1988 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
20% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED OUT, CAUSING STEERING COLUMN FIRE. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19950302
14% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
THE LINCOLN TOWN CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE A RENTAL HOME AND CAUGHT FIRE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20091123
CONSUMER STOPPED AT DRIVE THRU WINDOW STOP AND CAR ACCELERATED CAUSING AN ACCIDENT CAR WAS TOTALED . TT WINDSHIELD BROKE IN ACCIDENT. *SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 19951117
8% of complaints: power train — 8 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
IGNITION SWITCH FAILED CAUSING A SMALL FIRE UNDER THE DASHBOARD. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030610
4% of complaints: tires — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
FUEL RAILS MAY BE BENT SO THAT NO. 5 INJECTOR CUPS ARE OUT OF DESIGN POSITION.
Remedy: REPLACE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 87V131000 — 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
FUEL FILLER PIPE SPURTING
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
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Lincoln Town CAR — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V131000 (fuel system, gasoline) 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.
- Verify recall 96V071000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR?
The most-reported component is electrical system:ignition:switch, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR have?
5 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.