MYRModel Year Report

1987 Lincoln Town CAR

▲ Better than typical
1987 Lincoln Town CAR
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:08.206Z

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
32
Recalls
6

Campaigns on file for 1987

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

56% 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 1987: 32 complaints 1987 32 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 1987: 32 complaints 1987 32 1988: 99 complaints 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 1987: 32 complaints 1987 32 1988: 99 complaints 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

1987: 32 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

56% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and switch.

CRASHFIRE
Show 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, 2003-12-08

Possible ignition short while car was parked in the garage, resulting in burning up the garage.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-22

Electrical short in the ignition switch the vehicle caught on fire. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-13

Engine and engine cooling

13% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing radiator assembly and gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While driving radiator suddenly started to leak fluid. Upon the leakage from the radiator vehicle automatically shut down with no warning.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-08

Fuel system, gasoline

13% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing fuel rail and fuel injection system.

FIRE
Show 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-09

Vehicle speed control

6% · 2 reports
CRASH

Seat belts

6% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly.

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1986-10-10Electrical system86V142000 Wiring harness in the engine compartment may be misrouted and subject to damage.

    Remedy: Properly route wiring harnesses, as necessary.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1987-03-18Steering87V018000 No summary on file.

    Remedy: Replace idler arm assembly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    1987-03-18Steering87V012000 Steering centerlinks may break at a bend location.

    Remedy: Replace steering centerlink.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. 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 →

  5. 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 →

  6. 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 →

Buy-smart checklist

1987 Lincoln Town CAR — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 18 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 86V142000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 87V018000 · Steering
  • Recall 87V012000 · Steering
  • 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 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.