LINCOLN TOWN CAR · model year

2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR

242 NHTSA complaints, 15 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2003LINCOLNTOWN CAR carries 242 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 15 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2003 TOWN CAR is suspension:rear with 43 filings, followed by suspension (32) and vehicle speed control (16). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2003 TOWN CAR. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

242
Complaints
15
Crashes
0
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

242 filings

Crashes Reported

15 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SUSPENSION:REAR43
SUSPENSION32
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL16
STEERING14
POWER TRAIN12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
WHEELS6
ENGINE6
STRUCTURE:BODY5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC5
TIRES5
STRUCTURE5
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING5
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY5

Recalls (1)

04V32800007/07/2004

SUSPENSION:REAR

CERTAIN POLICE, COMMERCIAL, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES SOLD TO FLEETS TYPICALLY INPUT HIGHER LOADS INTO THE VEHICLE CHASSIS OVERLOADING THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND AXLES.

Recent Complaints

20240429SUSPENSION

[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20230120ENGINE

The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle experienced rough idling. Additionally, the headlights were flickering, and the alternator failed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the powertrain control module (PCM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

20230120ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle experienced rough idling. Additionally, the headlights were flickering, and the alternator failed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the powertrain control module (PCM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

20220724POWER TRAIN

I have had to replace wheel bearing and axle every few months because of premature wear and causing driving to be a safety concern. Once it wears thin, the car shakes and wobbles and the tire almost snapped off twice.

20220724WHEELS

I have had to replace wheel bearing and axle every few months because of premature wear and causing driving to be a safety concern. Once it wears thin, the car shakes and wobbles and the tire almost snapped off twice.

20220628SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated while his son was driving on the highway, the accelerator pedal was slightly released; however, the vehicle stopped instantly. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to drive to his destination safely. The vehicle was towed to the contact's workplace. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The tow truck operator stated that the rear axle was fractured. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

Mileage: 155,000

20220601SUSPENSION

The rear-end failed does not have tempered axle There was a recall on 2003 lincolns with same problem but when I enter vin It does not pull anything up Lost control of car and had to be towed home have not had it to the dealer yet

20220601STEERING

The rear-end failed does not have tempered axle There was a recall on 2003 lincolns with same problem but when I enter vin It does not pull anything up Lost control of car and had to be towed home have not had it to the dealer yet

20220601SERVICE BRAKES

The rear-end failed does not have tempered axle There was a recall on 2003 lincolns with same problem but when I enter vin It does not pull anything up Lost control of car and had to be towed home have not had it to the dealer yet

20220522POWER TRAIN

Been trying for about a year to get this safety recall called 4 local ford dealer ships first one said my cars to old they won’t fix the safety recall other don’t give call back I can hear like vibrating in the back where this recall would fix it hopfully it don’t break on me

20220507VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Rear end started a sudden howell and shaking and grinding and the Abs and traction control light came on and brakes and suspension did not want to function properly while driving in traffic as quick as I could I pulled over and it looked like one tire was sticking out of the axel way far So I just pulled over and called for my AAA to to and got towed home thats it

20220507SUSPENSION

Rear end started a sudden howell and shaking and grinding and the Abs and traction control light came on and brakes and suspension did not want to function properly while driving in traffic as quick as I could I pulled over and it looked like one tire was sticking out of the axel way far So I just pulled over and called for my AAA to to and got towed home thats it

20220507STEERING

Rear end started a sudden howell and shaking and grinding and the Abs and traction control light came on and brakes and suspension did not want to function properly while driving in traffic as quick as I could I pulled over and it looked like one tire was sticking out of the axel way far So I just pulled over and called for my AAA to to and got towed home thats it

20211216SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Town Car. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V328000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, vibration sounds were heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. The local dealer, All American Ford of Paramus (375 NJ-17, Paramus, NJ 07652) and Mahwah Ford (55 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah, NJ 07430) were made aware of the recall however, all three dealers informed the contact that the parts were obsolete. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to several dealers. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000. Consumer stated safety recall for a fracture in the rear axle and bearing states can cause crash still isn’t resolved.

Mileage: 73,000

20210601ENGINE

The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated that he noticed fuel on the pavement in the driveway at his residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the intake manifold was faulty. The mechanic also confirmed that the manifold was leaking and needed to be replaced. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 85,800.

Mileage: 85,800

20210416POWER TRAIN

THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED LESS THAN 2 YEARS AGO AND IS ALREADY BAD AGAIN. THIS SPECIFIC MAKE AND MODEL AND YEAR OF CAR HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THE BEARING ISSUES THAT THIS CAR HAS, AND THIS CAR WAS PRODUCED IN THE EXACT PLANT THAT THE RECALL INVOLVES. HOWEVER, THE RECALL MANUFACTURE DATE ENDS ON DECEMBER 31, 2002 AND THIS CAR'S MANUFACTURE DATE IS FEBRUARY 2003. THE CAR HAS THE BAD PARTS THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.

Mileage: 92,611

20191219SUSPENSION:REAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BEARINGS SEIZED, WHICH CAUSED THE AXLE TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.

Mileage: 106,000

20190701SUSPENSION

RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT. MILEAGE OF CAR IS 92,643. THERE WAS A RECALL OF THIS YEAR OF CAR MANUFACTURED FROM THE SAME PLANT, WIXOM, MI, BUT THE PRODUCTION LINE OF RECALL ENDED IN DECEMBER 2002. THIS CAR ROLLED OFF IN FEBRUARY2003. HOWEVER, IT WAS EXACTLY AS THE RECALL STATED AND THERE IS NO WAY THAT THE BAD PARTS WAS NOT PUT ON OTHER VEHICLES OF THE 2003 PRODUCTION VEHICLES. WHEN THE BEARING WENT, IT CHEWED THE AXLE SO IT TOO HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT WENT OUT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION. WAS IMMEDIATELY PARKED AND NOT DRIVEN TIL FIXED. MACHANIC AGREES THAT IT WAS BAD PARTS AND KNOWS OF SEVERAL 2003 MODELS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.

Mileage: 92,643

20190626ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS SCRAPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO POMPANO FORD (2741 N FEDERAL HWY, POMPANO BEACH, FL 33064, (954) 773-9486) FOR REPAIRS. WHEN THE CONTACT RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE FLOORBOARD WAS FLOODED WITH WATER. THE DEALER BELIEVED THE WATER WAS DUE TO THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT FLOODING OR THE WIPERS PUSHING WATER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER THEN STATED THAT THERE WAS A PAN IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO DRAIN WATER OUT INTO THE STREET. THE DEALER TRIED TO BLAME THE INSURANCE COMPANY THAT DIRECTED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE SCRAPE REPAIRED. THE DEALER GAVE THE CONTACT A BILL FOR $880 AND DID NOT CLEAR OUT THE WATER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY WOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE CONTACT STILL FULL OF WATER AND GAVE HIM A STATEMENT LISTING THE CHARGES FOR WHICH THEY EXPECTED THE INSU

Mileage: 81,000

20190626STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS SCRAPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO POMPANO FORD (2741 N FEDERAL HWY, POMPANO BEACH, FL 33064, (954) 773-9486) FOR REPAIRS. WHEN THE CONTACT RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE FLOORBOARD WAS FLOODED WITH WATER. THE DEALER BELIEVED THE WATER WAS DUE TO THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT FLOODING OR THE WIPERS PUSHING WATER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER THEN STATED THAT THERE WAS A PAN IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO DRAIN WATER OUT INTO THE STREET. THE DEALER TRIED TO BLAME THE INSURANCE COMPANY THAT DIRECTED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE SCRAPE REPAIRED. THE DEALER GAVE THE CONTACT A BILL FOR $880 AND DID NOT CLEAR OUT THE WATER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY WOULD PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE CONTACT STILL FULL OF WATER AND GAVE HIM A STATEMENT LISTING THE CHARGES FOR WHICH THEY EXPECTED THE INSU

Mileage: 81,000

Compare 2003LINCOLNTOWN CAR to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR have?
The 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR has 242 NHTSA complaints, 15 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR?
Yes, the 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is SUSPENSION:REAR. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR?
The most-complained component for the 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR is SUSPENSION:REAR with 43 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SUSPENSION and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Is the 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.