1998 Lincoln Town Car problems
Owners have filed 194 complaints about the 1998 Lincoln Town Car with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 16.5% of them — the clear leader, ahead of suspension at 10.8%.
Complaints194
Crashes7
Fires8
Injuries3
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 16.5% · 32
Suspension 10.8% · 21
Service brakes, hydraulic 10.8% · 21
Visibility 8.2% · 16
Electrical system 7.7% · 15
Structure 7.7% · 15
Exterior lighting 7.2% · 14
Steering 6.7% · 13
Severity
Of those complaints, 7 describe a crash, 8 describe a fire and 3 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 16 model years of the Lincoln Town Car in this data, 1998 sits 13th by complaint volume. 1997 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 11 in the last three years against 6 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 84,000 miles.
In owners' own words
While the consumer was driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle stalled. The consumer had the vehicle towed to a dealership and the mechanic determined the problem was due to engine failure. *Ak about an inch away on the wheel well, there was a 1/4 hole which allowed saltwater from the left front tire to be sprayed up and caused corrosion to accumulate in the fuse box. *Sc Engine and engine cooling · reported at 95,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Lincoln Town Car. The contact attempted to start the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. The engine turned over, but the vehicle would not actually start. A mechanic inspected the vehicle and a loud boom occurred as soon as the vehicle was started. There was smoke and loud noises coming from the engine. The powertrain and mileages were unknown. Engine and engine cooling
: The contact stated several times in the last two months, the vehicle will start, but not go anywhere when put in gear. The vehicle will then stall; it will restart and go after waiting 20 minutes. The dealership is unable to diagnose a problem. Also, the driver side window works intermittently. The dealership has not inspected the vehicle for this problem. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 44,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…