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 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
22% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY11% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE4% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY4% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1989 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 (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 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.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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:ignition:switch, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 Lincoln Town CAR have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.