Total Complaints
31 filings
LINCOLN TOWN CAR · model year
2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
31 NHTSA complaints, 9 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2008LINCOLNTOWN CAR carries 31 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 9 crashes, 0 fires, 2 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 2008 TOWN CAR is vehicle speed control with 5 filings, followed by electrical system (3) and steering (3). 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 3 active recall campaigns, 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 2008 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.
31
Complaints
9
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
9 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 5 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 3 |
| STEERING | 3 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 3 |
| POWER TRAIN | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES | 1 |
| TIRES | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 1 |
| ENGINE | 1 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 1 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR | 1 |
Recalls (3)
13V38500029/08/2013
STEERING
Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois
10V63800009/12/2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
EXECUTIVE COACH IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINES. THE FUEL RAIL SHIELD WAS LEFT OFF DURING MANUFACTURING. IN A FRONTAL IMPACT THE ENGINE COULD POTENTIALLY BEND OR RUPTURE FUEL LINES IF THE REPLACEMENT SHIELD IS NOT IN PLACE, CAUSING THOSE LINES TO LEAK FUEL.
14V70400005/11/2014
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:PINION SHAFT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermedia
Recent Complaints
20210324STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, WITHOUT WARNING, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY SWAYED TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT REGAINED CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED NOR DIAGNOSED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V385000 (STEERING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 157,000.
Mileage: 157,000
20190930WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK AIR SUSPENSION AND TIRE FAULT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS AND ALL FOUR TIRE SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 486,713.
Mileage: 486,713
20190930SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK AIR SUSPENSION AND TIRE FAULT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS AND ALL FOUR TIRE SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 486,713.
Mileage: 486,713
20190930AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK AIR SUSPENSION AND TIRE FAULT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE AIR BAGS AND ALL FOUR TIRE SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 486,713.
Mileage: 486,713
20180330VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FACTORY'S NON-REMOVAL OF PLASTIC SHEETING (USED TO PREVENT DUST IN FAN COMPARTMENT) SHREDDED/BLOCKED DEFROSTER VENTS, FAN, BLEND DOOR, AND HEATER CAUSING NOISES AND SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. *SMD *TR
20180330STRUCTURE
2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FACTORY'S NON-REMOVAL OF PLASTIC SHEETING (USED TO PREVENT DUST IN FAN COMPARTMENT) SHREDDED/BLOCKED DEFROSTER VENTS, FAN, BLEND DOOR, AND HEATER CAUSING NOISES AND SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. *SMD *TR
20170828SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL A COUPLE OF TIMES AND REGAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000. UPDATED 10/26/17*LJ *JS
Mileage: 72,000
20170828VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL A COUPLE OF TIMES AND REGAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000. UPDATED 10/26/17*LJ *JS
Mileage: 72,000
20170204CrashPOWER TRAIN
I WAS SLOWLY BACKING OUT OF MY SHORT DRIVEWAY MY FOOT ONLY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN SUDDENLY CAR ACCELERATES AND HIT PARKED CAR ACROSS AT RESULTING IN ACCIDENT. TWO WEEKS BEFORE THIS I WAS DRIVING ON ROAD ABOUT 15 MPH AND SAW CAR AHEAD OF ME HAD STOPPED I PUT FOOT ON BRAKE STARTED SLOWING WHEN CAR ACCELERATED HARD TAPPED BRAKE AND CAR STOPPED. I DIDN'T PRESS THROTTLE.
Mileage: 85,000
20160809ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR INDEPENDENTLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,800.
Mileage: 46,800
20160809LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR INDEPENDENTLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,800.
Mileage: 46,800
20160809STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR INDEPENDENTLY LOCKED AND UNLOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,800.
