Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Lincoln Town Car owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle spontaneously accelerated. The contact had to shut off the vehicle in order to stop. No warning indicators illuminated. The contact also stated that the failure occurred one other time and had to depress the brake pedal coming to a screeching stop. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Tl contact owned a 2001 Lincoln Town Car. While driving 5 MPH, the vehicle automatically accelerated while entering the contact's parking garage. She depressed the brake pedal, but nothing happened. The consumer crashed into her den. The investigator from her insurance company was unable to identify the cause of failure. The contact sustained an injury to her knee. The vehicle was destroyed. The mileage on the vehicle was 68,000. Updated 05/23/07.
The vehicle suddenly accelerated when the consumer attempted to back out of the driveway and struck a parked vehicle. This incident happened a day after the vehicle received a 5 thousand mile check up. The dealer could not duplicate. Refer to odi #8020090 mr scc
When the Car is stopped with my foot on the brake the idle speed will suddenly and uncontrollably jump to a very high RPM. It is difficult to prevent the Car from suddenly surging ahead. I have discovered that the only way to stop it is to turn off the ignition. It has happened four times. The first time I was so startled, I wasn't sure what had happened. I thought maybe I had accidently hit the gas pedal and jammed it. The second time, I realized it was none of my doing. I was traveling in buffalo new york and took the Car to a Lincoln dealer there on June 7, 2004. They could find nothing wrong. When I drove back to virginia, it happened again. I took the Car to cherner Lincoln dealer in annandale on June 15, 2004.thet said it was a faulty idle control valve and replaced it. On June 19, 2005 it happened again. I took it back to cherner Lincoln. …
Accelerator pedal and brake pedal are too close together.when applying brakes pedal goes down lower than accelerator pedal. Will accidently touch accelerator pedal when applying brakes. Has caused consumer to surge forward and rear end another vehicle.*akfailures have been at stopped positions. The brake pedal goes below the accelerator pedal and consumers foot winds up depressing it also. Consumer has a 2000 model and experiences no problems.
After starting vehicle consumer shifted to reverse, suddenly vehicle accelerated on its own. Vehicle came to a stop when it hit a fire hydrant. Damage was $ 3000.00. On 28, May 2002 ,also at first start, consumer shifted to reverse and vehicle accelerated on it's own. Consumer braked, but was unable to stop vehicle. Vehicle came to stop when it hit a fence. Damage was $ 6700.00. No injuries.
Tl* the contact owns 2001 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated that while driving in reverse at an unknown speed, the vehicle accelerated independently. The problem recurred five times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they were unable to locate a problem. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.
Consumer states was backing out of driveway. Put vehicle in reverse and Car suddenly accelerated rearward across the street and collided w/another vehicle. Nlm. Consumer states the the exhaust pipe and muffler were replaced , the front and rear suspension was aligned.
Consumer stated that while driving his vehicle, vibration was felt in the accelerator pedal and in the seat. There is also a moaning noise that went along with the vibration. Consumer did everything to remedy the problem, but problem on vehicle still exists. The dealer told the consumer that they have already done everything in their power, and it's now up to the Ford service engineer to take on the issue. The engineer told the consumer that everything is in acceptable limits and that they would not do anything else for the vehicle.
Had come to a complete stop. Was waiting to make a left turn, with foot on brakes, and vehicle started to race/rpms went up. Vehicle suddenly accelerated. Took to dealership the same day to have it checked. Was informed vehicle would need to be left for a few days to be test driven. Owner was provided a rental. Once vehicle was test driven, mechanic could not locate any problems with acceleration.
Acceleration complaints in other Town Car years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2001 Lincoln Town Car?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2001 Lincoln Town Car, 16% of the model year's 161 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Lincoln Town Car acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2001 Lincoln Town Car, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Lincoln Town Car acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 43% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.