1992 Lincoln Town Car recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Vehicle Speed Control
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. ON 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.
What could happen: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1992 TOWN CAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07V336000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-888-222-2751.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Summary: ON 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.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Notes: FORD RECALL NO. 05S28. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION;S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT
1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH CAN DEVELOP A RESISTIVE SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. A FIRE IS POSSIBLE BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND WHEN THE VEHICLE ENGINE IS OFF. ALSO, THE SHORT COULD DISABLE THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT FUSE TO OPEN.
What could happen: A FIRE CAN ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT FRONT UNDERHOOD AREA.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND CONNECTOR SHELL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 20, 1999.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1992 TOWN CAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 99V124000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH CAN DEVELOP A RESISTIVE SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. A FIRE IS POSSIBLE BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND WHEN THE VEHICLE ENGINE IS OFF. ALSO, THE SHORT COULD DISABLE THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT FUSE TO OPEN.
Consequence: A FIRE CAN ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT FRONT UNDERHOOD AREA.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND CONNECTOR SHELL.
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 20, 1999.
Notes: FORD RECALL NO. 99S15. THIS RECALL HAS BEEN SUPERSEDES BY FORD RECALL NO. 05S28 (PLEASE SEE 05V017, 05V388, 06V286 AND 07V336). OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
3. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. VEHICLE 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 BEARING; AND 1990-1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, AND NGV VEHICLES AND 1990-1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN SERVICED WITH EITHER A BALL JOINT CONTAINING THE ONE-PIECE BEARI…
What could happen: IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, REDUCED STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1992 TOWN CAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V322000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Summary: VEHICLE 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 BEARING; AND 1990-1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, AND NGV VEHICLES AND 1990-1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN SERVICED WITH EITHER A BALL JOINT CONTAINING THE ONE-PIECE BEARING OR A FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM CONTAINING A BALL JOINT WITH A ONE-PIECE BEARING. THE ONE-PIECE BEARING WITHIN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN WEAKEN SLOWLY DURING USE AND EVENTUALLY CRACK. THIS COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE BALL AND CAP OF THE JOINT, ALLOWING THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP TO THE GROUND.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, REDUCED STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JANUARY 18, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
4. Latches / locks
What's wrong, in plain English: Doors, hood or trunk may open unexpectedly. THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE HOOD IS CLOSED.
What could happen: IN THE EVENT THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH RELEASES OR IS NOT PROPERLY LATCHED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE HOOD COULD FLY UP OBSTRUCTING THE OPERATOR'S VISION, AND INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1992 TOWN CAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 95V151000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Summary: THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE HOOD IS CLOSED.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT THE PRIMARY HOOD LATCH RELEASES OR IS NOT PROPERLY LATCHED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE HOOD COULD FLY UP OBSTRUCTING THE OPERATOR'S VISION, AND INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLY.
Notes: SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; HOOD; LATCHES. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 1992 Lincoln Town Car owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (84), Engine (50), Vehicle Speed Control (39), Brakes (33), Hydraulic (32).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
05/13/2014 · Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
04/21/2012 · Unknown Or Other · fire
THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN ON A TRIP OF APPROXIMATELY 450 MILES AND WAS THEN PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY WHERE IT SAT WITHOUT BEING ENTERED, CRANKED OR DRIVEN FOR 2 WEEKS. AT AROUND MIDNIGHT, WHILE MY FAMILY WAS SLEEPING, A NEIGHBOR CAME BEATING ON OUR DOOR TO TELL US THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. AT THAT POINT, THE FIRE WAS COMPLETELY INVOLVED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE…
05/19/2011 · Wheels / tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 LINCOLN TOWN CAR WITH A SET OF GOODYEAR ARRIVIVA 2 TIRES, LINE SIZE P205/75 R15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE ORDERED FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND AFTER RECEIVING THE TIRES, THE CONTACT NOTICED WRINKLES ON THE SIDE WALL. HE THEN RETURNED ALL OF THE TIRES TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THE MANUFACTURER AGREED TO REPLACE THE TIRE…
01/10/2010 · Vehicle Speed Control
DRIVING AT ABOUT 25 MPH TURNING ONTO AN ENTRANCE RAMP TO THE HIGHWAY MY CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO SPEEDS SURPASSING 85 AND I COULD NOT MAKE IT STOP. I TRIED STOMPING ON THE BRAKES AND IT FIRST SLOWED THE CAR BUT THE ACCELERATION OVERPOWERED THEM, I HAD TO THROW MY CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TURN IT OFF COMPLETELY TO MAKE MY CAR STOP. *TR
11/21/2009 · Suspension
LINCOLN, TOWN CAR,1992, MANUAL SAYS TO TURN OFF AIR SUSPENSION BEFORE JACKING AUTOMOBILE. NOT WHEN TIRE GO FLAT . WHEN TIRE IS FLAT FOR 30+ MINUTES. THE AIR SUSPENSION PUMP CONTINUES TO PUMP TILL IT DESTROYS THE REAR SUSPENSION. THERE BY LOWERING THE AUTOMOBILES REAR END TO A DANGEROUS LEVEL.( 2"). CAN CRIPPLE AUTOMOBILE WITH POTHOLES & SPEED-BUMPS & SOME S…
12/22/2008 · Body / structure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY LOOSENED AND LIFTED UP. THE HOOD BLOCKED THE DRIVER'S VIEW AND THE WINDSHIELD. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO SLOWLY SWITCH LANES TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND TIE DOWN THE HOOD. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND HAD THE HOOD REPLACED WITH ONE FR…
11/25/2008 · Electrical system · fire
OUR 1992 LINCOLN TOWN CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE INSIDE OUR SHOP. THE CAR WAS OFF WITH THE KEYS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR
11/15/2008 · Vehicle Speed Control
I HAVE NOT RECEIVE A NOTICE ABOUT VEHICLE PART OF SAFETY RECALL 99S15 NOR 05S28 SINCE REMOVED 09/25/07 BY HOLLYWOOD FORD, 4531 HOLLYWOOD BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA. 90027(323) 663-9999. *TR