Mileage: 46,800
20160307CrashSERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE APPROACHING TRAFFIC IN A LANE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED AND WAS SLOW TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT APPLIED FORCE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR WHIPLASH THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE16003 (SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED PER THE CONTACT'S REQUEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO SPECIFIC REMEDY FOR THE CONDITION. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
Mileage: 32,000
20151123CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE HAS SUDDENLY VIOLENTLY ACCELERATED ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS DURING THE LAST ELEVEN MONTHS. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED AFTER TAPPING THE BRAKE PEDAL AT A VERY SLOW SPEED AND RESULTED IN THE CAR CRASHING INTO A BARRIER AT A FILLING STATION IN UPSTATE NEW YORK. SUBSEQUENT EPISODES WERE HALTED BY TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE CAR WITH THE SERVICE BRAKES. THERE SEEMS TO BE FEW COMMON THREADS AMONG THE INCIDENTS. THERE ARE NO WARNING INDICATORS BEFORE OR AFTER THE SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION EVENTS. NO HISTORY CODES WERE EVER RECORDED IN THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. THE INCIDENTS ALWAYS OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT A SLOW SPEED SOMETIMES WHEN TAPPING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND OTHER TIMES WHILE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. NO FLOOR MATS WERE INVOLVED IN ANY OF THE INCIDENTS AND THE DRIVER DEFINITELY DID NOT DEPRESS THE WRONG PEDAL OR BOTH PEDALS AT THE SAME TIME.
Mileage: 84,881
20151123CrashENGINE
THIS VEHICLE HAS SUDDENLY VIOLENTLY ACCELERATED ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS DURING THE LAST ELEVEN MONTHS. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED AFTER TAPPING THE BRAKE PEDAL AT A VERY SLOW SPEED AND RESULTED IN THE CAR CRASHING INTO A BARRIER AT A FILLING STATION IN UPSTATE NEW YORK. SUBSEQUENT EPISODES WERE HALTED BY TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE CAR WITH THE SERVICE BRAKES. THERE SEEMS TO BE FEW COMMON THREADS AMONG THE INCIDENTS. THERE ARE NO WARNING INDICATORS BEFORE OR AFTER THE SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION EVENTS. NO HISTORY CODES WERE EVER RECORDED IN THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. THE INCIDENTS ALWAYS OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT A SLOW SPEED SOMETIMES WHEN TAPPING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND OTHER TIMES WHILE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. NO FLOOR MATS WERE INVOLVED IN ANY OF THE INCIDENTS AND THE DRIVER DEFINITELY DID NOT DEPRESS THE WRONG PEDAL OR BOTH PEDALS AT THE SAME TIME.
Mileage: 84,881
20151123CrashFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THIS VEHICLE HAS SUDDENLY VIOLENTLY ACCELERATED ON FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS DURING THE LAST ELEVEN MONTHS. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED AFTER TAPPING THE BRAKE PEDAL AT A VERY SLOW SPEED AND RESULTED IN THE CAR CRASHING INTO A BARRIER AT A FILLING STATION IN UPSTATE NEW YORK. SUBSEQUENT EPISODES WERE HALTED BY TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE CAR WITH THE SERVICE BRAKES. THERE SEEMS TO BE FEW COMMON THREADS AMONG THE INCIDENTS. THERE ARE NO WARNING INDICATORS BEFORE OR AFTER THE SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION EVENTS. NO HISTORY CODES WERE EVER RECORDED IN THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE. THE INCIDENTS ALWAYS OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT A SLOW SPEED SOMETIMES WHEN TAPPING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND OTHER TIMES WHILE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. NO FLOOR MATS WERE INVOLVED IN ANY OF THE INCIDENTS AND THE DRIVER DEFINITELY DID NOT DEPRESS THE WRONG PEDAL OR BOTH PEDALS AT THE SAME TIME.
Mileage: 84,881
20151113STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 63,478.
Mileage: 63,478
20150210ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS AND PARTS ON CAR BECAUSE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. *TA THE CONSUMER STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, A MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE ISSUE WAS RELATED TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER . ALSO, THE FUEL TANK HAD TO REPLACED. *JB
20150210ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS AND PARTS ON CAR BECAUSE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. *TA THE CONSUMER STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, A MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE ISSUE WAS RELATED TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER . ALSO, THE FUEL TANK HAD TO REPLACED. *JB
20150210FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS AND PARTS ON CAR BECAUSE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. *TA THE CONSUMER STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, A MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE ISSUE WAS RELATED TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER . ALSO, THE FUEL TANK HAD TO REPLACED. *JB
Compare 2008LINCOLNTOWN CAR to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR have?▼
The 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR has 31 NHTSA complaints, 9 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR?▼
Yes, the 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is STEERING. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR?▼
The most-complained component for the 2008 LINCOLN TOWN CAR is VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL with 5 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and STEERING.
Is the 2008 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.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.