The vehicle dossier US · 2005

2005 Lincoln
TOWN CARProblems & recalls

119 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 63 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 119 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components63 reports
Brakes24 reports
Air bags22 reports
Body & structure8 reports
Electrical system8 reports
Steering8 reports
Transmission & drivetrain7 reports
Engine7 reports
Fuel system5 reports
Visibility3 reports
Suspension1 reports
See original component labels
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL32
AIR BAGS20
SEAT BELTS10
SERVICE BRAKES9
STEERING8
ENGINE7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES5
STRUCTURE4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
POWER TRAIN4
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION3
TIRES3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
VISIBILITY/WIPER3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID2
STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP2
SEATS2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL2
WHEELS:RIM2
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER1
EQUIPMENT1
SUSPENSION:REAR1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR1
BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
WHEELS1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Apr 8, 2023
Mileage, where supplied

65,000 miles is the median among 97 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 30,000–90,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

3 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Nov 5, 2014 Safety recallSTEERING:RACK AND PINION:PINION SHAFTCampaign 14V704000

Reported concern

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S25.

Manufacturer campaign: 14S25

Read campaign 14V704000 at NHTSA
Aug 29, 2013 Safety recallSTEERINGCampaign 13V385000

Reported concern

Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed. The recall began on October 23, 2013. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S08.

Manufacturer campaign: 13S08

Read campaign 13V385000 at NHTSA
Nov 9, 2005 Safety recallELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLESCampaign 05V518000

Reported concern

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BATTERY CABLE INCLUDES A FUSIBLE LINK THAT MAY CONTACT AND SUBSEQUENTLY CHAFE ON A #2 CROSS MEMBER ATTACHING BOLT.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUSIBLE LINK AND POSITION IT AWAY FROM THE CROSS MEMBER BOLT. IF THE FUSIBLE LINK HAS ALREADY CHAFED AND COPPER WIRES HAVE BEEN EXPOSED, THE FUSIBLE LINK WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673, OR LINCOLN/MERCURY AT 1-800-521-4140.

Manufacturer campaign: 05S38

Read campaign 05V518000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

36 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jul 13, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 20-2233This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or pee…NHTSA ID 10177863

This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10177863 at NHTSA
Feb 7, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 19-2026Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is re…NHTSA ID 10156863

Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition

Components: EQUIPMENT · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10156863 at NHTSA
Feb 7, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 19-2026Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is re…NHTSA ID 10155551

Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10155551 at NHTSA
Sep 21, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 46085The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited …NHTSA ID 10109070

The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.

Components: ENGINE · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10109070 at NHTSA
Apr 21, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB160072Inpected or repaired under 13R01 - Requests for recall service action under 13S08NHTSA ID 10205037

Inpected or repaired under 13R01 - Requests for recall service action under 13S08

Components: STEERING · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10205037 at NHTSA
Apr 21, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions16-0072For 2005-2012 Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Grand Marquis and Town Car vehicles, Regional Program 13R01 applies to vehicles not registered in corrosion states and not included in Safety Recall 13S08, where operation in high corrosi…NHTSA ID 10183773

For 2005-2012 Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Grand Marquis and Town Car vehicles, Regional Program 13R01 applies to vehicles not registered in corrosion states and not included in Safety Recall 13S08, where operation in high corrosion areas for an extended period may lead to corrosion in the lower intermediate steering shaft swing link. This may result in a compressed upper intermediate steering shaft and separation from the steering column, which can result in a loss of steering control. Vehicles covered under 13R01 that were inspected or repaired without replacement of the lower intermediate shaft, and have relocated to high corrosion areas, may experience subsequent corrosion of the lower intermediate steering shaft swing link.

Components: STEERING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10183773 at NHTSA
Sep 16, 2014 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsRP-13R01FORD: THE LOWER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, HAS CORROSION OF SWING LINK JOINTS, COMBINED WITH COLLAPSED UPPER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, RESULTING IN STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. MODEL 2005-2011 C…NHTSA ID 10054924

FORD: THE LOWER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, HAS CORROSION OF SWING LINK JOINTS, COMBINED WITH COLLAPSED UPPER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, RESULTING IN STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. MODEL 2005-2011 CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS, TOWN CAR. *PE UPDATED 04/23/14 *LJ UPDATED 07/10/15 *TA UPDATED 7/15/15 *TA

Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10054924 at NHTSA
Oct 2, 2013 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsRP-13-R-01FORD: SWING LINK JOINTS ON LOWER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, HAS CORROSION, AND COMBINED WITH COLLAPSED UPPER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, ON SOME VEHICLES, CAUSES STEERING COLUMN TO SEPARATE, LEADING TO STEERING CONTROL LOSS.…NHTSA ID 10054006

FORD: SWING LINK JOINTS ON LOWER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, HAS CORROSION, AND COMBINED WITH COLLAPSED UPPER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, ON SOME VEHICLES, CAUSES STEERING COLUMN TO SEPARATE, LEADING TO STEERING CONTROL LOSS. MODEL 2005-2011 CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS, TOWN CAR. *PE

Components: STEERING:COLUMN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10054006 at NHTSA
Jul 10, 2012 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-12-7-4FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: IF BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED OR DEAD, VEHICLES/TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE HARD STARTS AND ENGINE IDLE RPM FLUCTUATION AND EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0505, P0506, P2111 AND P2112. *PENHTSA ID 10045340

FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: IF BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED OR DEAD, VEHICLES/TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE HARD STARTS AND ENGINE IDLE RPM FLUCTUATION AND EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0505, P0506, P2111 AND P2112. *PE

Components: ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10045340 at NHTSA
Jun 1, 2009 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-08-18-2FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN: VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: DRIVE AWAY HESITATION, LOSS OF RPM ON DECELERATION, DIFFICULTY STARTING, AND/OR IDLE RPM LESS THAN DESIRED. THE F53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS IS INCLUDED…NHTSA ID 10029205

FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN: VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: DRIVE AWAY HESITATION, LOSS OF RPM ON DECELERATION, DIFFICULTY STARTING, AND/OR IDLE RPM LESS THAN DESIRED. THE F53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS IS INCLUDED. *PE

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10029205 at NHTSA
Oct 1, 2007 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSI-19982FORD: ENGINE COOLING FAN CONTROL RELAY PART AVAILABILITY. *PENHTSA ID 10032224

FORD: ENGINE COOLING FAN CONTROL RELAY PART AVAILABILITY. *PE

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10032224 at NHTSA
Oct 1, 2007 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions07212SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PENHTSA ID 10023943

SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10023943 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

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