The 2003 Lincoln Town Car, along with the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis, underwent significant re-engineering. A key improvement focused on the Town Car’s safety features, specifically addressing concerns identified in early crash tests. This article delves into the modifications made to the Lincoln Town Car after May 2003, highlighting the enhanced safety performance achieved through redesigned airbag deployment characteristics.
Addressing Initial Crash Test Concerns
Initial crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) on the 2003 Lincoln Town Car revealed a potential safety issue. In a 40 mph frontal offset crash test, high acceleration was recorded when the test dummy’s head rebounded against the B-pillar. This indicated a risk of head injury.
In response, Lincoln modified the frontal airbag deployment characteristics for Town Cars produced after May 2003. This crucial change aimed to mitigate the risk of head injuries in similar crash scenarios. Buyers can verify the manufacture date of their vehicle by checking the certification label typically located on or near the driver’s side door.
Improved Crash Test Results in Modified Lincoln Town Car
The IIHS conducted a second crash test on a Modified Lincoln Town Car equipped with the updated airbags. The results showed a significant improvement in safety performance. All head injury measures were substantially lower, demonstrating the effectiveness of the modifications. The updated model earned a “Good” rating in the overall evaluation and across various specific criteria, including head/neck, chest, and structure/safety cage.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Evaluation | G |
| Structure and Safety Cage | G |
| Driver Injury Measures: Head/Neck | G |
| Driver Injury Measures: Chest | G |
| Driver Injury Measures: Left Leg/Foot | A |
| Driver Injury Measures: Right Leg/Foot | G |
| Driver Restraints and Dummy Kinematics | A |
A modified Lincoln Town Car undergoing a 40 mph frontal offset crash test by the IIHS.
While the modified Town Car demonstrated overall improved safety, some areas still showed potential for injury. High forces on the lower left leg indicated a possibility of injury, earning an “Acceptable” rating in this category. Despite some remaining concerns, the modifications significantly improved the car’s crashworthiness, particularly in reducing the risk of head injuries.
Forces on the lower left leg remained high in the crash test of the modified Lincoln Town Car.
The driver’s survival space was well maintained in the modified Lincoln Town Car after the crash test.
Red greasepaint marks the impact point of the dummy’s head on the B-pillar in the initial crash test of the unmodified Lincoln Town Car, highlighting the area of concern that led to airbag modifications.
Technical Measurements and Data
Detailed measurements from the crash test of the modified Lincoln Town Car, identified as CEF0313, provide further insight into the vehicle’s performance. These measurements include intrusion into the driver’s compartment, injury measures for the driver, and forces recorded on various body parts.
Conclusion
The modifications implemented in the Lincoln Town Car after May 2003 demonstrably improved its safety performance in frontal offset crashes. The revised airbag deployment system effectively reduced the risk of head injuries, a critical concern identified in initial testing. While some areas for potential injury remained, the modified Lincoln Town Car showcased a substantial safety enhancement, reflecting Lincoln’s commitment to passenger protection. Consumers interested in a 2003 Town Car should confirm the vehicle’s build date to ensure it includes these crucial safety improvements.
