2004 Lincoln Town car problems
The Lincoln Town Car is a model line of full-size luxury sedans that was marketed by the Lincoln division of the American automaker Ford Motor Company. Deriving its name from a limousine body style, Lincoln marketed the Town Car from 1981 to 2011, with the nameplate previously serving as the flagship trim of the Lincoln Continental. Produced across three generations for thirty model years, the Town Car was marketed directly against luxury sedans from Cadillac and Chrysler.
Marketed nearly exclusively as a four-door sedan (a two-door sedan was offered for 1981 only), many examples of the Town Car were used for fleet and livery (limousine) service. From 1983 to its 2011 discontinuation, the Town Car was the longest car produced by Ford worldwide, becoming the longest mass-production car sold in North America from 1997 to 2011. While not a direct successor of the Town Car, the Lincoln MKS would become the longest American sedan until 2016 (overtaken by the Cadillac CT6).
From 1980 until 2007, the Lincoln Town Car was assembled in Wixom, Michigan, (Wixom Assembly) alongside the Lincoln Continental, LS, and Mark VI, VII, and VIII. After Wixom's closure, Town Car production moved to Southwold, Ontario, (St. Thomas Assembly) alongside the similar Ford Crown Victoria and the Mercury Grand Marquis. The final Lincoln Town Car was produced on August 29, 2011.
Within the Lincoln model line, the Town Car was not directly replaced; the nameplate was used from 2012 to 2019 to denote livery/limousine/hearse variants of the Lincoln MKT. For 2017, the revived Continental replaced the MKS, closely matching the Town Car in wheelbase and width.
Social links
Common 2004 Lincoln Town car problems
The Lincoln Town Car, produced from 1980 to 2011, is known for its spacious interior and luxurious features. However, several common problems have been reported by owners of the 2004 model, particularly concerning its engine, suspension, and air conditioning system.
- Vehicle Control Issues: The 2003 Lincoln Town Car has been reported to have vehicle control issues, which can cause the car to unexpectedly jerk or accelerate. Some owners have shared that their Town Cars sped up when they stepped on the brakes, and in some cases, the brakes totally failed to stop the car, resulting in accidents. These issues can significantly increase the risk of accidents and should be addressed immediately by a mechanic.
- Suspension Problems: The Lincoln Town Car's air suspension system, designed to provide a smooth ride, can fail over time. This can lead to a rough ride, uneven tire wear, and potential failure of the air suspension components. Coil suspension conversions have been suggested as a solution to this problem, providing a more reliable and cost-effective alternative.
- A/C (Air Conditioning) Problems: The 1996 Lincoln Town Car's A/C system can experience severe problems, leading to total component failure without warning. Some owners have reported abnormal smells coming from their A/C before failure. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of A/C components can help prevent these issues.
- Low-Mileage Old Car Problems: While low mileage is generally desirable in a used car, it can also lead to specific issues in older vehicles. Rotten gaskets and seals, clogged catalytic converters, and destroyed transmissions due to a lack of fluid changes are common problems in low-mileage, older cars.
In conclusion, the 2004 Lincoln Town Car has several common problems that owners should be aware of, particularly concerning its engine, suspension, and air conditioning system. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and careful inspection when purchasing a used Town Car can help mitigate these issues and ensure a safe and reliable driving experience.
How many miles will a 2004 Lincoln Town Car last?
250,000 to 400,000 miles
This is a very reliable car with great comfort. The 4.6 engine is bulletproof and will easily last for 250,000 to 400,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Are Lincoln Town cars reliable?
The Lincoln Town Car is an extremely reliable vehicle, ranking 2nd out of 30 cars in its class, according to RepairPal. With proper maintenance, it can last over 250,000 miles with little to no problems.
What year is the best Lincoln Town Car?
Lincoln Town Cars built between 1990 -1997 were the best cars ever made as far as the above rating criteria are concerned. Even after 25+ years, the cars hold up very well mechanically, in appearance, and features. My favorite is the 1997 model as it is the most modern car of this range.
How much did a 2004 Lincoln Town Car cost?
The original MSRP for the 2004 Lincoln Town Car started at $42,470 for the Signature and went up to $50,915 for the Ultimate.
How many miles will a 2004 Lincoln Town Car last?
250,000 to 400,000 miles
This is a very reliable car with great comfort. The 4.6 engine is bulletproof and will easily last for 250,000 to 400,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Are Lincoln Town cars reliable?
The Lincoln Town Car is an extremely reliable vehicle, ranking 2nd out of 30 cars in its class, according to RepairPal. With proper maintenance, it can last over 250,000 miles with little to no problems.
What year is the best Lincoln Town Car?
Lincoln Town Cars built between 1990 -1997 were the best cars ever made as far as the above rating criteria are concerned. Even after 25+ years, the cars hold up very well mechanically, in appearance, and features. My favorite is the 1997 model as it is the most modern car of this range.
Is Lincoln Town Car a safe car?
The Town Car boasts a record Five-Star federal safety rating in five categories for four years in a row (2003-06).
2004 Lincoln Town car car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lincoln Town car problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Steering problems
- Structure problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Lincoln Town car vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2004 Lincoln Town car
The NHTSA has received 81 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Lincoln Town car. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2004 Lincoln Town car vehicles.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-09
- VIN: 1LNHM83W84Y
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The steering is binding really bad. Noticed it yesterday while taking hubby to docs. Much worse today. Unable to pull into parking spaces, did not dare to try to pull up to pumps. Cornering was a challenge in either direction. We do not have any Ford garages in this area. Think this is a major issue that may go with Lincolns. had 2 other ones with similar issues. It is not too bad if rolling along, but almost impossible when going slow.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-25
- VIN: 1LNHM81W14Y
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE DURING RAIN SHOWERS AND WATER ACCUMULATED INSIDE THE REAR PASSENGER FOOT AREA 1ST AND OVERFLOWED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER'S FOOT AREA.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-03-29
- VIN: 1LNHM81W54Y
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: MY STEERING IS HARD TO TURN. VERY STIFF. BOUGHT IT USED AND I SEE THEY REPAIRED THE UPPER AND LOWER POWER STEERING SHAFT., ALL OTHER MODELS WERE BEING RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM. WHY NOT THIS YEAR? IT ONLY HAS 65,500 MILES
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-22
- VIN: 1LNHM83W84Y
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I HAVE ONLY 20,118 ORIGINAL MILES ON MY 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR ULTIMATE. THE STEERING COLUMN UNDER THE HOOD IS TERRIBLY RUSTED. THE CORROSION LOOKS SCARY. I WANTED TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM TELL ME IF I NEEDED TO REPLACE IT! NOW, I WASN'T LOOKING FOR FORD TO PAY FOR ANYTHING BUT GET THIS - THEY WANT ME TO PAY THEM A $100 DIAGNOSTIC FEE JUST TO TELL ME IF I NEED TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN! THE 2005 TOWN CAR IS BEING RECALLED FOR THE SAME THING YET FORD IS PAYING FOR THIS. WHAT RECOURSE DO I HAVE. I SEE NOW WHY THEY WANT TO CHARGE FOR THIS INSPECTION BECAUSE THEY KNOW THESE CARS WELL AND ARE AWARE OF THE CORROSION ISSUE WITH THEIR STEERING COMPONENTS. NOW THE I LOOK AT THE TOE-IN TOE-OUT POSITION OF THE FRONT WHEELS ONE WHEEL IS POINTING STRAIGHT AHEAD AND THE OTHER IS TURNED SLIGHTLY AWAY FROM STRAIGHT. IT ISN'T CAUSING ANY PROBLEMS BUT I WANT THIS INSPECTED SO I CAN REPLACE THE PARTS IF NEEDED BUT I'LL BE DOUBLE-DAMNED IF I GIVE THE MORONS $100 JUST TO TELL ME IF I NEED TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT. THIS CAR LOOKS LIKE IT IS BRAND NEW ON THE OUTSIDE, THE INTERIOR'S LEATHER HAS NO CREASES...NO ONE HAS EVEN SAT IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT. IT HAS BEEN WELL CARED FOR TOO. THIS IS WHY I CANNOT BELIEVE THE STEERING COLUMN IS SO FREAKIN RUSTY - IT LOOKS DANGEROUS! I LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING FROM A CAR THAT'S BEEN SITTING IN A JUNK YARD ALL ITS LIFE. NOW I SEE WHY THE LINCOLN CONCIERGE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO HELP WHAT SO EVER. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS CORROSION ISSUE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-01
- VIN: 1LNHM81W64Y
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE BATTERY DRAINED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 64,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-14
- VIN: 1LNHM81W94Y
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: OPERATOR EXPERIENCED STUCK SPEED CONTROL BUTTON AND ACCELERATED COULDN�T STOP THE SPEED ACCELERATION WITH STEERING WHEEL SO OPERATOR HIT BREAKS. LOUD BANG SOUND FOLLOWED BY DRASTIC REDUCED SPEEDS. COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL. RESULTED IN SPEEDING TICKET DURING FAILURE SPEEDS ALMOST UP TO 100MPH DURING EMERGENCY EVENT MODE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-14
- VIN: 1LNHM81W94Y
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: OPERATOR EXPERIENCED STUCK SPEED CONTROL BUTTON AND ACCELERATED COULDN'T STOP THE SPEED ACCELERATION WITH STEERING WHEEL SO OPERATOR HIT BREAKS. LOUD BANG SOUND FOLLOWED BY DRASTIC REDUCED SPEEDS. COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-28
- VIN: 1LNHM83W94Y
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: WHEN LIGHTING IS SWITCHED ON FROM THE DASHBOARD SWITCH OR FROM AUTO LAMP FEATURE, ALL LIGHTS COME ON EXCEPT THE HEADLIGHTS.. NO HI OR LO BEAM. THE HIGH BEAMS WILL WORK FROM THE "FLASH TO PASS" FEATURE WITH THE TURN SIGNAL STALK. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED SUDDENLY. FORTUNATELY JUST BEFORE I ENTERED THE HIGHWAY THIS SEEMS PRECISELY THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE PROBLEM THAT FORD COVERS FOR THE CROWN VIC AND MARQUIS VEHICLES UNDER RECALL 15S39. THE TOWN CAR IS THE SAME PANTHER PLATFORM AS THE "COVERED" VEHICLES, AND CERTAINLY WITHIN THE SAME YEAR RANGE AS COVERED IN THE RECALL. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. MINE IS A "HARD" FAILURE.. NOT INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE HAS NO HEADLIGHTS AT THIS MOMENT. I VISITED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER TODAY AND THEY CONFIRMED THAT THE TOWN CAR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER FORD 15S39.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-01
- VIN: 1LNHM81W54Y
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE SAME PART NUMBER AS FORD RECALL FOR MARQUIS OF SAME YEAR, WHY ISN'T TOWN CARS INCLUDED FROM SAME PERIOD. POSSIBLE LINK TO LEFT INFORMATION DISPLAY IN DASH HAS BEGUN FLICKERING, NUMBERS PHASE OUT AND EVENTUALLY AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME, ENTIRE DISPLAY DISAPPEARS LOSING SPEED, ODOMETER, WARNING LIGHTS, EVERYTHING ON THAT SIDE OF THE DISPLAY PANEL. RIGHT DISPLAY PANEL HAS DISPLAYED SIMILAR FLICKERING WHEN LEFT SIDE COMPLETELY GOES OUT.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1LNHM83W94Y
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL WERE EXTREMELY CLOSE TO ONE ANOTHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-22
- VIN: 1LNHM83W94Y
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 3 OF 4 INTERIOR DOOR LATCHES BROKE IN NORMAL USE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND THE PART IS INTEGRAL TO THE DOOR PANEL. FORD DEALER SAYS THE PARTS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND FORD HAS PROVIDED NO OTHER MEANS OF REPAIR. EXITING THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE IN AN EMERGENCY AND MAY POSE A SERIOUS THREAT TO LIFE & SAFETY.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-04
