1997 Lincoln Town CAR Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 43about this part
- Share
- 14%of 314 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,353miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 43 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1997 Lincoln Town CAR, 14% of the 314 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,353 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, 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.
“Our 1997 Lincoln Town Car that was part of the deactivation switch recall began honking as the alarm triggered on the evening of august 24, 2010 in our garage. After clearing the alarm several times, I investigated the battery voltage and all was well. The alarm triggered again and I cleared it. As I closed the hood smoke began to escape near the rear drivers side corner of the hood. I opened the hood as the smoke slowed down. The connector to the deactivation switch was very warm and the switch had brake fluid on it. The recall installed 20 amp fuse had not opened. …”
NHTSA complaint #10351880, filed 2010-08, 106,586 miles“Approximately 1 year ago I received a letter pertaining to the recall of my Lincoln # concerning the speed control deactivation switch ( scds) upon receiving the letter I immediately contacted cooper ford in clinton s.c to schedule the repair, I was told by katie , a service manager they would put me on the list this was the last quarter of last year oct nov time frame. Upon not hearing anything from the dealership in mar 08 I called again, a service manager brian, told me I was still on the list. I have not been contacted by the dealership since.”
NHTSA complaint #10241218, filed 2008-09, 100 miles“Ford recall #05s28 on our 1997 Lincoln Town Car executive was issued over 5 months ago. We complied with the request to have the speed control modified, and was told we would be notified when parts were available. We have checked several times and still they are not in stock. This is totally unacceptable as a response from a reputable us manufacturer. Ford seems to be dragging their feet on this safety issue [is this a reason buyers are reluctant to buy and own us made products] ???. We are fast losing faith in the quality and concern displayed by ford.”
NHTSA complaint #10218724, filed 2008-02, 73,000 miles“The car was sitting in the driveway unattended with no key in the ignition when the fire started. It had been driven about 3 hours before with no problems. The fire inspector said the fire started under the hood on the left side but he was unable to say exactly what caused the fire. After checking on line it was discovered the car was on a recall list for the speed control switch which is located on the left side.”
NHTSA complaint #10422108, filed 2011-08, 139,000 miles“Failure of cruise control to kick down after reaching desired speed and to kick back in when going below desired speed. Also if cruise control is not turned off before turning engine off it will continue to draw current and run battery down. This has not caused any accidents yet but has caused two close calls. I stopped using the cruise control until it is fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #10129932, filed 2005-07, 106,120 milesRelated recalls
- 07V336000Aug 3, 2007On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain…Covers: Lincoln Town CAR 1992–1998, Ford E-150 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-350 1992–1993, 1997–2003 +18 more
Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 17% |
| 2010 | 1 | 8% |
| 2009 | 2 | 40% |
| 2008 | 5 | 25% |
| 2007 | 32 | 38% |
| 2006 | 26 | 18% |
| 2005 | 34 | 29% |
| 2004 | 19 | 23% |
| 2003 | 18 | 9% |
| 2002 | 12 | 18% |
| 2001 | 26 | 16% |
| 2000 | 9 | 8% |
| 1999 | 5 | 3% |
| 1998 | 7 | 5% |
| 1997 | 43 | 14% |
| 1996 | 33 | 13% |
| 1995 | 19 | 12% |
| 1994 | 22 | 14% |
| 1993 | 37 | 21% |
| 1992 | 39 | 16% |
| 1991 | 19 | 12% |
| 1990 | 16 | 8% |
| 1989 | 12 | 13% |
| 1988 | 17 | 17% |
| 1987 | 2 | 6% |
| 1986 | 3 | 6% |
| 1985 | 1 | 5% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1997 Lincoln Town CAR
87 complaintsSuspension
50 complaintsBrakes
44 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsEngine
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Lincoln Town CAR
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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