DecodedCars2008 Lincoln Town Car
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- 4.6L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 15 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Overview
The 2008 Lincoln Town Car is a large car offered with a 4.6L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 23 highway), 1% worse than the 2008 large car average of 18.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Town Car — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Town Car →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Town Car | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -1% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Town Car FFV | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -1% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Lincoln Town Car under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Lincoln Town Car (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Jaguar XJ | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Maserati Quattroporte | 14 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Cadillac DTS | 18 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Infiniti M35 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Infiniti M45 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Cadillac Funeral Coach/Hearse | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Steering › Rack And Pinion › Pinion Shaft · Nov 5, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V704000 · 36,888 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.
- Risk
- Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S25.
Steering · Aug 29, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V385000 · 355,000 vehicles
- Problem
- Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.
- Risk
- If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed. The recall began on October 23, 2013. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S08.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe · Dec 9, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V638000 · 161 vehicles
- Problem
- EXECUTIVE COACH IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINES. THE FUEL RAIL SHIELD WAS LEFT OFF DURING MANUFACTURING. IN A FRONTAL IMPACT THE ENGINE COULD POTENTIALLY BEND OR RUPTURE FUEL LINES IF THE REPLACEMENT SHIELD IS NOT IN PLACE, CAUSING THOSE LINES TO LEAK FUEL.
- Risk
- FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Fix
- EXECUTIVE COACH WILL SUPPLY KITS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS TO HAVE VEHICLES REPAIRED AT A FACILITY OF THE OWNER'S CHOICE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EXECUTIVE COACH AT 888-322-9272.
Not every 2008 Lincoln Town Car is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Lincoln Town Car buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 2 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 84,881 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Lincoln Town Car. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Town Car years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Town Car | 19 | – | Not rated | 3 | 4 |
| 2010 Town Car | 19 | – | Not rated | 3 | 9 |
| 2009 Town Car | 19 | – | Not rated | 3 | 1 |
| 2007 Town Car | 18 | 221.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 35 |
| 2006 Town Car | 18 | 221.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 52 |
| 2005 Town Car | 19 | 215.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 43 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →