1998 Lincoln Town CAR Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 7%of 154 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1998 Lincoln Town CAR, 7% of the 154 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“While driving on highwy 84 east the right rear tire and wheel in my Lincoln fell off and consequently caused me to lose control of my vehicle while trying to get it off the highway. Resulting in a crash. Upon recovery of the wheel and tire it shows where the axle broke off.”
NHTSA complaint #10082919, filed 2004-07, 14,388 miles“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“The contact stated several times in the last two months, the vehicle will start, but not go anywhere when put in gear. The vehicle will then stall; it will restart and go after waiting 20 minutes. The dealership is unable to diagnose a problem. Also, the driver side window works intermittently. The dealership has not inspected the vehicle for this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10149655, filed 2006-02, 44,000 miles“Excessive vibration begins at 47 MPH. Frequency and severity vary with speed. At some speeds it is barely noticable. At other speeds the sound can lull you to sleep. Particurally at interstate speeds. Vibration will stress u-joints and cause fatigue and failure. Failure at highway speeds could cause loss of control resulting in accident.”
NHTSA complaint #704157, filed 1999-03“Going up hill in 2 inches of snow, vehicle started slipping, traction control motor made noise. Consumer applied gas pedal and engine would not rev up. As stated in owners manual. Engine stalled. When the traction control came on, the vehicle could only go 32 MPH, and when accelerator was let off, the engine cut off.”
NHTSA complaint #875976, filed 2000-12Related service bulletins
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 8% |
| 2008 | 2 | 10% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 6 | 4% |
| 2005 | 7 | 6% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 27 | 13% |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 7 | 5% |
| 1998 | 11 | 7% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 12 | 7% |
| 1994 | 17 | 11% |
| 1993 | 19 | 11% |
| 1992 | 14 | 6% |
| 1991 | 7 | 5% |
| 1990 | 4 | 2% |
| 1989 | 6 | 7% |
| 1988 | 9 | 9% |
| 1987 | 2 | 6% |
| 1986 | 3 | 6% |
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 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsExterior lighting
12 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 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