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1LNHM83W64Y
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: I CAME FROM WORK AT AROUND 0600 AM ON 9/4/15 IN MY 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR AND PARK IT IN MY APARTMENT. AT AROUND 0330 OF THE SAME DAY I DECIDED TO GO PICK MY CHILD FROM SCHOOL . WHENT I STATRTED MY CAR AND PUT IT IN REVERSE TRYNG TO BACK UP FROM THE PARKING LOT, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 60 ML/HR TO HIT TOW CARS PARK IN THE PARKING LOT AND DRAGGING ONE OF THE TO A TREE WHICH FINALLY STOPPED THE CAR. IF THAT TREE DID NOT STOP THE CAR THE DAMAGE WOULD HAVE BEEN WORSE BECAUSE ALL MY EFFORTS TO STOP THE CAR FAILED. THE CAR WAS JUST UNCONTROLLABLE WITH UNPRECEDENTED SPEED . IT WAS AS IF THE CAR HAD A MIND OF IT SELF. I WAS JUST LUCKY BECAUSE MY WIFE AND KIDS WERE IN ANOTHER CAR VERY CLOSE TO THE CAR THAT WAS DRAGGED. IF THEY HAVE CAME OUT OF THE CAR , THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN DRAGGED TOO. THANK GOD THEIR IS NO FATALITIES. I HAVE DIVEN ALL TYPES OF VEHICLE ,INCLUDING TRACTOR TRAILER OVER THE ROAD AND DOMESTIC AND HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH PHENOMENON.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-05-14
- VIN: 1LNHM83W83Y
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR CARTIER. RIDING DOWN ROAD 35 MPH ACCELERATING. WINDOWS WERE ALL UP, SUNROOF CLOSED. NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS PRIOR. WIFE TOUCHED SUNROOF BUTTON TO OPEN SUNROOF WHILE WINDOWS STILL CLOSED, AND BAM! THE SUNROOF EXPLODED; LUCKILY DID NOT SHATTER ONTO US BUT CRACKED IN LARGE PIECES. SCARED US BOTH BUT I KEPT CONTROL OF THE CAR UNTIL COULD PULL OVER. NO CARS IN THE AREA AROUND US. NOT AWARE OF ANY DEBRIS. A WINDSHILED REPLACEMENT COMPANY TOLD US THERE IS A HIGH INCIDENCE OF SUNROOFS EXPLODING FOR NO REASON. MY THOUGHTS ARE THAT THE SUDDEN PULLING BACK OF THE SUNROOF COVER CAUSED A BIG DIFFERENCE IN AIR PRESSURE CAUSING THE SUNROOF GLASS TO BREAK. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM NEEDING ATTN. USUALLLY I HAVE MY WINDOWS OPENED SLIGHTLY BEFORE OPENING SUNROOF..NO PRIOR PROBLEMS. ON THAT DAY, MY WIFE WAS HAPPY AS WE LEFT A BUSINESS AND OPENED THE SUNROOF BEFORE THE WINDOWS..AND THEN BAM! NEVER EXPECTED SOMETHING LIKE THIS ON A LINCOLN TOWN CAR. BUT, THE AUTO GLASS CO SAID IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SUNROOFTS. HAVE NOT YET HAD IT FIXED, WONDERING IF IT'S WORTH USING ANOTHER SUNROOF THAT MIGHT BREAK. MY CAR STILL OPERATES GOOD OTHERWISE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-02
- VIN: 1LNHM83W44Y
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: DRIVING SLOWLY ON A SUBURBAN STREET AT TWILIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE SAME THING OCCURRED A THREE TIMES WEEK LATER ON THE INTERSTATE AT 65 MPH ABOUT 10 P.M. THE AUTOMATIC DELAYED HEADLIGHT OFF SETTING NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. THE LIGHTS CAN BE TURNED ON IN THE MANUAL POSITION.APPARENTLY, THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE HAS FAULTY RELAYS WHICH FAIL SUDDENLY DURING THE COURSE OF NORMAL USE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-02-13
- VIN: 1LNHM81W74Y
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: HEARD A POP AND CRUISE CONTROL LOST SPEED, AND THEN ACCELERATED HIGHER SPEED UNTIL I TURNED OFF SPEED CONTROL. SPEED CONTROL DOES NOT WORK ANY MORE. COST 112.00 TO FIND OUT WHAT PART IS NEEDED. 2. DRIVER SIDE MIRROR HAS STEADILY GETTING WORSE SINCE 2008. THE HEATING ELEMENT HAS DISTORTED MIRROR MAKING IT BRONZE. NEED TO REPLACE BUT FORD DOES NOT HAVE THE MIRROR. GARAGE SUGGESTED I FIND ONE IN A JUNK YARD. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-02-12
- VIN: 1LNHM81W54Y
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WE WERE ENTERING INTERSTATE 75 IN FLORIDA ON A RAMP AND THE CAR BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO STEER. WHEN WE WERE ABLE TO RETURN AND TAKE IT TO AN AUTOMOBILE SHOP, THEY TOLD US THE MULTIPLE U-JOINTS ON THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN WERE RUSTED TO WHERE THEY WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. WE HAVE A 2010 LINCOLN TOWN CAT THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON IT. THE 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR HAS THE SAME STEERING SO WHY WASN'T THERE A RECALL ON IT. WE ARE STILL DRIVING THE 2004, BUT IT WAS AFTER WE SPENT A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY ON HAVING IT REPAIRED SO IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE. WE WROTE A YEAR AGO ABOUT THE 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR, BUT RECEIVED AN ANSWER....UPDATED 12/04/14 *BF
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-01
- VIN: 1LNHM81W14Y
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 2004 LINCOLN LEAKS ON PASSENGER SIDE UNDER GLOVEBOX AREA, DURING MODERATE TO HARD RAIN, SEEMS TO BE MUCH WORSE WHILE STANDING STILL. PASSENGER CARPET FLOODS AND VEHICLE MUST HAVE 'SHOP VAC' TREATMENT TO GET ALL THE WATER OUT OF THE CAR AND CARPET. LEAVES THE CARPET STAINED AND MUSTY SMELLING. NOW I MUST PUT A LARGE TRASH SACK UNDER THE PASSENGER WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADE SO IF IT RAINS THE CAR WON'T FLOOD. LINCOLN SAYS THEY ARE SORRY BUT DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AS THEY CAN SEE NOTHING WRONG. I SHOWED THEM PICTURES AND LINCOLN WAS UNIMPRESSES. YOU CAN IDENTIFY MY CAR IN THE PARKING LOT WITH BY WATCHING FOR THE TRASHCAN LINER ON THE HOOD. STILL ONGOING PROBLEM. THANKS LINCOLN. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-25
- VIN: 1LNHM81WX4Y
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING TO A STOP AT 10 MPH, THEY TRIED TO STEER OUT OF THE WAY OF AN ONCOMING VEHICLE THAT HAD VEERED OUT OF IT'S LANE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STEER AWAY, THE VEHICLE STEERED THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION INTO A DITCH. THE PROBLEM HAD RECURRED TWO TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-11
- VIN: 1L1FM81W64Y
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE KNUCKLE WAS RUSTED AND THE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 245,000.
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-22
- VIN: 1LNHM81W64Y
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING IN TRAFFIC SOUTHBOUND ON I-95 @ 75 MPH IN PALM BEACH COUNTY THERE WAS A SHIFT OF THE RIGHT REAR TO THE RIGHT. I ADJUSTED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL PRESUMING POSSIBLE HIGH WINDS ON THE ROAD. UPON ACCELERATING THERE WAS NO POWER, THEREFORE I APPLIED BRAKES TO COAST TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK (AUTOMOBILE WAS STILL MOVING UNTIL IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP). LOOKING AROUND THE VEHICLE, EVERYTHING SEEMED NORMAL; NO LEAKAGE OF LIQUIDS/FLUIDS, NO SKID MARKS, NO FOREIGN DEBRIS, ETC. WHILE AUTO WAS BEING PUT UPON THE FLAT BED FOR TOW, THERE WAS A CYLINDER-SHAPED PIECE LOCATED ON THE GROUND NEAR THE TOW TRUCK. I NOTICED THE ITEM, BUT DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT AT THE TIME. AFTER THE CAR WAS TOWED TO MY RESIDENCE 40 MILES AWAY FROM THE INCIDENT AND BEFORE BEING RELEASED FROM FLAT BED TOW TRUCK; THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL/TIRE WAS PROJECTING ABOUT 45 DEGREES OUT FROM REAR FENDER WELD. THE CAR HAD TO BE JACKED UP AND THE WHEEL/TIRE HAD TO BE HELD IN PLACE BY HAND AND ROTATED SLOWLY OFF THE RAMP . UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IT IS NOTICED THAT ONLY THE TOP PORTION OF THE BRAKE CALIPHER ASSEMBLY WAS HOLDING THE