1991 Lincoln Town Car recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. DISTORTED FUEL LINES IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY CONTACT THE STEERING COLUMN UNIVERSAL JOINT AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINE.
What could happen: FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR FROM THE DAMAGED FLUID LINE AND,IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: REPOSITION FUEL LINE TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH UNIVERSAL JOINT; IF FUEL LINES ARE ALREADY DAMAGED, REPAIR OR REPLACE FUEL LINES.
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 1991 TOWN CAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V008000.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
Summary: DISTORTED FUEL LINES IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY CONTACT THE STEERING COLUMN UNIVERSAL JOINT AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR FROM THE DAMAGED FLUID LINE AND,IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: REPOSITION FUEL LINE TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH UNIVERSAL JOINT; IF FUEL LINES ARE ALREADY DAMAGED, REPAIR OR REPLACE FUEL LINES.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL LINES.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.
2. 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 1991 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).
3. Latches / locks
What's wrong, in plain English: Doors, hood or trunk may open unexpectedly. CORROSION OF THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER PLATE CAUSES DETACHMENT OF THE PLATE FROM THE HOOD ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN AN UNEXPECTED OPENING OF THE HOOD WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN REDUCE THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROAD INCREASING THE POTENTIAL OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HOOD INNER PANEL REINFORCEMENT AND A NEW, GALVANIZED HOOD LATCH STRIKER PLATE.
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 1991 TOWN CAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 95V091000.
- 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: CORROSION OF THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER PLATE CAUSES DETACHMENT OF THE PLATE FROM THE HOOD ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN AN UNEXPECTED OPENING OF THE HOOD WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN REDUCE THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROAD INCREASING THE POTENTIAL OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HOOD INNER PANEL REINFORCEMENT AND A NEW, GALVANIZED HOOD LATCH STRIKER PLATE.
Notes: SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; HOOD ASSEMBLY; LATCHES. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES REGISTERED OR SOLD IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, VT, VA, WI, AND WASHINGTON, DC. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, PLEASE CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
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 1991 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.
5. 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 WHEN THEVEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE HOOD COULD FLY UP, OBSTRUCTING THE OPERATOR'S VISION,AND INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: INSTALL A NEW HOOD LATCHING 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 1991 TOWN CAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 91V147000.
- 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 WHEN THEVEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE HOOD COULD FLY UP, OBSTRUCTING THE OPERATOR'S VISION,AND INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSTALL A NEW HOOD LATCHING ASSEMBLY.
Notes: SYSTEM: HOOD.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.NOTE: FORD HAS AGREED TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES BUT PARTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE.PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN DECEMBER, 1991. YOU WILL RECEIVE A LETTER FROM FORDADVISING YOU WHEN TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR DEALER TO HAVE THERECALL PERFORMED. REFER TO FORD SAFETY CAMPAIGN NUMBER 91S40. TO FIND OUT IFYOUR CAR IS INVOLVED IN THIS RECALL, CALL FORD'S TOLL FREE LINE (1-800-392-3673)AND PROVIDE THEM WITH YOUR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. IF YOU AREEXPERIENCING A HOOD LATCH PROBLEM, CALL FORD AT (313) 446-4654. AN OPERATORWILL TAKE YOUR NAME AND TELEPHONE NUMBER. A FORD REPRESENTATIVE WILL CALL YOUBACK.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1991 Lincoln Town Car owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (58), Hydraulic (55), Engine (24), Visibility (wipers / glass) (23), Vehicle Speed Control (21).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
12/26/2016 · Seat belts
DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE INOP....WILL NOT HOLD THE BELT IN TH E LOCKED POSITION, THEREFORE, SEAT BELT ENABLED IN CASE OF ACCIDENT.
01/29/2015 · Latches / locks
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE HOOD LATCH FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM THE FORCE OF THE HOOD AND A BUNGEE CORD WAS USED IN ORDER TO KEEP THE HOOD SECURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…
11/12/2014 · Brakes · fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO A BRAKE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,682.
04/22/2014 · Engine · crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
01/10/2010 · Engine · fire
WHILE DRIVING EASTBOUND US INTERSTATE 40 IN OKLAHOMA CITY,OK MY 1991 LINCOLN TOWNCAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND STOPPED RUNNING, AFTER I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND PUT THE FIRE OUT, THE CAR WOULD NOT START BACK UP. THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA, LOOKING AS IF IT WAS UNDERNEATH THE CAR SOMEWHERE. *TR
10/02/2007 · Wheels / tires
WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROX. 35 MILES PER HOUR ON A LOCAL BRIDGE, MY RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. I DROVE A DISTANCE OF SEVERAL YARDS TO THE END OF THE BRIDGE WHERE I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER AND STOP. WHEN A VERY KIND POLICE OFFICER TRIED TO REMOVE THE DAMAGED TIRE, HE HAD TO STOP BECAUSE THE TIRE HAD SEPARATED LIKE A RECAPPED TIRE AND WOUND THE TORN PA…
03/22/2006 · Latches / locks
DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY @ 55 MPH ( WINDY WITH 30 MPH GUSTS ) HOOD OPENED AND FOLDED UP OVER THE ROOF BOTH HOOD LATCHES WERE STILL LOCKED TO THE STRIKE PLATE FROM HOOD LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE REPLACED HOOD AND STRUTS WITH USED ONES ( FROM A 1993 / SAFER? ) STILL HAVE OLD HOOD AND PLATE AVAILABLE. *JB
09/30/2005 · Brakes
DT: THE CONTACT STATED 1991 LINCOLN TOWN CAR HAD ONLY 17,000 MILES ON IT. ON 8-25-05 HE FELT LIKE HIS BRAKES WERE LOW. HE WENT TO HAVE THEM INSPECTED AND THE CAR PASSED THE INSPECTION, BUT HE HAD THE BRAKES CHANGED ANYWAY. HE SMELLED THE BRAKES BURNING THAT DAY AS HE WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE GARAGE. HE PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE ,AND DID NOT DRIVE THE…