Engine
4.6L 8-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 114 of 155 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 37 of 155 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
30 complaint records8 fire reports1 crash report
"WHEN DRIVING AND MAKING A LEFT TURN OR IN NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, VEHICLE WILL COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Brakes
27 complaint records2 fire reports3 crash reports
"AFTER INSTALLING BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE GAUGE ON BRAKE PEDAL, BRAKES FADED UPON APPLICATION W/ENGINE RUNNING, HOWEVER WORKED FINE W/ENGINE OFF...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Speed control
22 complaint records8 fire reports
"WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 TO 65 MPH TRANSMISSION SHIFTS FROM OD TO NEUTRAL, COASTS, THEN SHIFTS BACK CAUSING THE CAR TO LURCH. HAVE HAD FOUR DEALERSHIPS LOOK AT IT, NO RESULTS.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA02025 opened Sep 2002 | closed Jun 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRES 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 ? |
| DP02007 opened Aug 2002 | closed Dec 2002 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL-FED FIRES 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... |
| SQ01014 opened Nov 2001 | closed Oct 2002 | Fuel System, Gasoline | POST REAR END COLLISION FIRES - led to recall 02I003000 There is no summary currently available |
| RQ01002 opened Sep 2001 | closed Sep 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES - led to recall 99V124000 |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07V336000 | Vehicle Speed Control | 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. | Normally free |
| 98V322000 | Suspension | 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... | Normally free |
| 95V133000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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. | Normally free |
| 94V152000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | THE NUTS AND BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE REAR BRAKE ADAPTOR TO THE AXLE HOUSING FLANGE CAN LOOSEN AND EVENTUALLY SEPARATE. | Normally free |
| 94V129000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 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. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008038 2008-02-06 | Electrical | 8,869 | On certain vehicles, a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity may have been inadvertently installed during servicing for recall 2005028 or 2007258. |
| 2007258 2007-08-07 | Electrical | 165,447 | On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28). |
| 1998251 1998-12-22 | Suspension | 4,856 | Note: 1996-99 crown victoria police, fleet and ngv and lincoln town car limousine equipped with a lower control arm ball joint containing a one piece bearing and 1990-96 crown victoria police, fleet and ngv and lincoln town car limousine... |
| 1994135 1994-08-23 | Brakes | 8,849 | NOTE: INCLUDES CROWN VICTORIA WITH POLICE PACKAGE AND TOWN CAR WITH LIMOUSINE PREP PACKAGE. THE REAR BRAKE BACKING PLATE ADAPTER FASTENERS MAY COME LOOSE AND SEPARATE. |
| 1994131 1994-08-11 | Brakes | 78 | THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MASTER CYLINDER PUSH ROD RETAINER (HAIRPIN CLIP) MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY INSTALLED ON THE SERVICE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS COULD RESULT IN DISENGAGEMENT OF THE BRAKE PUSH ROD AND LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKING. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSP 08B04 May 2008 | Fuel System | FORD/LINCOLN MERCURY: CERTAIN 1992-2001 MODEL YEAR CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS, AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF WISCONSIN AND CONNECTICUT UPGRADE MODIFICATIONS FOR HIGH SPEED REAR IMPACTS. *PE | |
| 03181 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 03261 Jan 2003 | Power Train | NEW SERVICE PART - NUMBER 5 NEEDLE BEARING AND RACE KIT - 4R70W TRANSMISSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 02208 Oct 2002 | Equipment | CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02107 May 2002 | Visibility | TRANSFER SERVICE TIPS FOR THE FRONT WIPER MOTOR MOUNT BRACKET AND DEPRESSED PARK OUTPUT ARM. *TT | |
| 0214 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT | |
| 012114 Oct 2001 | Fuel System | PARTS AND PROCEDURE TO REDUCE THE POTENTIAL OF FUEL TANK PUNCTURES DURING RARE AND EXTREMELY HIGH-SPEED REAR IMPACTS. *TT | |
| 01181 Sep 2001 | Power Train | BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB | |
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01157 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC | |
| 011201 Jun 2001 | Visibility | THIS INFORMATION IS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WIPER SYSTEM SERVICE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE WORKSHOP MANUALS. THIS SERVICE INFORMATION IS INTENDED AS AN AID TO ASSIST IN DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR OF ERRATIC WIPER SYSTEM CONDITIONS. *TT | |
| 14862 Apr 2001 | Fuel System | INFORMATION ON REPLACING FUEL TANK STRAP BOLTS. *TT | |
| 0147 Mar 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE IN 2001 VEHICLES - SAE 5W-20 MOTOR OIL. *TT | |
| 002310 Nov 2000 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 00213 Oct 2000 | Equipment | SUBJECT REGARDING CLIMATE CONTROL - EATC - BLOWER MOTOR CONTROL SERVICE TIPS. *JB | |
| 8136 Feb 2000 | Visibility | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO HEATED BACKGLASS REPAIR PROCESSES. *TT | |
| 13868 Feb 2000 | Visibility | INFORMATION REGARDING HEATED BACKGLASS REPAIR PROCESSES. *TT | |