WHEEL ALL ALONG. THE JACK HAD TO BE LEFT IN PLACE BECAUSE THE WHEEL/TIRE WAS NOT STABLE. ALSO, GREASE WAS SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE INTERIOR WHEEL; 3 WHEEL BEARINGS SEEMED MISSING, THE AXLE WAS COMPLETELY DISENGAGED (CLEAN-CUT THROUGH) FROM THE PORTION OF THE WHEEL/TIRE ASSEMBLY, INCLUDING THE WHEEL BREAK CYLINDER AND THE OTHER PORTION OF THE AXEL WAS LODGED IN THE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL HOUSING UNIT. THE AREA AROUND THE RING SHELVE HAD A RUST-LIKE COLOR (THEREFORE, ASSUMING THAT A HIGH DEGREE OF HEAT WAS A FACTOR IN THE STRUCTURAL/MATERIAL BREAKDOWN), PORTIONS OF THE WHEEL WERE MAGNETIZED WITH METAL SHAVINGS WITHIN GREASE UPON THE WHEEL DRUM HOUSING; BROKEN/CRUSHED BEARINGS PARTS AND THE AXEL COMPLETELY CUT OFF AT THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY AREA. MECHANICS WERE PUZZLED. *JS
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-11
- VIN: 1LNHM81W44Y
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH , THE POWER STEERING ASSIST SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,300.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-03-23
- VIN: 1LNHM83W24Y
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH , THERE WAS AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AND MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED TWO STEERING COLUMN SHAFT ASSEMBLIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,847. UPDATED 06/27/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THIS VEHICLE'S MODEL AND MODEL YEAR WERE EXCLUDED FROM THE STEERING RECALL. UPDATED 07/2/2014 *JS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1LNHM81W74Y
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: PULLING INTO A SPACE IN A PARKING LOT, UPON APPLICATION OF THE FOOT BRAKE, THE CAR EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION, JUMPED THE CURB, AND STRUCK A TREE IN FRONT OF THE PARKING SPACE. ACCELERATION STOPPED WHEN THE CAR WAS SHIFTED OUT OF D INTO P. FRONT BUMPER OF THE CAR WAS DAMAGED, AND A WRECKER HAD TO BE CALLED TO PULL THE CAR OVER THE CURB, WHICH WAS PREVENTING BACKING UP THE CAR. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED, BUT THIS SUDDEN ACCELERATION IS VERY SIMILAR TO WHAT OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS CAR DESCRIBE. IT WAS LIKE THE CRUISE CONTROL CAME ON AND STARTED TO ACCELERATE THE CAR. *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-24
- VIN: 1LNHM81W14Y
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: ON JUNE 20 2012 I PURCHASED 4 GOODYEAR VIVA AUTHORITY TIRES 225/70/16.ON APRIL 24 2014 I NOTICED I WAS LOSING AIR ON MY FRONT LEFT TIRE! I WENT TO WALMART# 01698 IN HOOKSETT,N.H.,AND WAS TOLD MY TIRE HAD DRY ROTTED,THE OUTSIDE SIDEWALL LOOKED FINE, THE INSIDE SIDEWALL HOWEVER LOOKED LIKE IT WAS ABOUT TO SPLIT IN TWO,THE MANAGER SAID THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF AN IMPACT AND THE TIRE WAS PRO-RATED. THE MANAGER ALSO INFORMED ME THE OTHER TIRES,ALL BOUGHT ON 6/20/12,SHOWED EVIDENCE OF DRY ROT,BUT SINCE THEY HAD NOT YET FAILED,THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-01
- VIN: 1LNHM81W548
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 2010 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STEERING LINKAGE SHAFT DUE TO CORROSION RECALL. CONSUMER STATES 2004 LINCOLN TOWN CAR WITH SAME ISSUE IS NOT UNDER RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD DIFFICULTY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL DUE TO CORROSION OF THE LINKAGE SHAFT BEING VERY CORRODED. THE COST OF THE REPAIR WAS $ 296.80. IT HAD RUSTED OUT AND MADE THE VEHICLE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN. *JB
Negative 2004 Lincoln Town car car reviews
Positive 2004 Lincoln Town car car reviews
-
I really like the Town Car, especially its exterior design. However, I do think that the interior could use some improvement.
