1997 Lincoln Town Car

314 federal complaints (395 component records) · 6 recall campaigns on file · 7 federal investigations · 134 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 31 model years of the Lincoln Town Car →
Engine
4.6L 8-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
15 city / 23 hwy
Federal complaints
314
Recall campaigns
6
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
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.

Engine & cooling
98
Suspension
59
Brakes
48
Speed control
44
Lighting
23
Steering
22
Fuel system
18
Glass & wipers
17
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

0 years old: 22 complaints01 years old: 15 complaints2 years old: 13 complaints3 years old: 7 complaints4 years old: 24 complaints5 years old: 28 complaints56 years old: 24 complaints7 years old: 34 complaints8 years old: 22 complaints9 years old: 13 complaints10 years old: 30 complaints1011 years old: 8 complaints12 years old: 4 complaints13 years old: 7 complaints14 years old: 3 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 5 complaints17 years old: 5 complaints18 years old: 3 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 2 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 269 of 314 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 2 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 3 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 13 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 23 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 37 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 23 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 12 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 8 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 2 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 1 complaints200,000+ miles: 2 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 126 of 314 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

98 complaint records1 fire report
"VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT AT SLOW TO MODERATE SPEEDS OF 25-30MPH, AND WHEN MAKING TURNS. DEALER COULD NOT FIND CAUSE. *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 →

Suspension

59 complaint records2 crash reports
"VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AS STATED IN RECALL #098V322000 FOR LOWER CONTROL ARM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*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 suspension parts in the directory →

Brakes

48 complaint records1 crash report
"VEHICLE SHAKES AND SHIMMIES. DEALER REPLACED ALL FOUR SHOCK ABSORBERS AND CONTROL ARMS/POWER STEERING HOSES AND FRONT BRAKE ROTORS...."- 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 →

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.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP05005
opened Sep 2005
closed Jan 2006Engine And Engine CoolingSPARK 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...
EA03012
opened Jul 2003
closed Apr 2005Service Brakes, HydraulicREAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE - led to recall 05V086000
IN A LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 25, 2005, FORD MOTOR COMPANY (FORD) NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WOULD BE CONDUCTING A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (FORD NO.
RQ03004
opened Mar 2003
closed Jul 2003Service Brakes, HydraulicREAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE
ODI HAS RECEIVED 40 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, INCLUDING 8 THAT HAVE BEEN RECEIVED THIS YEAR.AN ADDITIONAL 192 REPORTS AND 478 WARRANTY CLAIMS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM FORD.A LEAK IN THE REAR BRAKE LINE CAN CAUSE...
RQ03002
opened Jan 2003
closed Jun 2003SuspensionBALL JOINT SEPARATION
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
EA02025
opened Sep 2002
closed Jun 2004Engine And Engine CoolingSPEED 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 ?
Show 2 more closed investigations
InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP02007
opened Aug 2002
closed Dec 2002Vehicle Speed ControlFUEL-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 2002Fuel System, GasolinePOST REAR END COLLISION FIRES - led to recall 02I003000
There is no summary currently available

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.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
07V336000Vehicle Speed ControlON 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
01V318000Air BagsEQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE REPLACED AFTER APRIL 5, 2000.Normally free
00V157002Seat BeltsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.Normally free
00V157001Seat BeltsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.Normally free
98V322000SuspensionVEHICLE 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
96V231000Air BagsTWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE DRIVER AIR BAG TO THE STEERING WHEEL WERE NOT INSTALLED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.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.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2007258
2007-08-07
Electrical165,447On 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
Suspension4,856Note: 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...
1997009
1997-01-21
Seats And Restraints25THE TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE DRIVER AIR BAG MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. IF A VEHICLE WITHOUT THE BOLTS INSTALLED IS INVOLVED IN A DEPLOYMENT LEVEL FRONTAL COLLISION, THE AIR BAG MODULE WOULD STAY IN POSITION...

