BRACKET TORN FROM SEAT FRAME. IT APPEARS TO BE A METAL FATIGUE PROBLEM OR POSSIBLE A STRENGTH PROBLEM. DRIVER ENDED UP IN REAR SEAT. AT LEAST TWELVE OTHER IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED ON THIS VEHICLE. *AK
CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN.*AK
CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE IN THE DRIVEWAY AND WENT INTO THE HOUSE. ABOUT TWENTY MINUTES LATER VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE BLAZE. THE WIRING MELTED. *AK
AIR COND. PROBLEM= AIR- HEAT DIRERCION MOTOR FAILED. BRAKE FAILER PROBLEM= TOTAL BRAKE FAILER ,PETAL FAILER DURING A NON PANIC STOP DUE TO BACKED UP TRAFFIC ON X-WAY. TWO PUMPS ON THE PETAL AND IT WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR BOARD. I WAS ABLE TO MISS THE CAR BY A PANIC TURN TO THE LEFT. I JUST MISSED THE STOP CAR ON THE ROAD STILL D…
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AIR COND. PROBLEM= AIR- HEAT DIRERCION MOTOR FAILED. BRAKE FAILER PROBLEM= TOTAL BRAKE FAILER ,PETAL FAILER DURING A NON PANIC STOP DUE TO BACKED UP TRAFFIC ON X-WAY. TWO PUMPS ON THE PETAL AND IT WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR BOARD. I WAS ABLE TO MISS THE CAR BY A PANIC TURN TO THE LEFT. I JUST MISSED THE STOP CAR ON THE ROAD STILL DOING 45 MPH. CAR WAS HAULED TO ALEX KARRAS LINCOLN MERCURY FOR REPAIR.. NO HELP IN CONTACTING FORD FOR HELP. BRAKES LINES NEXT TO THE FRAME UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT WERE RUSTED OUT. THE RUSTED LINESWERE NOT SAVED.
FRAME OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE, MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THIS MAY BE THE SAME PROBLEM AS WITH THE 00' EXPLORER AND MOUNTAINEER VEHICLE'S. THE OIL PAN LEAKED OIL. *SC
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.