-
The car is superb! It embodies the true essence of a full-size luxury car, unlike mid-size or compact foreign brands. The fit and finish of the exterior metal is excellent, as is the interior. It is quiet, comfortable, spacious, and has decent MPG with more than adequate get-up-and-go, all at a fraction of the price of a Deville. Caddy, you have some competition! I kindly request that Edmunds provide a more objective review. Thank you!
-
You have an excellent car! I'm so impressed by the constant 25 to 28 miles per gallon. It has a luxurious feel and is great for cruising on the highway and sharp turns in town. Even at 4 years old, it still looks good. Plus, it has good acceleration for a big car.
-
This is by far the most reliable and trouble-free sedan I have ever owned. It's quite spacious, yet easy to drive and park. The car is incredibly comfortable on long trips, and I've had nothing but excellent experiences with the dealer service. The only suggestion I have for improvement is to include a full-size spare tire. The interior is roomy, and the trunk is large. I have never ridden in a car that rides as smoothly as the Lincoln Town car. My daughter bought it new but wanted a smaller car, so I got it from her with very low miles. I would definitely buy another one.
-
This car was amazing on our family trip from Buffalo, New York to Chicago, Illinois! Despite its interior resembling that of a senior citizen's car, the ride was incredibly comfortable. All five passengers enjoyed the 12-hour trip!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Lincoln Town car problems:
2004 Lincoln Town Car Ultimate With Only 35k miles. Should I grab ...
Sep 3, 2023 ... Typical low-mileage old car problems: rotted gaskets and seals, clogged catalytic converter, transmission destroyed due to no fluid changes.
2004 Lincoln Town Car Problems and Complaints - 19 Issues
Top 2004 Lincoln Town Car Problems · Compressor Failure Due to Air Leaks From Air Suspension Struts and Drier · Intake Manifold May Crack Near Thermostat ...
2007+ vs. Older Town Cars - Reliability - Lincolns OnLine Message ...
Jan 30, 2013 ... 2007+ vs. Older Town Cars - Reliability 1998 - 2011 Town Car. ... I've had many problems with my 2004 Town Car ... 1979 Lincoln Continental Town Car
Lincoln Town Car Reliability and Common Problems - In The ...
Aug 13, 2023 ... Air leaks, coolant leaks, blown-out spark plugs, and vehicle control issues are some of the most commonly reported problems with the Lincoln ...
New here. Overheating issues 2004 Lincoln town car ultimate ...
Oct 21, 2018 ... Hasn't been my experience. Fill with coolant, run it until it reaches operating temp and the thermostat opens, hold RPM at around 1200-1500 for ...
Other years of Lincoln Town car
Are you having problems with your 2004 Lincoln Town car?
Abel McCullough 2024-11-22
Last year, I purchased a 2003 Lincoln Signature. Unfortunately, I have noticed a significant amount of wind noise coming from both front doors. I have taken the car back to the dealership, had a Ford Tech Rep drive the car, and corresponded with Ford Customer Satisfaction group in Dearborn. However, despite my efforts, I have not received any help to resolve this irritating condition. Ford has stated that this is normal for this car, which I find hard to believe for a new supposed luxury car. Additionally, I have noticed that the brakes seem to be soft, which has also been diagnosed as normal. Lastly, the AM radio has poor reception. I would appreciate any assistance you can provide in resolving these issues.
Koby O'Keefe 2024-07-25
Hi there! I recently purchased three Lincoln Town Cars - a 1987, a 1993, and a 2004. Unfortunately, I've been experiencing some issues with the 2004 model. The wind noise on the driver's side door is quite loud and the cabin can be a bit noisy. Additionally, I find the seats to be quite uncomfortable. I was surprised to have these issues with a Lincoln car, but I'm hopeful that Ford Motor Co. will be able to help me out. I did have to address a fuel cap light issue and some rear adjustments, but I'm confident that these can be resolved. Thanks for listening!
Terrance Daugherty 2024-05-13
Your Lincoln has a nice V6 engine and rides comfortably. However, it can be a bit of a challenge on windy roads and unfortunately stalled out on you last month after only 4 months of ownership. You mentioned that you are considering going back to your old Toyota Avalon or Infiniti G35 instead. Please let us know if you need any assistance with that.