MYRModel Year Report

1986 Lincoln Town CAR

▲ Better than typical
1986 Lincoln Town CAR
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:04.715Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
50
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

58% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 1 complaint 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 4 complaints 1984: 15 complaints 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 50 complaints 1986 50 1987: 32 complaints 1988: 99 complaints 1989: 90 complaints 1990: 209 complaints 1991: 157 complaints 1992: 249 complaints 1992 1993: 178 complaints 1994: 159 complaints 1995: 166 complaints 1996: 259 complaints 1996 1997: 314 complaints 1998: 154 complaints 1999: 148 complaints 2000: 108 complaints 2000 2001: 161 complaints 2002: 65 complaints 2003: 201 complaints 2004: 83 complaints 2004 2005: 119 complaints 2006: 143 complaints 2007: 84 complaints 2008: 20 complaints 2008 2009: 5 complaints 2010: 13 complaints 2011: 6 complaints
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 1 complaint 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 4 complaints 1984: 15 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 50 complaints 1986 50 1987: 32 complaints 1988: 99 complaints 1988 1989: 90 complaints 1990: 209 complaints 1990 1991: 157 complaints 1992: 249 complaints 1992 1993: 178 complaints 1994: 159 complaints 1994 1995: 166 complaints 1996: 259 complaints 1996 1997: 314 complaints 1998: 154 complaints 1998 1999: 148 complaints 2000: 108 complaints 2000 2001: 161 complaints 2002: 65 complaints 2002 2003: 201 complaints 2004: 83 complaints 2004 2005: 119 complaints 2006: 143 complaints 2006 2007: 84 complaints 2008: 20 complaints 2008 2009: 5 complaints 2010: 13 complaints 2010 2011: 6 complaints
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 1 complaint 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 4 complaints 1984: 15 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 50 complaints 1986 50 1987: 32 complaints 1988: 99 complaints 1988 1989: 90 complaints 1990: 209 complaints 1990 1991: 157 complaints 1992: 249 complaints 1992 1993: 178 complaints 1994: 159 complaints 1994 1995: 166 complaints 1996: 259 complaints 1996 1997: 314 complaints 1998: 154 complaints 1998 1999: 148 complaints 2000: 108 complaints 2000 2001: 161 complaints 2002: 65 complaints 2002 2003: 201 complaints 2004: 83 complaints 2004 2005: 119 complaints 2006: 143 complaints 2006 2007: 84 complaints 2008: 20 complaints 2008 2009: 5 complaints 2010: 13 complaints 2010 2011: 6 complaints

1986: 50 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19801
19811
19822
19834
198415
198521
198650
198732
198899
198990
1990209
1991157
1992249
1993178
1994159
1995166
1996259
1997314
1998154
1999148
2000108
2001161
200265
2003201
200483
2005119
2006143
200784
200820
20095
201013
20116

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

58% · 29 reports

Most commonly citing switch and interior/under dash.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

When the key was turned in the ignition there was a cracking noise followed by smoke coming from under the hood. When the hood was popped there was a fire in the center of the engine compartment.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-11-05

Ignition switch fire, electrical wires around steering wheel caught fire. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-08-08

While driving, noticed burning smell and smoke coming from steering column and dash, due to front electrical system wiring harness fire. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-16

Vehicle speed control

6% · 3 reports
CRASH

Structure

6% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing body and door.

Power train

6% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing park/neutral start interlock switch and column shift.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Car was parked with transmission selector in park position with no key in the ignition. The car jumped out of park and begin to roll away. When the car hit another car and came to rest, the transmission indicator was in reverse position.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-08-25

Wheels

4% · 2 reports
CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1987-10-12Fuel system, gasoline87V139000 Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.

    Remedy: Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1988-01-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-05-02 Non collision fires
  3. R
    1991-02-22Seat belts90V050000 Safety belts (Type 1 lap belts) for rear facing seats were not installed.

    Remedy: Install safety belts for rear facing seats.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    1991-06-04Equipment90V093000 Vehicle description: limousines built by empire coach. Vehicle alterers label may be missing or incomplete.

    Remedy: Add compliance label.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    Date not on filePower train85V123000 Incorrect bolts were used in the transmission linkage adjustment mechanism.

    Remedy: Replace the shift linkage trunnion, grommet and adjustment bolt.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Lincoln Town CAR — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 29 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 85V123000 · Power train
  • Recall 87V139000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 90V050000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 90V093000 · Equipment
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1986 Lincoln Town CAR reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1986 Lincoln Town CAR is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Lincoln Town CAR?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Lincoln Town CAR have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.