Brake Light problems of the 2003 Lincoln Town Car

I recently purchased the vehicle and noticed on the first night drive that when applying the brakes, the 3rd brake light(the one at the top of the back window glowed brightly over the inside of the window making it impossible to see to the rear. When it rained and the back window was wet. The problem was even worse. Upon feeling around the light I discovered 3/4 inch space between the light and the glass thus letting the light spill out. I called the local Lincoln dealer who after examining it said they were all like that and couldn't help me. I called Ford motor customer service and got the same response. I have had to put duct tape around it to stop the light but I know this summer when sun gets on it the tape will not stick and leave glue residue. I can raise the ceiling (and light ) up and down 3/4 of an inch but they say thats the way they were built. It's dangerous. I had a Mercury before and you couldn't even tell when the 3rd lite was onl.

This is a design feature; under the dashboard where the steering column is located isn't enough clearance when driver attempts to brake, he must slide his foot side ways to not make contact with console. Also, third brake light at night illuminates brightly. The driver describes the problem as "blinding".

Led high-mount brake light causes a distracting reflection on the rear window.