1996 Lincoln Town CAR Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 7%of 259 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 94,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Lincoln Town CAR, 7% of the 259 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 94,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Ball joints corroded, resulting in abnormal wear. Because of the defect described in the steering linkage:arm:pitman recall 96v135000, but this vehicle was not covered due to VIN. The ballm joints were replaced by the dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #10095384, filed 2004-10, 105,000 miles“The exhaust converter went bad at the mileage specified. Notice - I also own a 1990 Lincoln towncar, on which the identical right side tie rod wore out. On the 1996 towncar the tierod was so bad that the right side control arm seperated at the tie rod upon pulling into my driveway! If this component would have failed at highway speeds the resulting lack of steering control would have caused loss of life or equipment.”
NHTSA complaint #755153, filed 2001-12“On above date while in a parking lot (thank god) while attempting to park my car the steering quit working. Turning of the steering wheel elicited no! Response. Car was towed to the dealer for repair. Repairs consisted of repaired steering column shaft sleeve and replaicing damaged air bag contact this vehicle is in like new condition with no modifications and is serviced regularly by the dealer only. Had I been on the road when this happened I could have been killed. …”
NHTSA complaint #742618, filed 2001-03“The contact owns a 1996 Lincoln Town Car. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the tie rod detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic and he stated that the failure occurs frequently for that year, make, and model vehicle. He further stated that there was no lubrication in the zerks on the tie rods for that year, make, and model vehicle, which caused the failure to occur. The contact was responsible for paying $229 to repair the vehicle. The intake manifold cracked and all of the water left the exhaust system. The contact was responsible for paying $900 for that repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #10217173, filed 2008-01, 94,000 miles“1996 Lincoln Town Car developed problems with the suspension.***no answer required***. While driving the vehicle moves from side to side which makes it difficult to control the vehicle. The vehicle's suspension had been adjusted but the problem still exist. The vehicle also has a steering problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10128039, filed 2005-01Related recalls
- 96V135000Jul 18, 1996The pitman arms were not fully lubricated at the assembly plant. The "ball joint" at the outer end of the pitman arm can become contaminated and corrode.Covers: Lincoln Town CAR 1995–1996, Ford Crown Victoria 1995–1996
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 4 | 67% |
| 2010 | 5 | 38% |
| 2009 | 1 | 20% |
| 2008 | 3 | 15% |
| 2007 | 18 | 21% |
| 2006 | 13 | 9% |
| 2005 | 8 | 7% |
| 2004 | 14 | 17% |
| 2003 | 16 | 8% |
| 2002 | 3 | 5% |
| 2001 | 10 | 6% |
| 2000 | 7 | 6% |
| 1999 | 15 | 10% |
| 1998 | 13 | 8% |
| 1997 | 22 | 7% |
| 1996 | 19 | 7% |
| 1995 | 15 | 9% |
| 1994 | 3 | 2% |
| 1993 | 11 | 6% |
| 1992 | 3 | 1% |
| 1991 | 8 | 5% |
| 1990 | 11 | 5% |
| 1989 | 5 | 6% |
| 1988 | 2 | 2% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 2 | 10% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1996 Lincoln Town CAR
90 complaintsVehicle speed control
33 complaintsBrakes
30 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Lincoln Town CAR
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology