2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR Suspension Problems

[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated while his son was driving on the highway, the accelerator pedal was slightly released; however, the vehicle stopped instantly. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver was able to drive to his destination safely. The vehicle was towed to the contact's workplace. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The tow truck operator stated that the rear axle was fractured. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

Mileage: 155,000

The rear-end failed does not have tempered axle There was a recall on 2003 lincolns with same problem but when I enter vin It does not pull anything up Lost control of car and had to be towed home have not had it to the dealer yet

Rear end started a sudden howell and shaking and grinding and the Abs and traction control light came on and brakes and suspension did not want to function properly while driving in traffic as quick as I could I pulled over and it looked like one tire was sticking out of the axel way far So I just pulled over and called for my AAA to to and got towed home thats it

The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Town Car. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V328000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, vibration sounds were heard coming from the rear of the vehicle. The local dealer, All American Ford of Paramus (375 NJ-17, Paramus, NJ 07652) and Mahwah Ford (55 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah, NJ 07430) were made aware of the recall however, all three dealers informed the contact that the parts were obsolete. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to several dealers. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000. Consumer stated safety recall for a fracture in the rear axle and bearing states can cause crash still isn’t resolved.

Mileage: 73,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AXLE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BEARINGS SEIZED, WHICH CAUSED THE AXLE TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.

Mileage: 106,000

RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT. MILEAGE OF CAR IS 92,643. THERE WAS A RECALL OF THIS YEAR OF CAR MANUFACTURED FROM THE SAME PLANT, WIXOM, MI, BUT THE PRODUCTION LINE OF RECALL ENDED IN DECEMBER 2002. THIS CAR ROLLED OFF IN FEBRUARY2003. HOWEVER, IT WAS EXACTLY AS THE RECALL STATED AND THERE IS NO WAY THAT THE BAD PARTS WAS NOT PUT ON OTHER VEHICLES OF THE 2003 PRODUCTION VEHICLES. WHEN THE BEARING WENT, IT CHEWED THE AXLE SO IT TOO HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT WENT OUT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION. WAS IMMEDIATELY PARKED AND NOT DRIVEN TIL FIXED. MACHANIC AGREES THAT IT WAS BAD PARTS AND KNOWS OF SEVERAL 2003 MODELS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.

Mileage: 92,643

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR AIR SUSPENSION WAS ACTIVATED. THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS AT A HIGHER HEIGHT AND WOULD NOT LOWER. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE BOUNCED WHILE DRIVING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT CALLED CAPITAL FORD LINCOLN OF WILMINGTON (4222 OLEANDER DR, WILMINGTON, NC 28403 (910) 378-3858) AND RECEIVED SEVERAL RECOMMENDATIONS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.

Mileage: 106,000

I HAVE A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR THAT I BOUGHT IN 2005, WHICH WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. OVER THE YEARS, I'VE HAD TO PAY FOR REPLACING THE REAR AXLES AND AXLE BEARINGS THAT WENT BAD. I SAW ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE YESTERDAY THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM THAT RESULTED IN A RECALL OF THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR. I NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS PROBLEM, AND HAVE PAID OUT-OF-POCKET FOR THESE REPAIRS TWICE, NOT KNOWING THAT THERE WAS EVER A RECALL. NOW, ALL FORD WILL TELL ME THAT THERE IS NOT CURRENTLY A RECALL ON MY CAR, IGNORING THAT I SHOULD HAVE BEEN SENT A RECALL NOTICE. I BELIEVE THAT FORD SHOULD REPLACE THE REAR AXLES AND BEARINGS, WHICH ARE ONCE AGAIN NEEDING REPLACED. I ALSO BELIEVE THAT FORD SHOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THE TWO TIMES ALREADY THAT I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE THE AXLES AND BEARINGS REPLACED. THE VIN OF THE CAR IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 60,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE STATIONARY, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION) AS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,140.

Mileage: 140,140

WHILE IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY, THERE WAS A REAR HUMMING NOISE, I ALSO NOTICED LOW GAS MILEAGE. WHILE MAKING A VISUAL INSPECTION, I SMELLED GEAR OIL, OBSERVED GEAR OIL AROUND OUTER RIM , INSIDE ROTOR/ BRAKE CALIPER AREA. (RIGHT REAR WHEEL) SINCE I TRAVEL 40 MILES ROUND TRIP TO WORK ON I-10. AN ACCIDENT COULD OF OCCURRED, HURTING MYSELF AND OTHER PEOPLE.

Mileage: 111,657

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IN, ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED GREASE ON THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BEARING AND THE REAR PASSENGER AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, SIX MONTHS AFTER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, TWO YEARS LATER, THE REAR PASSENGER AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND AXLE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE MONTHS LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED A SECOND TIME, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

Mileage: 112,000

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 INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

I STARTED HEARING A METAL RUBBING NOISE REALIZED THAT IT WAS COMING FROM THE L-REAR WHEEL I REPLACED THE WHEEL BEARING & SEAL FIGURING IT WAS JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS SINCE THIS DOESN'T TYPICALLY HAPPEN IN TODAY'S LATER MODEL VEHICLES.ABOUT TWO WEEKS LATER THE NOISE RETURNED SO I RESEARCHED IT AND DISCOVERED A RECALL NOT NOTICING IT WAS JUST FOR FLEET MODELS. I CALLED FORD AND WAS TOLD IT DIDN'T INCLUDE MY VIN # I DID SOME FURTHER RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THESE AXLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DEFECT CAUSING THE METAL TO BECOME SOFT THEREBY CAUSING THE WHEEL BEARING TO WEAR AN INDENTATION INTO THE METAL RESULTING IN THE WHEEL BEARING HAVING TO MUCH PLAY ON THE AXLE (TO MUCH MOVEMENT). THE END RESULT IS THE BEARING DESTROYS ITSELF AND HOPEFULLY YOU REPLACE IT BEFORE IT BREAKS APART CAUSING THE WHEEL TO POSSIBLY FALL OFF AND DEFINITE DESTRUCTION OF THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL! IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT YOU REPLACE THE BEARING WITH WHATS CALLED A REPAIRING WHICH IS WIDER AND HEAVIER DUTY THAN THE OEM BEARING THEREBY IT COVERS A WIDER PORTION OF THE AXLE AND DOES NOT SIT IN THE SPACE WHERE THE OEM BEARING WORE DOWN THE METAL.AFTER REPLACING IT A SECOND TIME IT LASTED ABOUT 3 YEARS 2011) AND THEN THE SEAL BLEW OUT ON THIS WHEEL WHICH IS THE SAME PROCEDURE AS REPLACING THE BEARING. IN 2013 THE R-REAR BEARING HAD TO BE REPLACED. AS OF FEBRUARY 2015 DUE TO THE L-REAR BEARING MAKING NOISE & LEAKING DIFFERENTIAL FLUID ( I CAN HEAR THE BEARING DESTROYING ITSELF) AND THE R-REAR AXLE LEAKING DIFFERENTIAL FLUID I GOT FED UP PARKED THE CAR AND BOUGHT ANOTHER CAR. IRONICALLY I BOUGHT ANOTHER 2003 TOWN CAR WITH 65,000 MILES IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 5/2003 UNLIKE THE SUBJECT CAR THAT WAS MANUFACTURED IN 10/2003 I HAVE MY FINGERS CROSSED.FORDS BEEN MAKING CARS FOR 100 YEARS I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH AXLES.THIS PROBLEM IS NOT JUST A FLEET VEHICLE PROBLEM, I WANT MY AXLES REPLACED.

