2002 Lincoln Town CAR
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 15 |
| 1985 | 21 |
| 1986 | 50 |
| 1987 | 32 |
| 1988 | 99 |
| 1989 | 89 |
| 1990 | 209 |
| 1991 | 155 |
| 1992 | 249 |
| 1993 | 176 |
| 1994 | 155 |
| 1995 | 165 |
| 1996 | 259 |
| 1997 | 314 |
| 1998 | 154 |
| 1999 | 148 |
| 2000 | 108 |
| 2001 | 161 |
| 2002 | 65 |
| 2003 | 201 |
| 2004 | 83 |
| 2005 | 119 |
| 2006 | 143 |
| 2007 | 84 |
| 2008 | 20 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 13 |
| 2011 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
12% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME LOOSE AS THE VEHICLE BECAME UNCONTROLLABLE WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121114
ON 01/12/2019 I WAS TRAVELING STRAIGHT DOWN A LEVEL COUNTRY ROAD WITH 1 PASSENGER IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AT ABOUT 45 MPH WHEN FOR NO REASON THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190114
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141110
11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH11% of complaints: air bags — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. THE FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND AS A RESULT THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A PAINFUL BRUISE OVER THE LEFT ANTERIOR RIB CAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030624
IN A FRONTAL COLLISON, NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT FORD DID SEND SOMEONE TO CHECK OUT THE SYSTEM, AND THEY SAID THAT ALL THE SENSORS WERE WORKING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020822
WHILE DRIVING 30MPH INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020722
9% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
THE SPACING BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND GAS PEDAL IS TOO CLOSE. DRIVER'S FOOT GETS CAUGHT BETWEEN THE PEDALS WHEN CHANGING FROM ONE PEDAL TO THE OTHER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040114
SAFETY TIMELINE
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
Dorman Products, Inc.
Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2015. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, option 5.
Campaign 15E082000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Lincoln Town CAR — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15E082000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Lincoln Town CAR reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Lincoln Town CAR is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Lincoln Town CAR?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 12% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Lincoln Town CAR have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.