1986 Lincoln Town CAR
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 89 |
| 1990 | 209 |
| 1991 | 155 |
| 1992 | 249 |
| 1993 | 176 |
| 1994 | 155 |
| 1995 | 165 |
| 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
24% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY10% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
IGNITION SWITCH FIRE, ELECTRICAL WIRES AROUND STEERING WHEEL CAUGHT FIRE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950808
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, 19950316
NOTICE D SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN IN THE DASH BOARD AREA, RESULTING IN FIRE TOTALLING THE VEHICLE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950227
10% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH6% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20041105
SAFETY TIMELINE
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Campaign 87V139000 — check if this car was fixed
NON COLLISION FIRES
SAFETY BELTS (TYPE 1 LAP BELTS) FOR REAR FACING SEATS WERE NOT INSTALLED.
Remedy: INSTALL SAFETY BELTS FOR REAR FACING SEATS.
Campaign 90V050000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIMOUSINES BUILT BY EMPIRE COACH. VEHICLE ALTERERS LABEL MAY BE MISSING OR INCOMPLETE.
Remedy: ADD COMPLIANCE LABEL.
Campaign 90V093000 — check if this car was fixed
INCORRECT BOLTS WERE USED IN THE TRANSMISSION LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM.
Remedy: REPLACE THE SHIFT LINKAGE TRUNNION, GROMMET AND ADJUSTMENT BOLT.
Campaign 85V123000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Lincoln Town CAR — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 85V123000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V139000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V050000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V093000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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:ignition:switch, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Lincoln Town CAR have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.