MYRModel Year Report

1988 Lincoln Town CAR

▲ Better than typical
1988 Lincoln Town CAR
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:57:26.604Z

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
99
Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

40% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 1 complaint 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 4 complaints 1984: 15 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 50 complaints 1987: 32 complaints 1988: 99 complaints 1988 99 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 1987: 32 complaints 1988: 99 complaints 1988 99 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 1987: 32 complaints 1988: 99 complaints 1988 99 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

1988: 99 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

40% · 40 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The ignition switch gives sparks and could ignite the car. Ford admits other 1988 Lincoln town cars have a ignition switch problem and replaces them.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-28

Also filed under Engine

Ignition switch failed causing a small fire under the dashboard. Dealer notified.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-06-10

Ignition switch shorted out, causing steering column fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-02

Vehicle speed control

17% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

The Lincoln Town CAR was parked outside a rental home and caught fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-11-23

Consumer stopped at drive thru window stop and car accelerated causing an accident car was totaled . Tt windshield broke in accident.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-17

Power train

9% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The transmission suddenly fails when in overdrive. This failure occurs on the highway at high speed and could cause an accident because the car goes out of control.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-10-28

Engine and engine cooling

7% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE

Seat belts

7% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and rear/other.

CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1987-08-08Fuel system, gasoline87V131000 Fuel rails may be bent so that No. 5 injector cups are out of design position.

    Remedy: Replace fuel rail assemblies as necessary.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. 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 →

  3. I
    1989-03-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-07-12 Fuel filler pipe spurting
  4. 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 →

  5. 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 →

  6. R
    1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. I
    1999-07-29Defect petitionClosed 2000-04-06 Sudden acceleration

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Lincoln Town CAR — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 40 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 17 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 87V131000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 87V139000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 90V050000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 90V093000 · Equipment
  • Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.

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