2003 Lincoln Town Car: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Lincoln Town Car: 1 recall, 201 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #04V328000 · 2004 · 47,314 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain police, commercial, and passenger vehicles sold to fleets typically input higher loads into the vehicle chassis overloading the wheel bearings and axles.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Suspension (81): the most common themes are noise or vibration (44).
- Transmission & drivetrain (27): the most common themes are noise or vibration (14), leaks (3).
- Speed control / throttle (18): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (5).
- Steering (16): the most common themes are steering problems (14).
The 2003 Lincoln Town Car has 201 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 22 Town Car model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 136). Complaints peaked in 2006 (17 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 69,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (65 complaints, 0 recalls), 2004 (83 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Lincoln Town Car.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Lincoln Town Car have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 Lincoln Town Car. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Lincoln Town Car problems?
Owners have filed 201 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (81), transmission & drivetrain (27), speed control / throttle (18).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Lincoln Town Car get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.6 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Lincoln Town Car repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.