I took my 2003 Lincoln Town car to the local Ford dealership because I heard a noise in the rear of the car. I was told that the rear axel seal was blown out and the axel assembly was damaged on both sides of the car. In addition, the brakes were ruined by the axel fluid that leaked out. I found out that there was a recall for the rear axel problem in 2003 Lincoln Town cars for fleet cars only. I called the Ford service center and asked them for help with my expensive repair bill. They said no. In addition to a very large repair bill, my car was unsafe due to the condition of the axel yet I was not informed of the situation because I don't own a fleet car.

- Hadley, MA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Lincoln Town car. The contact has had two alternators installed in her vehicle within the last six months. This does not include the one that came with the vehicle at the time of purchase. While driving 30 and 60 mph, the vehicle will lose power and the engine shuts off. In addition, the power steering and brakes fail. All of the instrument panel indicators flash on and off at the time of the failure. Occasionally, the vehicle will take a minute before restarting. The vehicle is currently at the dealer, but they could find no failures. The contact would have to pay $90 per hour for a diagnostic. The failure mileage was 29,000. Updated 03/09/09. The alternator was replaced due to it overcharging. The battery was replaced as well. The trunk would not close properly. Updated 03/10/09.

- Saugerties, NY, USA

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 updated 02/10/09.

- Haysville, KS, USA

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 the consumer stated the rear brakes were soaked with oil. Updated 06/09/08

- Aurora, CO, USA

The brakes failed without warning.

- Falls Church, VA, USA