1985 Lincoln Town CAR
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 21 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 15 |
| 1985 | 21 |
| 1986 | 50 |
| 1987 | 32 |
| 1988 | 99 |
| 1989 | 90 |
| 1990 | 209 |
| 1991 | 157 |
| 1992 | 249 |
| 1993 | 178 |
| 1994 | 159 |
| 1995 | 166 |
| 1996 | 259 |
| 1997 | 314 |
| 1998 | 154 |
| 1999 | 148 |
| 2000 | 108 |
| 2001 | 161 |
| 2002 | 65 |
| 2003 | 201 |
| 2004 | 83 |
| 2005 | 119 |
| 2006 | 143 |
| 2007 | 84 |
| 2008 | 20 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 13 |
| 2011 | 6 |
Known problem areas
Only 21 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Electrical system
7 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring and switch.
Show complaint excerpts
The car burned up from the harness under the dash. Please describe.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-18
While driving at 32 MPH, the engine stalled. The steering wheel locked and the brakes failed. Dealers notified.*ak consumer had a short in the wire. Her concern was that she couldn't stop the vehicle after a while.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-16
Tires
4 of 21 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
Tire failure: abnormal belt separation. Photo and tire is available. Sears guardsman, response xl, P215/75R15. 78615, DOT#CHHF244. Also, there were large cracks within the tread.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-01-25
Steering
2 of 21 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.
Structure
2 of 21 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing hinge and attachments and door.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing catalytic convertor and gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
Carbon monoxide fumes from defective catalytic exhaust system, causing injury/death.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-13
Safety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1987-08-17Defect petitionClosed 1987-10-23 Sudden acceleration
-
I
1988-01-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-05-02 Non collision fires
-
R
1991-06-04Equipment90V093000 Vehicle description: limousines built by empire coach. Vehicle alterers label may be missing or incomplete.
Remedy: Add compliance label.
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Lincoln Town CAR — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V093000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1985 Lincoln Town CAR reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1985 Lincoln Town CAR?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Lincoln Town CAR have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.