1990 Lincoln Town CAR
This year had 30% to 100% more 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
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 24 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 1/2 HOUR, AND THEN PARKED. 1 AND 1/2 HOURS LATER THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND BURNED COMPLETE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020905
9% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY9% of complaints: electrical system — 18 distinct reports on file.
FIRE7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASH5% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
HOOD LATCH FAILURE
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
HOOD LATCH FAILURE
CORROSION OF THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER PLATE CAUSES DETACHMENT OF THE PLATE FROM THE HOOD ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN AN UNEXPECTED OPENING OF THE HOOD WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HOOD INNER PANEL REINFORCEMENT AND A NEW, GALVANIZED HOOD LATCH STRIKER PLATE.
Campaign 95V091000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1996-1999 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, NATURAL GAS, AND 1996-1999 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT WERE PRODUCED WITH A LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CONTAIN
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).
Campaign 98V322000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 Lincoln Town CAR — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V133000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 90V134000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 95V091000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V322000 (suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1990 Lincoln Town CAR reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 Lincoln Town CAR is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Lincoln Town CAR?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 Lincoln Town CAR have?
4 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.