2003 Lincoln Town Car
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lincoln › Town Car › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Lincoln Town Car. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2003 Lincoln Town Car. Newest first.
Certain police, commercial, and passenger vehicles sold to fleets typically input higher loads into the vehicle chassis overloading the wheel bearings and axles.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could lead to early bearing failure and ultimately to axle shaft fracture. in the event of axle shaft fracture, the vehicle would lose drive function and would coast to a stop. loss of drive function could lead to a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear wheel bearings, seals,and axle shafts. the recall began on july 15, 2004. owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Owner complaints
201 complaints14 involved a crash6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
[Xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Engine
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…
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.
- Power train · Wheels
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.
- Suspension
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…
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.
- Service brakes · Steering · Suspension
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
- Power 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
- Steering · Suspension · Vehicle 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
- Suspension
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…
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.
- Engine
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…
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.
- Power 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…
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.
- Suspension › 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…
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.
- Suspension
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…
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.
- Engine · Structure › 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…
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 insurance company to pay. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 81,000.
- Power train
The car doesnt go on gear. Engine starts but wont go on any gear. Either axle shaft or bearing problem
- Air bags
I recently had open heart surgery and need to get the passenger side air bag disabled. my lincoln dealer will disable the air bag but they need some statement from your agency to allow the to complete the disable. my name: (xxxx) parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Vehicle speed control
While driving normally, the accelerator stuck open causing the car to gain an excess amount of speed in traffic. the car would not turn off and the breaks would not hold it or slow it down. In the end the car was totaled after hitting 2 trees and a wall.
- Steering
When putting vehicle in motion, steering IS stiff. power steering oil level IS proper at appropriate level. the local mechanic indicated that the steering mechanism IS at fault. when driving the vehicle on street, steering IS difficult but manageable.
- Steering
13S08 campaign for lower/upper steering shaft replacement covers 2005-2011 crown victoria/grand marquis/town car, but not the 2003-2004, which have the same parts. My 2003 lincoln town car IS having the issue addressed by 13s08, but IS not covered by the campaign.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
Loss of am reception. our local ford / lincoln dealership tells me that there IS a tsb on my vehicle. tsb 03-23-07 published november 18/03. it IS supposed to be a revised hidden antenna module with a built-in signal booster and different wiring hookup to the rear glass. the kit…
Loss of am reception. our local ford / lincoln dealership tells me that there IS a tsb on my vehicle. tsb 03-23-07 published november 18/03. it IS supposed to be a revised hidden antenna module with a built-in signal booster and different wiring hookup to the rear glass. the kit part number IS 4w1z-19g323-aa. according to the service manager since it IS a tsb and not a recalls...i have to pay for the part (approx. $170) and 2.9hrs of labor. since it IS a defect I think the repairs should be free.
- Power train · Service brakes · Wheels
Assisting a friend with this. The left rear axle has broken and damaged the brakes and ABS sensor. He had driven the vehicle to work and parked it. After his shift ended, he started the vehicle, shifted into gear and found the vehicle would not move & was making noise. He had it towed to his house…
Assisting a friend with this. The left rear axle has broken and damaged the brakes and ABS sensor. He had driven the vehicle to work and parked it. After his shift ended, he started the vehicle, shifted into gear and found the vehicle would not move & was making noise. He had it towed to his house and asked me to diagnose the cause. After raising the rear axle, I was able to determine that the left rear axle bearing had worn through the axle and it broke. When I checked the nhtsa website, it showed it was not covered under the rear axle safety recall, although the conditions are similar to what was listed.
- Structure › Body
"Takata recall". I was driving my 2003 lincoln towncar on the interstate with my 3 children in the car on our way home from alabama to indiana when my sunroof shattered and exploded. Pieces of glass started flying off the top of my car and my kids became scared. All of the windows were closed as…
"Takata recall". I was driving my 2003 lincoln towncar on the interstate with my 3 children in the car on our way home from alabama to indiana when my sunroof shattered and exploded. Pieces of glass started flying off the top of my car and my kids became scared. All of the windows were closed as well as the sunroof. Luckily I had the sunroof visor closed as well or pieces of glass would have flown back in my car potentially harming one of my children. I still have not been able to get it replaced and I'm hoping to get some assistance in figuring things out.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2003 lincoln town car. Upon starting the vehicle, the rear air suspension was activated. The rear of the vehicle was at a higher height and would not lower. As a result, the vehicle bounced while driving. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 lincoln town car. Upon starting the vehicle, the rear air suspension was activated. The rear of the vehicle was at a higher height and would not lower. As a result, the vehicle bounced while driving. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The contact called capital ford lincoln of wilmington (4222 oleander dr, wilmington, nc 28403 (910) 378-3858) and received several recommendations; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.
- Power train
Looking through the list of complaints this has been reported to many times to be ignored. I counted 38 times by page 15, not even half way through the list. I have a 2003 lincoln town car and IS been having some issues with the driver side axle and bearings, I am getting ready to replace the…
Looking through the list of complaints this has been reported to many times to be ignored. I counted 38 times by page 15, not even half way through the list. I have a 2003 lincoln town car and IS been having some issues with the driver side axle and bearings, I am getting ready to replace the shaft, bearing and seal for the third time in a period of three years. Like some other customers I found that my car IS not included on the recall, but it looks like that problem IS a lot more frequent than it IS supposed to be. This IS a problem and alot of people have reported it under the "suspension" category.
- Engine
The spark plugs eject out of the engine and the car stalls while driving I have had to replace several of them and this continue to happen I dont think they go or are deap enough and it cost 80.00 per to replace
- Power train
I have a 2003 lincoln town car and IS been having some issues with the passenger side axel, I am getting ready to replace the shaft, bearing and seal for the third time in a period of maybe four years, I'm sorry, but don't remember exactly when it was, but last time was lest than 16 months ago, on…
I have a 2003 lincoln town car and IS been having some issues with the passenger side axel, I am getting ready to replace the shaft, bearing and seal for the third time in a period of maybe four years, I'm sorry, but don't remember exactly when it was, but last time was lest than 16 months ago, on the last two there was oil leaking all around the wheel, this time there IS still no oil leak but IS making that kind of humming noise, and when lifted the car you can move the wheel up and down, now I'm just waiting for the parts to do the job again. Like some other customers I found that my car IS not included on the recall, but it looks like that problem IS a lot more frequent than IS suppose to, and I has found that some people had reported it under the "suspension" category. Thanks god! Nothing had happen, because I got it on time, but it won't take me by surprise that some one out there wasn't so lucky. Like I said before I found the problem when walking around the car with the exemption of this time that I heard the noise when driving on the expressway.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or…
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton V-8 and V-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi IS not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi IS aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it IS possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect IS very low.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
- Rear axle fracture
This pe was opened after odi became aware of two allegations concerning rear axle fracture and partial wheel separation involving my 2003 ford crown victoria police interceptors (cvpi).initially, the pe's scope involved all my 2003 grand marquis, crown victoria, and lincoln town cars (i.e., panther platform) produced…
This pe was opened after odi became aware of two allegations concerning rear axle fracture and partial wheel separation involving my 2003 ford crown victoria police interceptors (cvpi).initially, the pe's scope involved all my 2003 grand marquis, crown victoria, and lincoln town cars (i.e., panther platform) produced through january 2003.while gathering information about this issue, it became evident that the failures were confined to long-wheelbase lincoln town cars and the cvpi's due to their unique weight distribution and usage profiles.ford's recall addresses these vehicles.both the company and odi are continuing to monitor the field performance of the axles and will take appropriate action as required.
