MYRModel Year Report

2003 Lincoln Town CAR

◆ Worse than typical
2003 Lincoln Town CAR
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had 30% to 100% more 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Lincoln Town CAR Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2003 highlighted. 1980: 1 complaints 1980 1981: 1 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 4 complaints 1984: 15 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 50 complaints 1987: 32 complaints 1988: 99 complaints 1988 1989: 89 complaints 1990: 209 complaints 1991: 155 complaints 1992: 249 complaints 1992 1993: 176 complaints 1994: 155 complaints 1995: 165 complaints 1996: 259 complaints 1996 1997: 314 complaints 1998: 154 complaints 1999: 148 complaints 2000: 108 complaints 2000 2001: 161 complaints 2002: 65 complaints 2003: 201 complaints 2003 2004: 83 complaints 2004 2005: 119 complaints 2006: 143 complaints 2007: 84 complaints 2008: 20 complaints 2008 2009: 5 complaints 2010: 13 complaints 2011: 6 complaints 2011
2003: 201 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19801
19811
19822
19834
198415
198521
198650
198732
198899
198989
1990209
1991155
1992249
1993176
1994155
1995165
1996259
1997314
1998154
1999148
2000108
2001161
200265
2003201
200483
2005119
2006143
200784
200820
20095
201013
20116

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

SUSPENSION 21%

21% of complaints: suspension — 43 distinct reports on file.

SUSPENSION 16%

16% of complaints: suspension — 32 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE AXLE FRACTURED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE DIVIDER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150618

[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI report, 20240429

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 8%

8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 16 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY, THE ACCELERATOR STUCK OPEN CAUSING THE CAR TO GAIN AN EXCESS AMOUNT OF SPEED IN TRAFFIC. THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OFF AND THE BREAKS WOULD NOT HOLD IT OR SLOW IT DOWN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180925

THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE IDLING, WHICH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE HITTING A WALL, CONSUMER WAS INJURED.*JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030219

STEERING 7%

7% of complaints: steering — 14 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

ASSISTING A FRIEND WITH THIS. THE LEFT REAR AXLE HAS BROKEN AND DAMAGED THE BRAKES AND ABS SENSOR. HE HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE TO WORK AND PARKED IT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171126

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2003 — complaint volume: 201
I 20030314 — PE (closed 20030822)

INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

I 20030822 — EA (closed 20040812)

INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

I 20040122 — PE (closed 20040708)

REAR AXLE FRACTURE

R 20040715 — suspension

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

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.

Campaign 04V328000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20050922 — DP (closed 20060104)

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Lincoln Town CAR — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (43 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (32 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (16 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V328000 (suspension) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1987 ▲ 1986 ▲ 2002

WORST YEARS

■ 1997 ◆ 1992 ◆ 1996

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Lincoln Town CAR reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Lincoln Town CAR is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Lincoln Town CAR?

The most-reported component is suspension:rear, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 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.