1998 Lincoln Town CAR Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 8%of 154 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Lincoln Town CAR, 8% of the 154 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Makes loud popping noise when the wheel is turned to the extreme right or left whether the car is being driven or standing still. Occasionally, the ignition won't turn on and the steering wheel is locked, closing the entire system.”
NHTSA complaint #11084191, filed 2018-04, 150,000 miles“While pulling out of driveway at 2-3 MPH consumer heard a noise, stopped vehicle, and noticed tie rod end were dragging on the ground on the right side of vehicle. Dealer stated tie rods had disconnected. Also, the ball joints were not lubricated and rusted. Both tie rods were replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10041826, filed 2003-11, 45,000 miles“1998 Lincoln towncar. Consumer states that while backing out of the garage the left tie rod dropped from its retainer. The consumer stated the incident would not have happened if the parts had grease fittings.”
NHTSA complaint #10196922, filed 2007-07, 73,000 miles“Two bolts in the steering box had become completely broken. They appeared to have not been tightened properly by the factory, the lock tights were visible on the thread, and portions of the broken bolts were extracted from the gear box.”
NHTSA complaint #10017457, filed 2003-04, 66,545 miles“The contact stated a squeeking sound was heard coming from the front right wheel. The contact treated the wheel with wd-40 and the sound went away. Also, while driving 10 MPH in a parking lot, the right front wheel fell off. The vehicle was towed to a service dealer, who determined that the upper and lower ball joints had failed and were replaced as well as steering gear. The manufacturer was not alerted. Updated 12/18/06.”
NHTSA complaint #10172954, filed 2006-11, 139,871 milesSteering: 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 1998 Lincoln Town CAR
32 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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