- Inadvertent side air bag deployment
This investigation identified a total of 182 reports alleging inadvertent or non-crash deployment of the side air bags.the data examined during the investigation suggest that the side air bag crash sensing system's algorithm may recognize certain non-crash incidents as deployable events.odi has not, however…
This investigation identified a total of 182 reports alleging inadvertent or non-crash deployment of the side air bags.the data examined during the investigation suggest that the side air bag crash sensing system's algorithm may recognize certain non-crash incidents as deployable events.odi has not, however, identified any failed component that relates to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.also, odi has not identified any trend in the manufacture dates of complaint vehicles that may indicate a component or vehicle-manufacturing problem.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see attached summary report.
- Inadvertent side air bag deployment
Odi has identified 173 complaints alleging inadvertent or non-crash deployment of side air bags on model year (my) 1999-2003 lincoln town cars.most of the complaints allege that one of the side air bags deployed while driving without any impact.analysis showed that my 2001 through early my 2003 town cars have much…
Odi has identified 173 complaints alleging inadvertent or non-crash deployment of side air bags on model year (my) 1999-2003 lincoln town cars.most of the complaints allege that one of the side air bags deployed while driving without any impact.analysis showed that my 2001 through early my 2003 town cars have much higher complaint and warranty claim rates (138 complaints and 120 warranty claims) than the remaining vehicles (35 complaints and 32 warranty claims).ford changed its supplier of the side crash sensors for the my 2001 town cars.ford states that the algorithm in the my 2001 town cars IS different from the previous model year's design, and that it IS designed to provide improved occupant protection in moderate speed side pole impacts.in december 2002 (i.e., early my 2003 vehicle production), the crash sensors were moved from the floor of vehicle to near the base of b-pillars in order to reduce the incidents of inadvertent side air bag deployments.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea03-014) for my 2001-2003 town cars built before december 2002.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10177863This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
- 10156863Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 10155551Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 10023943Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, or 6.8L 2V engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. This includes F-53 motorhome chassis. Updated 2/23/10.
- 10022299Parking aid system IS inoperative - dtc c1983.
- 10020702Parking aid system inoperative - dtc c1983.
- 10018968Parking aid system inoperative.
- 10018745Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10018074Customer satisfaction program 05b31 - information only. A possibility that during a high speed / high energy rear collision, certain components have an increased risk of puncturing the fuel tank on vehicles with limo prep package limo package upgrade kit offering. Supplement #1. Updated supplement #2.
- 10017901Door locks being inoperative when using the keypad and/or remote keyless entry (rke) fob - fuse 2.30 opening intermittently.
- 10014165Aluminum corrosion - service tip.
- 10014138Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10014100Limited slip axle chatter, shudder, binding sensation, or vibration during low speed turning maneuvers.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013381Malfunction indicator lampand p0460 dtc in memory.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013321Am/fm and cellular phone reception interference - service tip.
- 10013116Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10013078High side pressure fluctuations on vehicles equipped with a fixed scroll a/c compressor.
- 10013068Poor a/c cooling performance while traveling between 55 and 70 mph.
- 10013061Radio poor am reception.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10012964Am fm and cellular phone reception interference .
- 10012954Safety belt web stop button service.
- 10012947Maf diagnostic service tip - vehicles equipped with egr system module (esm).
- 10011162Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
- 10011160Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0442.
- 10011159Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10011151Squeak or rubbing noise from front suspension - front spring insulator revised.
- 10010733Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0460 in continuous memory. Oasis.
- 10010000Emission related service action 04e12. Vehicles serviced with an incorrect right hand catalytic converter. Inspect and replace right hand catalytic converter. Attachments i-iii and customer notification letter.
- 10009331Erratic climate control blower motor operation during braking, turning or acceleration.
- 10009321Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns.
- 10008585Body-collision repair updates.
- 10008581Cooling system-motorcraft premium gold engine coolant-serivce tips.
- 10008573Various intermittent/constant electrical concerns.
- 10008569Transmission failure where there IS a large amount of metal or debris in the pan.
- 10008568A no crank/no start. Connector C192 or C146 not fully connected.
- 10008325Rear air suspension height adjustment / service tips.
Every Lincoln Town Car model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.