MYRModel Year Report

1989 Lincoln Town CAR

▲ Better than typical
1989 Lincoln Town CAR
RENDERED 2026-09-17T03:04:28.087Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Lincoln Town CAR Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1989 highlighted. 1980: 1 complaints 1980 1981: 1 complaints 1982: 2 complaints 1983: 4 complaints 1984: 15 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 50 complaints 1987: 32 complaints 1988: 99 complaints 1988 1989: 90 complaints 1989 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 2011
1989: 90 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 48%

48% of complaints: electrical system — 43 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and ignition.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING OFF THE IGNITION, THE CONSUMER HEARD A POPPING SOUND. A FEW SECONDS PASSED AND THE CONSUMER SAW THICK BLACK SMOKE AND A FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20031024

HAD ELECTRICAL FIRE IN STEERING COLUMN. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950320

STEERING COLUMN FIRE. *SKD

NHTSA ODI report, 19950302

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 13%

13% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages.

CRASH INJURY
SEAT BELTS 12%

12% of complaints: seat belts — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.

CRASH INJURY
POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING THE PLASTIC CAP ON THE TRANSMISSION CABLE THAT CONNECTED TO THE THROTTLE BODY BROKE. THIS MAD IT HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION GEARS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040608

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6%

6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19901205 — equipment

TIRE PLACARD MAY CONTAIN INCORRECT GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATINGS AND TIRE INFORMATION.

Remedy: INSTALL REVISED TIRE PLACARDS.

Campaign 90V133000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19901205 — equipment

GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATINGS AND TIRE INFORMATION MAY BE INCORRECT ON LABELS.

Remedy: INSTALL REVISED CERTIFICATION LABELS.

Campaign 90V134000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19910222 — seat belts

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

R 19910604 — equipment

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

R 19960607 — electrical system

THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.

Campaign 96V071000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1989 Lincoln Town CAR — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (43 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 90V133000 (equipment) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 90V134000 (equipment) 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.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1987 ▲ 1986 ▲ 2002

WORST YEARS

■ 1997 ◆ 1992 ◆ 1996

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1989 Lincoln Town CAR reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1989 Lincoln Town CAR is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1989 Lincoln Town CAR?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 Lincoln Town CAR have?

5 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.