2003 Lincoln Town Car suspension problems

The 2003 Lincoln Town Car has 83 suspension complaints filed with NHTSA — 34% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

Suspension complaints

34%

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Suspension complaints by year

Town Car suspension complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

04V328000SuspensionJuly 7, 2004 · 47,314 units

Defect

CERTAIN POLICE, COMMERCIAL, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES SOLD TO FLEETS TYPICALLY INPUT HIGHER LOADS INTO THE VEHICLE CHASSIS OVERLOADING THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND AXLES.

Consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO EARLY BEARING FAILURE AND ULTIMATELY TO AXLE SHAFT FRACTURE. IN THE EVENT OF AXLE SHAFT FRACTURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE DRIVE FUNCTION AND WOULD COAST TO A STOP. LOSS OF DRIVE FUNCTION COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, SEALS,AND AXLE SHAFTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

What owners report

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE AXLE FRACTURED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE DIVIDER. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 16, 2015 · crash

Common questions

How many suspension complaints does the 2003 Lincoln Town Car have?

NHTSA has 83 complaints about the 2003 Lincoln Town Car suspension — 34% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Lincoln Town Car suspension?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the suspension: 04V328000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.