Model year record

2003 Lincoln Town CAR

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 242 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V328000

Suspension: rear

Component
Suspension: rear
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
47,314
Reported to NHTSA
2004-07-07
Owners notified
2004-07-15

Defect description

CERTAIN POLICE, COMMERCIAL, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES SOLD TO FLEETS TYPICALLY INPUT HIGHER LOADS INTO THE VEHICLE CHASSIS OVERLOADING THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND AXLES.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Suspension: rear4363,630 mi
Suspension32100,000 mi
Vehicle speed control1644,369 mi
Steering1480,000 mi
Power train1292,611 mi
Electrical system629,000 mi
Engine685,800 mi
Wheels667,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling545,350 mi
Power train: axle assembly539,825 mi
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft540,600 mi
Power train: driveline559,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic551,863 mi
Structure5795 mi
Structure: body581,000 mi
Tires59,000 mi
Air bags489,147 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing440,284 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner330,450 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights3312 mi
Service brakes3150,000 mi
Unknown or other398,000 mi
Air bags: frontal25,300 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module249,370 mi
Air bags: side/window245,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine24,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch24,750 mi
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal283,512 mi
Seats285,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: head restraint24,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages21,000 mi
Structure: body: trunk lid212,100 mi
Suspension: rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly240,284 mi
Back over prevention: warnings: external/pedestrian alert129,400 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator1140,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch173,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.1
Exterior lighting1150,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch1
Exterior lighting: turn signal1153,600 mi
Fuel system, gasoline1
Fuel/propulsion system1
Latches/locks/linkages1110,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch146,000 mi
Parking brake146,000 mi
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable1
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip1153,600 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads1135,223 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings195,492 mi
Steering: column168,000 mi
Steering: electric power assist system1153,600 mi
Suspension: multiple axle1
Suspension: rear: axle: spindle163,250 mi
Tires: sidewall1
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal112,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control120,000 mi
Visibility1

The 2002 model has 3 times as many complaints as this one. The 2004 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.