If you plan on buying a used luxury car, the Lincoln Town Car is a great choice. It’s an impressive sedan with high aesthetic value because of its upscale and vintage style. The Town Car’s most recent redesign has kept its old-school look, making it popular amongst Lincoln enthusiasts. It also holds value very well compared with other luxury sedans. The 2011 model has an estimated five-year depreciation rate of 8%, according to AutoPadre.com.
Are Lincoln Town Cars Reliable?
The Lincoln Town Car is considered reliable. It has received good reliability ratings from RepairPal, scoring 4.0 out of 5.0 and ranking 2nd out of 30 cars in the same category. According to reports, the Town Car can easily last over 250,000 miles with little to no problems. Some owners have also shared that it can last over 400,000 up to 500,000 miles as long as its maintenance and service schedule is properly followed.
Top Lincoln Town Car Problems
The Lincoln Town Car is reliable, but it has its fair share of problems depending on the model year. Here are the most common issues you may encounter with your Lincoln Town Car:
Faulty Air Suspension Due to Air Leaks
One of the most reported issues with the 1990-2010 Lincoln Town Car is its faulty air suspension, which may cause the car to sag. According to reports, the air suspension leaks whenever the car is turned off. Starting the car can help temporarily fix the problem, but it may make the check air suspension light turn on. However, it may turn off once the car becomes level. These air suspension leaks must be resolved as soon as possible because they may damage your Town Car’s air suspension compressor. Some owners have reported that their air suspension would not reinflate because the compressor gave out. If you notice any air suspension problems, consult your mechanic immediately.
Coolant Leaks Due to Broken Intake Manifold
The 1993-2005 and 2007 Lincoln Town Car tends to develop coolant leaks because of intake manifold damage. Some owners have reported that coolant leaks usually start near the thermostat housing. These leaks may be accompanied by overheating, which may affect long-term engine health. According to reports, these leaks are caused by a broken or cracked intake manifold, which needs to be replaced as soon as possible. The intake manifold usually breaks at around 132,000 miles. A reinforced intake manifold was released by Ford to help resolve this problem. It’s best to replace it as soon as you notice any coolant leaks in your Town Car.
Frequently Blown Out Spark Plugs
One of the most troublesome 2004 Lincoln Town Car problems is its engine that frequently blows out spark plugs. Some owners have shared that they had to pull over and get their cars towed because of abnormal popping sounds coming from the engine. They have also reported that this issue may happen multiple times. Getting spark plugs blown out may also affect the spark plug hole, which may need extra work to properly fit new spark plugs. According to Lincoln technical service bulletin (TSB) #07212, the procedure required to repair the hole is not covered by the vehicle’s limited warranty. The usual cost of repairs is around $350, which may vary based on the extent of work needed. If your Town Car often blows out spark plugs, you’re definitely not the only one.
Vehicle Control Issues
One of the most dangerous 2003 Lincoln Town Car problems is its vehicle control issues, which may cause the car to unexpectedly jerk or accelerate. Some owners have shared that instead of stopping, their Town Cars sped up when they stepped on the brakes. They have also shared how their brakes totally failed to stop the car, resulting in a crash. Some have also shared that their cruise control may heat up and malfunction. Sudden vehicle control loss can increase the risk of accidents. Multiple confirmed injuries and crashes are linked to this issue. According to reports, these vehicle control problems usually happen at around 54,400 miles. If you notice any signs of these issues with your Town Car, consult a mechanic immediately to avoid getting into accidents.
Poor Acceleration
The 1999 Lincoln Town Car’s acceleration problems can become very annoying. Some owners have reported that their cars wouldn’t speed up no matter how much they step on the gas pedal. According to reports, the car would hesitate and lose power. Some owners have shared that these acceleration issues may be linked to faulty components, such as the fuel filter, throttle position sensor, or catalytic converter. Some were able to resolve these problems by replacing their faulty components.
However, there are other complications that may reduce your Town Car’s acceleration. It may also be caused by other transmission, exhaust, and engine issues, which may be more complicated to resolve. Getting your car scanned using a scan tool may help determine the exact cause of your Town Car’s poor acceleration. However, It’s best to get your car checked by a mechanic, so you can get an accurate diagnosis.
A/C (Air Conditioning) Problems
1996 Lincoln Town Car A/ problems can become very severe, which may lead to total component failure. Some owners have shared that their A/Cs suddenly broke down and stopped working without any warnings. Others have reported abnormal smells coming from their A/C before failure. Multiple TSBs were released for the 1996 Lincoln Town Car’s A/C, including TSB #99195, #00213, #9735, and some others.
However, A/C failure may also be linked to a faulty A/C compressor clutch air gap, which may cause the A/C to intermittently shut down. Some owners have reported fixing their A/Cs by getting their A/C compressor clutch air gaps adjusted, costing them around $60. This is a common issue for the 1990-2010 Lincoln Town Car. If you’re having AC problems with your car, get your A/C compressor clutch air gap checked before spending on unnecessary repairs and part replacements.
The Lincoln Town Car is a good choice for a reliable luxury sedan, but you need to learn about the potential problems of the model year you’re interested in. Being aware of its common issues can help you easily manage them later as they happen. Just make sure you clear all important details with your seller before making any payments.
Automotive Features Reviewer at CarParts.com
Automotive and Tech Writers
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If you have a 90s model then car definitely get your recalls done. Mine caught fire while parked in the driveway. Total loss.