1989 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
- 90
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 1989
None on file
48% of complaints
Complaints per year
1989: 90 complaints
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.
Electrical system
48% · 43 reportsMost commonly citing switch and ignition.
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, 2003-10-24
Had electrical fire in steering column. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-20
Steering column fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-02
Vehicle speed control
13% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing linkages.
Seat belts
12% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.
Power train
7% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
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, 2004-06-08
Engine and engine cooling
6% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1990-12-05Equipment90V133000 Tire placard may contain incorrect gross vehicle weight ratings and tire information.
Remedy: Install revised tire placards.
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R
1990-12-05Equipment90V134000 Gross vehicle weight ratings and tire information may be incorrect on labels.
Remedy: Install revised certification labels.
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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.
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R
1991-06-04Equipment90V093000 Vehicle description: limousines built by empire coach. Vehicle alterers label may be missing or incomplete.
Remedy: Add compliance label.
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R
1996-06-07Electrical system96V071000 The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Buy-smart checklist
1989 Lincoln Town CAR — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 43 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 11 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 90V133000 · Equipment
- Recall 90V134000 · Equipment
- Recall 90V050000 · Seat belts
- Recall 90V093000 · Equipment
- Recall 96V071000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.