Mileage: 67,000

LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN MURPHY ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR PRIVATELY OWNED WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE SUSPENSION RECALL ONLY PERTAINED TO COMMERCIAL VEHICLES. *JB

MY 2003 TOWNCAR WAS MAKING A SCRAPING NOISE IN THE REAR AND I BROUGHT IT TO REPAIR SHOP. MECHANIC SUSPECTED REAR BRAKES BUT UPON INSPECTION FOUND BAD BEARINGS AND AXEL SHAFTS AND TOLD ME THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. HE ALSO TOLD ME HE HAD NOT SEEN THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE IN ANY PAST VEHICLES. AND CERTAINLY SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AT 104,000 MILES. DURING ONLINE RESEARCH I FOUND A SAFETY RECALL IN 2004 FOR 2003 TOWNCARS DUE TO REAR AXLES. I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT THE RECALL DID NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, BUT WAS FOR VEHICLES SOLD TO FLEETS. FURTHER RESEARCH FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME DEFECT ON 2003 TOWNCARS THAT WERE ALSO NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I FEEL THAT FORD TOOK CARE OF THEIR COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS AND LEFT PRIVATE OWNERS EXPOSED TO UNSAFE VEHICLES WITH NO RECOURSE. DUE TO THE NUMBER OF LINCOLN CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME UNLIKELY PROBLEM FORD SHOULD ADMIT THAT THE RECALL SHOULD AFFECT ALL 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CARS. *TR

Mileage: 104,000

NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V328000 FORD RECALL NUMBER IS 04S16 MY CAR STARTED MAKING NOISE IN THE REAR AND WHEN CHECKED THERE WAS SOME OIL LEAKAGE ON THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC, I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS KNOWN PROBLEM IN 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR WITH A RECALL AND WAS ASKED TO CHECK THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER IF MY CAR IS PART OF SAFETY RECALL. FORD REPRESENTATIVE KEPT SAYING THAT MY CAR IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH MY CAR HAS EXACT ISSUE AS REPORTED VIA NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V328000 / FORD RECALL NUMBER IS 04S16. ALSO, MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IN 10/02, IN THE SAME TIME FRAME MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. FOR KNOWN ISSUES DURING MANUFACTURING, I AM EXPOSED TO LIFE THREATENING RISK. WHY IS FORD NOT RECALLING ALL CARS DURING THE TIME FRAME AND ALSO NHTSA IS NOT MAKING FORD ACCOUNTABLE FOR ITS MISTAKE ? I KINDLY REQUEST NHTSA TO REVIEW THIS RECALL AND INCLUDE PERSONAL OWNED VEHICLES TOO IN IT - TO MAKE IT A JUSTIFIED RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 135,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE NEAR THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WORSENED OVER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, SEALS, AND REAR AXLE SHAFTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000. UPDATED 8/31/2017*CN

Mileage: 106,000

I NOTICED OIL ALL OVER THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE AND AFTER CHECKING, I FOUND THAT IT WAS THE REAR AXLE LEAKING. I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND THAT A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED BECAUSE IT WAS A DEFECT AND SOMETIMES THE WHEEL WOULD EVEN FALL OFF. I CHECKED WITH THE LINCOLN WEB SITE AND MAGICALLY MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. IT SEEMS A LOT OF PEOPLE "OUTSIDE" OF THE RECALLED VEHICLES ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. PLEASE EXPAND THE RECALL. I HAVE OWNED 17 CARS THROUGH THE YEARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. I HAVE NEVER EVEN HEARD OF THIS ISSUE BEFORE! IF AFTER 100 YEARS OF BUILDING CARS FORD CANNOT GET THE WHEELS TO STAY ON, AND DOES NOT THINK THIS IS A PROBLEM, WELL I GUESS THIS IS MY FIRST AND LAST ONE. *TR

Mileage: 149,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RUMBLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARING SEALS AND AXLE SHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION), BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 96,000. *TR

Mileage: 96,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, HE HEARD LOUD NOISES FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE REAR AXLE, BEARINGS AND THE SEALS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HIM THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL GRINDING FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE AXLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL BEARINGS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. APPROXIMATELY FOUR MONTHS LATER, THE SAME SYMPTOMS APPEARED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V328000 ( SUSPENSION:REAR). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,700.

Mileage: 93,700

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT WAS HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE WHEN THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE REAR BEARINGS FAILED, CAUSING WEAR TO THE REAR AXLE. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPLACE THE BEARINGS, AXLE AND THE SEALS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 89,000.

Mileage: 89,000

2003 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL CARTIER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE WHEELS REAR AXLES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS ALMOST AT HIS DESTINATION, WHEN HE HEARD THE TIRES MAKING A VERY LOUD NOISE. HE EXITED THE HIGHWAY, AND AS HE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE A TURN, THERE WAS A CREAKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE NEXT DAY, THE CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED ON THE RACK. IT WAS DISCOVERED THE REAR WHEEL HAD 1/2 INCH PLAY IN IT. THE REAR AXLE HAD A 1/4 INCH DEEP AND 1/4 INCH WIDE CUT. THE OTHER AXLE WAS STARTING WAS EXHIBITING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC STATED BOTH AXLES WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THE DAMAGE HAD CONTAMINATED OTHER COMPONENTS AND IT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE AXLE NOT BEING TEMPERED PROPERLY FOR HARDNESS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR AXLES, BEARINGS AND SEALS. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN-CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BEARING SEAL RUPTURED. AND AS A RESULT, THE AXLE BECAME DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Mileage: 12,000

WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT MY CAR WAS NOT IN THE RECALL DATE, HOWEVER MY ISSUE IS THE SAME. I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN MARCH 2010 AND RIGHT OFF I HAD ISSUES WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK. TOOK IT BACK AND HAD TO HAVE THE BEARING REPLACED. I COMPLAINED OF A "NOISE" ON LEFT SIDE. SEEMS IT NEVER WENT AWAY. NOW A FEW MONTHS AGO I HAD TO PARK IT BECAUSE "FLUID" WAS LEAKING ON THE LEFT REAR. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND HE IS TELLING ME I NEED BEARING REPLACED AND SOMETHING ABOUT A AXLE MAYBE! OK, I CALLED FORD LAST YEAR AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING I AM READING ALL OVER THE INTERNET ON THIS RECALL. MY CAR IS NOT IN THIS RECALL! WHAT HOW CAN THIS BE, I HAVE A 2003 AND I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE HERE! PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AS I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY CAR SINCE 11/2011 AND VERY FRUSTRATED OVER THIS ENTIRE PURCHASE!!! *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THE REAR SUSPENSION FAILED, CAUSING THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE TO DROP. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THEIR HOME WHERE HE NOTICED THAT THE AXLE WAS FRACTURED IN HALF. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR) AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN . THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,972.

Mileage: 95,972

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

Mileage: 104,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, A LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE OUTSIDE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE AT A REDUCED SPEED. LATER, BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. UPDATED 02/14/12*LJ THE FRONT HUB ASSEMBLIES AND REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 02/27/12

Mileage: 65,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE REPAIRED AND THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE AXLE SEAL WAS LEAKING OIL. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION: REAR). THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL FAILURE AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

Mileage: 97,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE AXLE AND WHEEL BEARINGS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR) THAT BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,000.

Mileage: 43,000

2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A SOUND IN THE REAR END OF VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR SHOP FOUND TWO AXLES WITH GROOVES CUT INTO THE BEARING JOURNALS NEARS THE FLANGES. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER LEARNED THE GARAGE DID NOT REPLACE THE AXLES, BUT THE ROLLER BEARING WERE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL # 04V328000. *JB

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, A LOUD ROARING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS FOR THE SAME FAILURE AND EACH TIME THE REAR AXLE BEARING AND AXLE WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION: REAR); HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

Mileage: 119,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 10 MPH WHEN THE REAR AXLE BROKE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT CAUSING A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS HOME AND THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS BROKEN. THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION: REAR); HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE RECALL WAS ONLY FOR FLEET VEHICLES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WOULD FEEL VIBRATIONS COMING FROM THE REAR END WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF AND NOTICED THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE VERY LOOSE. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,692.

Mileage: 142,692

RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2003 LINCOLN TOWNCAR WITH 35,000 MILES THAT EXHIBITED REAR AXLE NOISE. FORD REPLACED THE AXLES AND BEARINGS SITTING NO RECALL EXISTED. *TR

Mileage: 35,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWNCAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BEARINGS ON THE REAR AXLE HAD FAILED AS IT LEAKED OIL FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WILL BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 117,000. UPDATED 03/31/11*LJ UPDATED 05/04/11

Mileage: 117,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING WHEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN UNUSUAL NOISE FROM THE REAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED THERE WAS OIL LEAKING ONTO THE WHEELS OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY AND DIAGNOSED. THE MECHANIC LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE REAR SUSPENSION WHEEL BEARINGS, AXLE SHAFT AND SEALS WHICH WERE ALL REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION: REAR) THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,944 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,672. UPDATED 01/31/11 *BF UPDATED 04/20/11

Mileage: 69,444

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE WHERE THEY STATED THE REAR AXLE WAS BENT. THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, SEALS,AND AXLE SHAFTS WERE REPLACED . THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER : 04V328000 SUSPENSION:REAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93000. UPDATED 12/23/10*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL BECAUSE HE VEHICLE WAS BUILT AT THE SAME PLANT DURING THE SPECIFIC PERIOD OF THE RECALL. UPDATED 01/04/11*JB

Mileage: 91,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AS HE BEGAN TO HEAR AN UNUSUAL THUMPING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT INQUIRED WITH AN AUTHORIZED DEALER IN REGARD TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION: REAR) AND WAS TOLD THAT HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT INDEPENDENTLY SLID BACKWARD TO THE END OF THE MOUNTING TRACKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED FOR THE SEAT FAILURE. BOTH FAILURES CONTINUED TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

Mileage: 93,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE A RECALL RELEVANT TO THE FAILURE AND INQUIRED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V328000 (SUSPENSION: REAR) AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,842 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,920.

Mileage: 74,842

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE AXLE SHAFT SUDDENLY CRACKED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CONTACT REFERENCED RECALL 04V328000 (SUSPENSION: REAR). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS IDENTICAL TO THE RECALL; HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED HIM A 20% DISCOUNT OFF OF THE REPAIR EXPENSES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 54,230.

Mileage: 54,230

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE FRONT AND REAR BEARING RODS AND AXLE WERE DESTROYED WHEN THE RACK AND PINION FAILED. THE AXLE WAS REPLACED IN OCTOBER 2008 BUT THE DEALER SAID THAT THE PINION BEARINGS WERE WORN OUT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V328000 IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, HIS VIN IS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,079.

Mileage: 88,079

2003 LINCOLN TC RECENTLY NEEDED REPAIRS AT DEALERSHIP FOR REAR AXLE & BEARINGS. ADVISED BY DEALER THAT REPAIRS NOT COVERED BY RECALL, 04V328000 (FORD-04S16). FOUND 44 COMPLAINTS IN YOUR SYSTEM FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. WHY DID THE ORIGINAL RECALL NOT APPLY TO VEHICLES SUCH AS MINE. ARE NOT THE SAME PROBLEMS OCCURRING? ARE NOT THE SAME SAFETY ISSUES AT RISK? MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS 36,000 MILES & IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION SO I DO NOT FEEL WEAR & TEAR IS THE ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE. *TR

Mileage: 36,338

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE LEAKING. HE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL# 04V328000, REAR SUSPENSION; HOWEVER, HE WAS ADVISED THAT SINCE HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED HE IS INELIGIBLE FOR A FREE REMEDY. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 64,000. UPDATED 10/20/09 *CN THE PROBLEM WITH THE RIGHT REAR AXLE SHAFT AND WHEEL BEARING WAS NOTICED DURING A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE VISIT. UPDATED 10/22/09.*JB

Mileage: 64,000

2003 TOWN CAR ON AUG. 3, 2009 THE CAR LOST DRIVE FUNCTION ON INTERSTATE. THE REPAIR WAS A NEW DRIVE AXLE FROM THE FORD DEALER. ON AUG. 8, THE SAME THING HAPPEN AGAIN WE LOST DRIVE FUNCTION AND THE REAR AXLE IS BROKEN. I SPOKE TO THE DEALER ABOUT THE FORD RECALL NO. 04S16 OR 04V328000 AND HE EXPLAINED THAT THE VIN NO. DID NOT APPLY. *TR

Mileage: 54,250

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. HE CALLED THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC REMOVED THE REAR WHEELS AND DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING HAD DISINTEGRATED AND BOTH REAR AXLES WERE SEVERELY COMPROMISED, TO THE POINT THAT AT LEAST ONE OF THEM WOULD HAVE COMPLETELY FAILED WITHIN THE NEXT 1,000 MILES. THE MECHANIC REPLACED BOTH AXLES AND THE WHEEL BEARING. THROUGH RESEARCH, HE DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000, PE04010 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE04010 (COMPONENT: SUSPENSION:REAR). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT FEELS THAT IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 69,000. UPDATED 8/28/09 *CN UPDATED09/03/09.*JB

Mileage: 69,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWNCAR CARTIER. THE REAR AXLES SUDDENLY BECAME WORN AND THERE WERE NO UNUSUAL NOISE INDICATORS THAT WERE UNFAMILIAR TO HIM. A MECHANIC ADVISED HIM THAT THE BEARINGS AND AXLES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE ALSO STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V328000 COMPONENT: SUSPENSION:REAR IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, HIS VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 41,000. UPDATED 05/08/09 *BF UPDATED 05/12/09.*JB THE REAR AXLES SHAFTS AND SEALS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 06/09/09.*JB

Mileage: 41,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LEAK BEHIND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE CONTACT FEELS THAT LINCOLN SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 87,907. UPDATED 04/17/09. *LJ UPDATED 04/21/09.*JB

Mileage: 87,907

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LEAK BEHIND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO FIRESTONE AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SEAL FAILED ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARING AND STUB AXLE WERE DEFECTIVE, WHICH WAS THE ACTUAL CAUSE OF THE SEAL FAILURE. AS A RESULT, THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID HAD TO BE REFILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE DEALER AND MECHANIC WERE NOT NOTIFIED. IN JANUARY OF 2009, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CHIRPING NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO FIRESTONE FOR A BRAKE INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. WHEN THE MECHANIC REMOVED THE ROTORS, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR BALL JOINTS WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE AXLES AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. BOTH OF THE REAR END AXLES AND BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT RELATED TO ANY RECALLS. HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE CONTACT HAS THE PARTS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION IN HIS POSSESSION. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,131 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,863. UPDATED 2/5/09 *CN UPDATED 02/10/09. *JB

Mileage: 51,863

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNFAMILIAR NOISE. WHEN THE NOISE GREW LOUDER, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS REPAIRED TWICE AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE CONTACT WANTED TO KNOW HOW HE CAN BE REIMBURSED FOR THE TWO REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,915. UPDATED 1/5/09 *CN UPDATED 01/09/09.*JB

Mileage: 49,000

2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE. CONSUMER HAS A COMPLAINT WITH FORD ABOUT MULTIPLE RECALL REPAIRS (REAR AXLES, BEARING, AND SEAL RECALL) ON THE SAME VEHICLES AND FOR THE SAME MECHANICAL RECALL FAILURE. *NJ THE AXLE SEALS AND BEARINGS CAUSED DAMAGED TO THE REAR AXLE, WHICH REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR AXLE, REAL AXLE BEARINGS AND THE REAR AXLE SEALS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE REQUIRED REPAIRS ON THE REAR AXLE TWICE. WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE. RECALL 04V328000 *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT IS EXPERIENCING FAILURE WITH THE REAR BEARINGS ON HIS VEHICLE AND THERE IS ALSO AN AXLE SHIFT FRACTURE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REGARDING THE FAILURES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THESE FAILURES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 55,000.

Mileage: 55,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD HUMMING NOISES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST TIME HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THEY STATED THAT A TIRE WAS OUT OF ROUND. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MAKE THE HUMMING NOISES AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS POTENTIALLY THE REAR AXLE BEARING. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,706 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

Mileage: 59,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED GREASE ON THE WHEELS AND TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT BEARINGS, AXLES, AND REAR BRAKES WERE NEEDED. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME IN FOUR YEARS THAT THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,745. UPDATED 06/09/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR BRAKES WERE SOAKED WITH OIL. UPDATED 06/09/08

Mileage: 66,745

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED GREASE ON THE WHEELS AND TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT BEARINGS, AXLES, AND REAR BRAKES WERE NEEDED. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME IN FOUR YEARS THAT THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,745. UPDATED 06/09/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR BRAKES WERE SOAKED WITH OIL. UPDATED 06/09/08

Mileage: 66,745

THE REAR BEARING ON MY 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR FAILED. I WENT TO THE RECALL SITE AND FOUND THAT PROBLEM WAS ON THE LIST FOR THAT MODEL AND YEAR. THE FAILURE RESULTED IN MY HAVING HAVE THE DEALER REPLACE THE BEARING, SEAL AND SHAFT AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL. WHEN I CONTACTED FORD; THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL AND I WAS OBLIGATED TO PAY THE FULL COST OF THOSE REPAIRS. OBVIOUSLY THE RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN EXPANDED TO COVER ALL VINS IN THAT MODEL YEAR AS THE DEFECTIVE OEM PARTS WERE THE SAME. *TR

Mileage: 88,257

RECALL# 04V328000 REAR AXLE BEARING FAILURE. CALLED FORD AND THEY BLEW ME OFF SAYING IT DID NOT APPLY TO MY VIN#. AND HUNG UP. THEY COULD NOT EVEN FIND THE RECALL. *TR

Mileage: 78,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD RUBBING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE WAS ESPECIALLY HEARD WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, THE NOISE RECURRED. HE NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT ALTHOUGH HE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 05/20/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR AXLE AND BEARING WAS NOISY. UPDATED

Mileage: 52,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR AXLE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR) AND WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE FOR FREE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,500. UPDATED 01/14/08 *BF UPDATED 01/14/08 *TR

Mileage: 47,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT HEARD A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. SEARS STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE BAD AND THE CONTACT REPLACED ALL FOUR TIRES; HOWEVER, THE NOISE CONTINUED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,688 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF UPDATED 03/04/08 *TR

Mileage: 46,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AND HEARD A ROARING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS, WHEELS, AND AXLE SHAFTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN A COPY OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR), WHICH HE TOOK TO THE FORD DEALER, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,700 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,600.

Mileage: 40,600

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING MAKES A STRANGE NOISE AND THE AXLE IS DAMAGED. HE STATED THAT HE PLACED A NEW SET OF MICHELIN TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE SPEED AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,600. UPDATED 01-15-08. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL AXLE BEARING. UPDATED *JB

Mileage: 40,284

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING MAKES A STRANGE NOISE AND THE AXLE IS DAMAGED. HE STATED THAT HE PLACED A NEW SET OF MICHELIN TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE SPEED AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,600. UPDATED 01-15-08. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL AXLE BEARING. UPDATED *JB

Mileage: 40,284

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC AND THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS LABELED AS THE REAR AXLE. FORD STATED THAT NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR) ONLY APPLIES TO FLEET VEHICLES, HOWEVER, THE CONTACT FEELS THAT HIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 48,077. UPDATED 09/25/07. *JB

Mileage: 48,077

MY LINCOLN TOWN CAR IS IN FOR SERVICE RIGHT NOW. THE SERVICEMAN SAID 2 AXLES, 2 WHEEL BEARINGS AND 2 SEALS HAVE TO BE REPLACED. HE SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THESE. I CALLED THE DEALER AND HE SAID IT WAS ONLY FOR LINCOLN TOWN CARS THAT WERE LIMOS. THE SERVICE MAN SAID IT WOULD BE THE SAME THING. THEREFORE THE DEALER WOULD NOT STAND BY IT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 15-70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD HUMMING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR BEARINGS AND THE REAR AXLE SHAFTS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL # 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 49,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000. UPDATED 02-04-08. *KB UPDATED 02/04/08 *TR

Mileage: 44,000

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR AXLES, THE WHEEL BEARINGS, AXLE SEALS, AND BRAKE PADS ALL NEED REPLACING. THE MECHANIC MADE THE REPAIR AND NO OTHER FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 135,300 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,223. UPDATED 07/06/07. *JB

Mileage: 135,223

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A CONSTANT GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, REGARDLESS OF SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE NOISE WAS CAUSED BY A FAILURE OF THE REAR BEARINGS. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL# 04V328000 WHICH PERTAINED TO THE REAR SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. *AK UPDATED 10/31/2006 - *NM

Mileage: 68,800

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THE LEFT AND RIGHT REAR AXEL BEARINGS, SEALS, AND PARKING BRAKE SHOES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED.

Mileage: 46,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A GROWLING NOISE WAS NOTICED IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DETERMINED THE WHEEL BEARINGS WORE OUT. THIS ALSO CAUSED EXCESSIVE AXLE WEAR. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V328000, REGARDING THE REAR SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.*AK UPDATED 11/21/2006 -*NM

Mileage: 67,000

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR END WAS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE REAR TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE NOISE PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE REAR SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V328000, REGARDING THE REAR SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Mileage: 53,000

DT: 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING GEAR OIL ON THE REAR AXLE. THE CONSUMER NOTICED IT WHEN THE OIL FORMED ON THE GROUND OF HIS GARAGE. THE DEALERSHIP DID A DIAGNOSTIC, AND FOUND A RECALL. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED PART 3W1Z-AA10A-AA, THE COMPLETE KIT, TWO REAR AXLES, TWO BEARINGS, TWO SEALS, AND THE OIL. THIS WAS THE KIT THE RECALL CALLED FOR. THE PROBLEM DID NOT CAUSE ANY ACCIDENTS OF INJURIES. THE CONSUMER DID CALL LINCOLN, BUT THEY ALSO SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THIS HAPPENED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, BUT BOTH SIDES WERE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER KEPT THE PARTS.*AK

Mileage: 95,490

DT: THE CALLER SAID WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE MADE NOISE. DEALER SAID THE BEARINGS AND AXLES IN REAR WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. RECALL 04V328000 WAS ISSUED CONCERNING REAR SUSPENSION, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THIS VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL THEY WILL OFFER ANY HELP FOR FREE. *AK

Mileage: 49,500

"ROARING" NOISE FROM THE REAR END AT 30-50 MPH. DEALER (METROPOLITAN LINCOLN-MERCURY IN LOUISVILLE, KY) DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS WORN REAR AXLES AND AXLE BEARINGS. AXLES, BEARINGS, SEALS, AND BRAKE ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT A COST TO ME OF $932. I WAS TOLD THERE IS A RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE OF A EARLY FAILURE IN THE AXLE SHAFTS DUE TO AN INADEQUATE HEAT TREATING, BUT MY VEHICLE WAS "NOT ON THE LIST" THAT QUALIFIED. SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 04V328000. IF I HAVE THE PROBLEM THAT IS BEING FIXED BY THE RECALL, WHY ISN'T MY VEHICLE COVERED? *JB

Mileage: 63,630

"ROARING" NOISE FROM THE REAR END AT 30-50 MPH. DEALER (METROPOLITAN LINCOLN-MERCURY IN LOUISVILLE, KY) DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS WORN REAR AXLES AND AXLE BEARINGS. AXLES, BEARINGS, SEALS, AND BRAKE ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT A COST TO ME OF $932. I WAS TOLD THERE IS A RECALL TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE OF A EARLY FAILURE IN THE AXLE SHAFTS DUE TO AN INADEQUATE HEAT TREATING, BUT MY VEHICLE WAS "NOT ON THE LIST" THAT QUALIFIED. SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 04V328000. IF I HAVE THE PROBLEM THAT IS BEING FIXED BY THE RECALL, WHY ISN'T MY VEHICLE COVERED? *JB

Mileage: 63,250

THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR THE REAR AXLE SHAFT FRACTURE RECALL 04V328000 BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS MODIFIED. *JB

THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR THE REAR AXLE FRACTION RECALL #04V328000 BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS MODIFIED. *JB

A RECALL WAS RECEIVED ON WHEEL BEARINGS. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER, AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE PART WAS NOT IN. AFTER MAKING SEVERAL ATTEMPTS THE PART WAS NOT IN YET. *AK RECALL NUMBER : 04V328000 *TC

Mileage: 20,000

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR SUSPENSION. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES BUT COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *JB