| 0015 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS | |
| 99222 Oct 1999 | Electrical System | SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT | |
| 7312 Oct 1999 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED MOONROOF MAY EXHIBIT A BOOMING OR BUFFETING NOISE WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 40 MPH WHEN THE MOONROOF IS OPEN. *TT | |
| 13400 Oct 1999 | Visibility | SOME CARS EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY INSTALLED MOONROOF MAY EXHIBIT A BOOMING OR BUFFETING NOISE WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 40 MPH WHEN THE MOONROOF IS OPEN. *TT | |
| 99194 Sep 1999 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 99196 Sep 1999 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 99152 Jul 1999 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT | |
| 99139 Jun 1999 | Exterior Lighting | CONDITIONS WITH THE BRAKE LAMPS INADVERTENTLY DISABLING THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *TT | |
| 99129 Jun 1999 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING A WHINE / BUZZ TYPE NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO ON VEHICLES WITH AN IN-TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. *TT | |
| 99816 May 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT | |
| 982310 Nov 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MASS AIR FLOW (MAF)- SENSOR CONTAMINATION- SERVICE TIP. *AK | |
| 12178 Nov 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING TSB 98-5A-12 (TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION/TRANSFER CASE-VEHICLES TOWED BEHIND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES-RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES) DOES NOT LIST TOWING INFORMATION FOR CERTAIN MODEL VEHICLES. *MJS | |
| 982010 Oct 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXPERIENCING A " BUZZING " OR " RATTLING " NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *YC | |
| 9887 Apr 1998 | Power Train | EXPERIENCING A TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SHUDDER OR VIBRATION. *YC | |
| 9888 Apr 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC | |
| 9873 Apr 1998 | Equipment | EXPERIENCING A WHINING / BUZZING NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO. *TT | |
| 9874 Apr 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC | |
| 9864 Mar 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 985A5 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT FROM ROTUNDA IS NOW APPROVED FOR WARRANTY AND SERVICE USE. *YC | |
| 985A13 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. *YC | |
| 985A6 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | SOME VEHICLES MAY CYCLE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED ON ROUGH ROADS OR ON AN INCLINE WHILE MAKING A SHARP TURN. *YC | |
| 9845 Mar 1998 | Service Brakes | AVAILABILITY OF HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT. *YC | |
| 98410 Mar 1998 | Power Train | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SHUDDER OR VIBRATION. *YC | |
| 983115 Feb 1998 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH VEHICLES EXHIBITING A TORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER. *TT | |
| 9836 Feb 1998 | Power Train | INFORMATION CONCERNING VIBRATION-SHUDDER UNDER LIGHT TO MODERATE ACCELERATION ABOVE 56 KM/H (35MPH) IN 3RD OR 4RD GEAR- VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AODE OR 4R70W TRANSMISSION. | |
| 9814 Jan 1998 | Service Brakes | SUBJECT REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT. *TT | |
| 9768 Mar 1997 | Unknown Or Other | FUEL ECONOMY- CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS VERSUS VEHICLE USAGE. *JD | |
| 9751 Mar 1997 | Seats | INTERIOR- LEATHER SEAT CLEANING PROCEDURE- SERVICE TIP. *JD | |
| 97511 Mar 1997 | Power Train | FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD | |
| 962612 Dec 1996 | Power Train | TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 962517 Dec 1996 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION - AODE - 4R70W - SHUDDER OR VIBRATION UNDER LIGHT TO MODERATE ACCELERATION ABOVE 56 KM/H (35 MPH) WHILE IN 3RD OR 4TH GEAR. *TW | |
| 96246 Nov 1996 | Electrical System | WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW | |
| 96249 Nov 1996 | Power Train | TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| BC0311961101 Nov 1996 | Power Train | OWNER NOTIFICATION 96B97 OIL COOLER LINE REPLACEMENT CLARIFICATION. *TW | |
| BC0678961025 Oct 1996 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON AODE/4R7W TRANSMISSION MAIN CONTROL & CASE REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| BC0707961022 Oct 1996 | Visibility | WINDNOISE FROM THE FACTORY INSTALLED MOON ROOF MAY BE DUE TO A GAP IN THE MOONROOF SEAL. *TT | |
| 96221 Oct 1996 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW | |
| 96222 Oct 1996 | Service Brakes | BRAKES - ELIMINATION OF SANDING ROTORS AND DRUMS - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| 96225 Oct 1996 | Fuel System | MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR - REPLACEMENT AS AN ASSEMBLY - SERVICE TIP. *TW | |
| BC0810961011 Oct 1996 | Power Train | VEHICLES EQUIPPED W/ AN AODE OR 4R70W TRANS HAS A CONCERN OF SHUDDER FROM THE TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH IN 3RD OR 4TH GEAR OR DURING 3-4 SHIFT. *TT | |
| 96714 Mar 1996 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING A NEW TRANSMISSION CASE AND MAIN CONTROL RELEASED FOR SERVICE ON AODE / 4R70W TRANSMISSIONS. *TT | |
| 95212 Oct 1995 | Service Brakes | THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE IT MAY BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE RUBBER MATERIAL USED IN THE DISC BRAKE SYSTEM. |
Showing 60 of 74 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Lincoln Town Car →