2004 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 | 90 |
| 1990 | 209 |
| 1991 | 157 |
| 1992 | 249 |
| 1993 | 178 |
| 1994 | 159 |
| 1995 | 166 |
| 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
23% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE CONSUMER WAS DEPRESSING THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. CONSUMER LOST TOTAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND COLLIDED INTO A WALL. A BICYCLE RACK WAS DESTROYED IN THE PROCESS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040719
THE HEIGHT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL IS ADJUSTABLE. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS LOW, THE BRAKE PEDAL AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL CAN BE DEPRESSED AT THE SAME TIME. THE HAS HAPPENED TWICE. AS A RESULT THE CONSUMER GRAZED A TREE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040423
WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH AND TURNING TO THE LEFT VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER TAPPED THE BRAKES AND ENGINE SPEED INCREASED EVEN MORE. AS A RESULT, DRIVER LOSS CONTROL AND VEHICLE WENT AIRBORNE, LANDING ON THE BUILDING WALL. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040415
17% of complaints: steering — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
Bought a 2004 Linc Tow as a gift to my grandson. Drove it a couple of times and had no issues. After it had sat for about 2-3 weeks, I drove it to town to let it run after sitting.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251010
13% of complaints: structure — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and door.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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 .
NHTSA ODI report, 20150904
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH10% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
My car has the same lcm control module issues as cars from the same years ad models, but when I enter my VIN it is not showing. +4 PO#3 1998-2000 Lincoln Town Car Lighting Control Module YW1T ...
NHTSA ODI report, 20251020
Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190205
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Lincoln Town CAR — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (11 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Lincoln Town CAR reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Lincoln Town CAR is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Lincoln Town CAR?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Lincoln Town CAR have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.