2005 Lincoln Town Car

119 federal complaints (161 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 35 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 31 model years of the Lincoln Town Car →
Engine
4.6L 8-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
16 city / 23 hwy
Federal complaints
119
Recall campaigns
3
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.

Speed control
34
Brakes
25
Air bags
22
Seat belts
11
Body & structure
9
Steering
8
Electrical system
8
Power train
7
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: 13 complaints01 years old: 11 complaints2 years old: 5 complaints3 years old: 7 complaints4 years old: 3 complaints5 years old: 7 complaints56 years old: 6 complaints7 years old: 5 complaints8 years old: 7 complaints9 years old: 19 complaints10 years old: 8 complaints1011 years old: 9 complaints12 years old: 2 complaints13 years old: 5 complaints14 years old: 4 complaints15 years old: 3 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 1 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 116 of 119 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 14 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 14 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 10 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 18 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 18 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 6 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 4 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 1 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 2 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 3 complaints200,000+ miles: 2 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 92 of 119 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.

Speed control

34 complaint records9 crash reports
"WHEN PRESSING HARD ON BRAKES 2005 TOWN CAR ENGINE WENT TO FULL THROTTLE. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE INCIDENT HAPPENED 3 TIMES. *JB..."- 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 →

Brakes

25 complaint records7 crash reports
"APPLIED BRAKES AND CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. THIS HAS HAPPENED 6-7 OVER THE LAST 3 MONTHS. THE LAST TIME THE CAR WAS AT A DEAD STOP AT A TRAFFIC AND UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. *TR..."- 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 →

Air bags

22 complaint records2 crash reports
"AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN STARTING CAR. BOTH OUTBOARD FRONT SEAT BELTS MUST BE REPLACED DUE TO DEFECTIVE CONNECTORS. *TR..."- 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 air bags parts in the directory →

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
14V704000SteeringFord 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...Normally free
13V385000SteeringFord is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles.Normally free
05V518000Electrical SystemON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BATTERY CABLE INCLUDES A FUSIBLE LINK THAT MAY CONTACT AND SUBSEQUENTLY CHAFE ON A #2 CROSS MEMBER ATTACHING BOLT.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
2014502
2014-11-05
Steering1,757Certain vehicles serviced as part of recall 2013-287 (13S08) or special service campaign 13R01 may require re-inspection and repair.
2013287
2013-08-27
Steering16,260On certain vehicles originally sold or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), the steering column lower...
2005350
2005-11-08
Electrical1,840On certain vehicles, the positive battery cable may come in contact with the #2 cross member attaching bolt. During normal vehicle operation, the insulation may chafe, which could result in an electrical short.
2004417
2004-11-25
Lights And Instruments161Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) system was not activated at the assembly plant.

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
TSB 20-2233
Jul 2020
StructureThis 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.
TSB 19-2026
Feb 2019
StructureSome 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.
SSM 46085
Sep 2016
Engine And Engine CoolingThe Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns.
16-0072
Apr 2016
SteeringFor 2005-2012 Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Grand Marquis and Town Car vehicles, Regional Program 13R01 applies to vehicles not registered in corrosion states and not included in Safety Recall 13S08, where operation in high corrosion areas for an extended period may lead to...
TSB160072
Apr 2016
StructureInpected or repaired under 13R01 - Requests for recall service action under 13S08
Show 30 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
RP-13R01
Sep 2014
SteeringFORD: THE LOWER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, HAS CORROSION OF SWING LINK JOINTS, COMBINED WITH COLLAPSED UPPER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, RESULTING IN STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. MODEL 2005-2011 CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS, TOWN CAR.
RP-13-R-01
Oct 2013
SteeringFORD: SWING LINK JOINTS ON LOWER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, HAS CORROSION, AND COMBINED WITH COLLAPSED UPPER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, ON SOME VEHICLES, CAUSES STEERING COLUMN TO SEPARATE, LEADING TO STEERING CONTROL LOSS.
TSB-12-7-4
Jul 2012
EngineFORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: IF BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED OR DEAD, VEHICLES/TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE HARD STARTS AND ENGINE IDLE RPM FLUCTUATION AND EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0505, P0506, P2111 AND P2112. *PE
TSB-08-18-2
Jun 2009
Power TrainFORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN: VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: DRIVE AWAY HESITATION, LOSS OF RPM ON DECELERATION, DIFFICULTY STARTING, AND/OR IDLE RPM LESS THAN DESIRED. THE F53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS IS INCLUDED. *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
SI-19982
Oct 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingFORD: ENGINE COOLING FAN CONTROL RELAY PART AVAILABILITY. *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.
06216
Jan 2006
Power TrainLIMITED SLIP AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS. *TT
0628
Jan 2006
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0305, P0316, P0171, AND/OR P0174 AFTER EXTENDED IDLE. *TT
051310
Nov 2005
Electrical SystemHIGH EFFORT TO ACTIVATE HORN - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 5/6/2005. *TT OASIS. *TT
041601
Nov 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingWDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT
042421
Jun 2005
Seat BeltsSAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT
18511
Mar 2005
Electrical SystemHIGH EFFORT TO ACTIVATE HORN. *EH
0531
Feb 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingMAF DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIP - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH EGR SYSTEM MODULE (ESM). *TT
05310
Feb 2005
Seat BeltsSAFETY BELT WEB STOP BUTTON SERVICE. *EH
0523
Feb 2005
Electrical SystemDELAYED REVERSE ENGAGEMENT. *EH
18426
Feb 2005
EquipmentAM FM AND CELLULAR PHONE RECEPTION INTERFERENCE . *EH
18383
Jan 2005
Electrical SystemAM/FM AND CELLULAR PHONE RECEPTION INTERFERENCE - SERVICE TIP. *TT
05265
Jan 2005
Parking BrakeAUTO RELEASE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM DIFFICULT TO SET. *TT
052308
Jan 2005
Parking BrakePARKING AID SYSTEM INOPERATIVE. *AK
04267
Dec 2004
Service BrakesNUMEROUS ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (ABS) WHEEL SPEED SENSOR (WSS) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) C1145, C1155, C1175, C1296, C1297, C1298, C1299 AND C1222. *TT
042616
Dec 2004
StructureWELD BONDING PROCEDURE. *TT
04189
Dec 2004
VisibilityREAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT
042107
Dec 2004
Power TrainGENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
04217
Nov 2004
Power TrainGENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
18292
Nov 2004
Service BrakesPINPOINT TEST ERROR FOR FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSORS - WORKSHOP ANNUAL UPDATE. *TT
031404
Aug 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE 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.
06910
Power TrainCATALYTIC CONVERTER BRICK RATTLE OR BUZZING NOISE. *TT
062013
Parking BrakePARKING AID SYSTEM INOPERATIVE - DTC C1983. *KB
062513
Unknown Or OtherPARKING AID SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE - DTC C1983. *KB

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 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 →