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.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
CSP 08B04
May 2008
Fuel SystemFORD/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
07212
Oct 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME 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. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE
0531
May 2007
StructureCUSTOMER 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.
05N04
Dec 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingEXTENDED COVERAGE PROGRAM 05N04 - EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS PROGRAM IS BEING PROVIDED AS A SETTLEMENT TO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT.
042107
Dec 2004
Power TrainGENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
04217
Nov 2004
Power TrainGENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
03245
Dec 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0420 AND/OR P0430. *TT
03203
Oct 2003
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457 OR P1442 OR A CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DTC P0457 FOR THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM. *TT
17310
Oct 2003
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0420 (CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD - BANK 1) AND/OR P0430 (CATALYST SYSTEM EFFICIENCY BELOW THRESHOLD - BANK 2). *TT
03181
Sep 2003
Electrical SystemREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT
03148
Jul 2003
Power TrainNEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT
0398
May 2003
Fuel SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT
03261
Jan 2003
Power TrainNEW SERVICE PART - NUMBER 5 NEEDLE BEARING AND RACE KIT - 4R70W TRANSMISSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT
02208
Oct 2002
EquipmentCLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH
02107
May 2002
VisibilityTRANSFER SERVICE TIPS FOR THE FRONT WIPER MOTOR MOUNT BRACKET AND DEPRESSED PARK OUTPUT ARM. *TT
0222
Feb 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTAKE MANIFOLD CROSSOVER (FIRST RUNNER) COOLANT SEEPAGE CONDITION. *TT
0214
Jan 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME 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
01246
Dec 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT
012114
Oct 2001
Fuel SystemPARTS AND PROCEDURE TO REDUCE THE POTENTIAL OF FUEL TANK PUNCTURES DURING RARE AND EXTREMELY HIGH-SPEED REAR IMPACTS. *TT
01205
Oct 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VACUUM OR AIR LEAKS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND / OR ENGINE SYSTEM CAUSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171 AND OR P0174. *TT
01181
Sep 2001
Power TrainBRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB
01156
Aug 2001
VisibilitySOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
01157
Aug 2001
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
15158
Aug 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FEAD BELT JUMP-OFF TOSS. *YH
14862
Apr 2001
Fuel SystemINFORMATION ON REPLACING FUEL TANK STRAP BOLTS. *TT
0147
Mar 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE IN 2001 VEHICLES - SAE 5W-20 MOTOR OIL. *TT
00E11
Feb 2001
Power TrainSERVICE ACTION 00E11, SUPPLEMENT #1 - UPDATE INFORMATION REGARDING ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM UPGRADE. *TT
00E11
Dec 2000
EquipmentSERVICE ACTION BULLETIN REGARDING ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM UPGRADE. *TT
002310
Nov 2000
Power TrainSUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT
00213
Oct 2000
EquipmentSUBJECT REGARDING CLIMATE CONTROL - EATC - BLOWER MOTOR CONTROL SERVICE TIPS. *JB
14370
Sep 2000
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION ON PROGRAMMING REMOTES AFTER DRIVER DOOR MODULE REPLACEMENT. *JB
8300
Apr 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A BANG / POPPING NOISE HEARD FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM DURING COOL-DOWN. **MR
8300
Mar 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXIBIT A BANG POPPING NOISE HEARD FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM DURING COOL-DOWN. *TT
8136
Feb 2000
VisibilitySUBJECT PERTAINING TO HEATED BACKGLASS REPAIR PROCESSES. *TT
13868
Feb 2000
VisibilityINFORMATION REGARDING HEATED BACKGLASS REPAIR PROCESSES. *TT
0015
Jan 2000
Power TrainINFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS
99234
Nov 1999
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION ON DIAGNOSING A VEHICLE WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442 AND P0455 STORED IN CONTINUOUS MEMORY. *TT
99242
Nov 1999
StructureINFORMATION ON REPLACING AND / OR REPAIRING MALFUNCTIONING (DOOR, IGNITION AND DECKLID) LOCKS. *TT
99222
Oct 1999
Electrical SystemSUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT
7312
Oct 1999
VisibilitySOME 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
VisibilitySOME 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 BrakesINFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT
99195
Sep 1999
EquipmentSERVICE INFORMATION FOR MUSTY AND MILDEW TYPE ODORS COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING / HEATING SYSTEM. *TT
99196
Sep 1999
EquipmentINFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT
99185
Sep 1999
Unknown Or OtherVEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN 3/15/1997 AND 12/31/1998 AND WITH 4R70W TRANSMISSIONS MAY EXPERIENCE DELAYED OR NO 2-3 UPSHIFT, TRANSMISSION CONTROL INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0782 STORED IN MEMORY. *TT
996785
Aug 1999
EquipmentVEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A CELLULAR PHONE MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE CELLULAR PHONE DOES NOT RING WHEN RECEIVING INCOMING CALLS. *TT
6728
Aug 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A BANG POPPING NOISE HEARD FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM DURING COOL-DOWN. *TT
13057
Aug 1999
EquipmentCONCERNS WITH CELLULAR PHONES NOT RINGING WHEN RECEIVING CALLS. *TT
99152
Jul 1999
Power TrainINFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT
13025
Jul 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A BANG POPPING NOISE HEARD FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM DURING COOL-DOWN. *TT
99139
Jun 1999
Exterior LightingCONDITIONS WITH THE BRAKE LAMPS INADVERTENTLY DISABLING THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *TT
99129
Jun 1999
EquipmentEXPERIENCING 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
99111
Jun 1999
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION DESIGNED TO AID IN THE DIAGNOSIS, TESTING AND REPAIR OF NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) CONCERNS. *TT
991210
Jun 1999
Unknown Or OtherFORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A PRIVATE LABELED MATERIAL TO BE USED FOR IRON PARTICLE / ACID RAIN SERVICE REPAIRS. *TT
9996
May 1999
Power TrainEXPERIENCING A DELAYED OR NO 2-3 UPSHIFT, PRIMARILY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS COLD ON VEHICLES WITH FORD QALITY REMANUFACTURED (FQR) 4R70W TRANSMISSION EXCHANGE UNITS WITH JULIAN BUILD BETWEEN 062-97 AND 040-99. *TT
99816
May 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingFORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT
99-8-15
May 1999
StructureSUBJECT REGARDING DOOR TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIP. *TT
9943
Mar 1999
Power TrainINFORMATION REGARDING REPROGRAMMING POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES (PCMS). *TT
9947
Mar 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE EXPERIENCING ROUGHNESS AT IDLE DUE TO EXHAUST SYSTEM RESONANCE. *TT
98258
Dec 1998
SteeringA VIBRATION / NOISE FELT IN STEERING WHEEL ON RIGHT TURNS.

Showing 60 of 134 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  3. 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.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 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.
  5. 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 →