Recall 10V638 affects 161 2008-2011 Lincoln Town Car limousines with a missing fuel rail shield. Repair is free at an owner-chosen facility.
Lincoln recall 10V638 covers 161 2008-2011 Town Car limousines because the fuel rail shield was left off during manufacturing. In a frontal impact, fuel lines can bend or rupture and leak fuel near an ignition source, which creates a fire risk; the Lincoln dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The fuel rail shield on 2008-2011 Lincoln Town Car limousines is a protective piece installed around the engine fuel rail area. The fuel rail and its lines carry gasoline under pressure to the engine, so the shield helps keep those lines separated from parts that move or shift during a crash.
On affected Town Car limousines, the shield was left off during manufacturing. Without that shield in place, a frontal impact leaves the fuel lines exposed to contact from the engine. The filing says the engine can bend or rupture those lines, and leaking fuel can follow.
This is not a wear item that gives the owner a normal symptom before it fails. There is no warning sign before failure. If the limousine has been in a frontal impact, fuel odor, visible wetness near the engine, or fuel dripping under the vehicle means the fuel system needs immediate inspection.
Who's affected?
Spans four model years of the Town Car, all tied to the exhaust manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe component.
| 2009 Lincoln Town Car | Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
|---|---|
| 2008 Lincoln Town Car | Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
| 2010 Lincoln Town Car | Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
| 2011 Lincoln Town Car | Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
| Units affected | 161 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Fuel leakage near an ignition source creates a fire risk. Schedule the recall repair promptly. If you smell fuel or see leaking fuel, park safely and contact a Lincoln dealer before driving farther. Repair will be free at any franchised Lincoln dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2011 Lincoln Town Car limousine is included in this recall.
- Contact Lincoln customer service at 888-322-9272 and reference recall number 10V638.
- Ask where to have the free fuel-rail-shield kit installed; the shield protects the fuel lines in a frontal impact.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it when you take the limousine for repair.
- Avoid driving near heat, sparks, or open flame if you smell fuel before the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
For recall 10V638, Executive Coach supplies the repair kit and installation instructions for a repair at a facility chosen by the owner. The work adds the missing fuel rail shield on the 2008-2011 Lincoln Town Car limousine so the fuel lines are protected in a frontal impact. The final repair is free once available, including the kit and installation service. Owners can contact Executive Coach at 888-322-9272 for repair coordination.
Timeline
| December 1, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| December 9, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V638?
Recall 10V638 covers 161 2008-2011 Lincoln Town Car limousines missing the fuel rail shield. In a frontal impact, fuel lines can bend or rupture and leak fuel. Fuel leakage near an ignition source creates fire risk. The repair adds the shield for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2011 Lincoln Town Car is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific limousine is included in recall 10V638. If it is, arrange the free fuel rail shield repair at a facility of your choice. Reference recall 10V638 when you call, and use 888-322-9272 for recall repair instructions.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. The recall remedy states that the kit, installation instructions, and repair service are provided free of charge. The repair path is fuel rail shield installation at a facility of the owner's choice, using the supplied recall kit.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk in recall 10V638 is fuel leakage after a frontal impact. Without the fuel rail shield, engine movement can bend or rupture fuel lines. If leaked fuel reaches an ignition source, a fire can result.
What if I bought my Lincoln Town Car used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2008-2011 Lincoln Town Car limousine is included, then reference recall 10V638 when arranging the repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V638000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 888-322-9272 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V638 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V638000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →