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 | 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
19% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 16 distinct reports on file.
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
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181003
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180718
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
8% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow 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
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
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
7% of complaints: wheels — 6 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file.
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
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 (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 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 19% 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.