1987 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 | 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
56% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and switch.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
FOUR MINUTES AFTER THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF, BLACK SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE OWNER OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THE ALTERNATOR WAS ON FIRE. *AK A MECHANIC EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS MADE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031208
POSSIBLE IGNITION SHORT WHILE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, RESULTING IN BURNING UP THE GARAGE. *AL
NHTSA ODI report, 19960422
ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19960213
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing radiator assembly and gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING RADIATOR SUDDENLY STARTED TO LEAK FLUID. UPON THE LEAKAGE FROM THE RADIATOR VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SHUT DOWN WITH NO WARNING. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030908
13% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel rail and fuel injection system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
STRONG GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE CAR MOST NOTICEABLE WITH A WINDOW DOWN, HAVE CHECKED FOR LEAKS AND CAN'T FIND IT, SEEMS LIKE IT MAY BE COMING FROM BEHIND THE DASH. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030509
6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASH6% of complaints: seat belts — 2 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
SAFETY TIMELINE
WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY BE MISROUTED AND SUBJECT TO DAMAGE.
Remedy: PROPERLY ROUTE WIRING HARNESSES, AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 86V142000 — check if this car was fixed
No summary on file.
Remedy: REPLACE IDLER ARM ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 87V018000 — check if this car was fixed
STEERING CENTERLINKS MAY BREAK AT A BEND LOCATION.
Remedy: REPLACE STEERING CENTERLINK.
Campaign 87V012000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Lincoln Town CAR — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V142000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V018000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V012000 (steering) 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 1987 Lincoln Town CAR reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1987 Lincoln Town CAR is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Lincoln Town CAR?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Lincoln Town CAR have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.