Lincoln Town Car

Certain vehicles serviced as part of recall 2013-287 (13S08) or special service campaign 13R01 may require re-inspection and repair. The service procedure may have resulted in over-extension of one part of a collapsible joint in the intermediate steering shaft. This could potentially result in the shaft becoming disconnected, resulting a loss of steering, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the intermediate shaft connection and replace the intermediate shaft if necessary.

On certain vehicles originally sold or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), the steering column lower intermediate shaft can become severely corroded.  This could cause the swing link joint to become stiff or seized.  As a result, the upper intermediate shaft could collapse, allowing the steering column lower bearing to separate, causing a loss of steering capability.  A loss of steering control could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury.  Correction: Dealers will replace the steering lower intermediate shaft.  The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected and, if necessary, repaired or replaced.  If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed.

On certain vehicles, a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity may have been inadvertently installed during servicing for recall 2005028 or 2007258.  As a result, the fuse is located in the output circuit rather than in the input power feed circuit, and will not offer the intended protection in the event of an electrical short to ground.  This could result in a vehicle fire, causing property damage and/or personal injury.  Correction: Dealers will install an updated wiring harness.

On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire.  The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28).  This time, the concern is with long term durability performance issues causing the switch to fail.  Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected.  As soon as replacement parts are available, owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness designed to eliminate the potential risk of fire.

On certain vehicles, improper heat treatment of the front hub assemblies may allow the development of a circumferential crack on the roll formed end of the hub when vehicle loading is applied.  This condition can result in axial movement of the wheel, causing front end noise and steering wheel shudder, and the potential for wheel detachment and/or loss of steering control resulting in a crash.  Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the front hub assemblies.