CarRecordBook

Model year record

1990 Lincoln Town Car recalls & problems

The 1990 Lincoln Town Car has 4 safety recalls and 209 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (74 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints209filed by owners
Crashes · fires22 · 64reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths14 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SuspensionDec 16, 1998

Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint

Recall 98V322000175,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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 CONTAINING A ONE PIECE BEARING; AND 1990-1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, AND NGV VEHICLES AND 1990-1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN SERVICED WITH EITHER A BALL JOINT CONTAINING THE ONE-PIECE BEARING OR A FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM CONTAINING A BALL JOINT WITH A ONE-PIECE BEARING. THE ONE-PIECE BEARING WITHIN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN WEAKEN SLOWLY DURING USE AND EVENTUALLY CRACK. THIS COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE BALL AND CAP OF THE JOINT, ALLOWING THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP TO THE GROUND.
Risk
IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, REDUCED STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).
Latches/locks/linkagesMay 16, 1995

Hood › Latch

Recall 95V091000142,800 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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.
Risk
THIS CONDITION CAN REDUCE THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROAD INCREASING THE POTENTIAL OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HOOD INNER PANEL REINFORCEMENT AND A NEW, GALVANIZED HOOD LATCH STRIKER PLATE.
EquipmentJul 27, 1990

Other › Labels

Recall 90V133000158 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem
TIRE PLACARD MAY CONTAIN INCORRECT GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATINGS AND TIRE INFORMATION.
Risk
LIMOUSINES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 110 AND CONSUMERMIGHT UNKNOWINGLY OVERLOAD THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF PLACARD MISINFORMATION.
Fix
INSTALL REVISED TIRE PLACARDS.
EquipmentJul 27, 1990

Other › Labels

Recall 90V134000158 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATINGS AND TIRE INFORMATION MAY BE INCORRECT ON LABELS.
Risk
VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH 49 CFR PART 567.
Fix
INSTALL REVISED CERTIFICATION LABELS.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1990 Lincoln Town Car 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Town Car

18mpg combined
City / highway15 / 22 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Electrical systemWiring › Front underhood; Alternator/generator/regulator74146388,500 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine320192—
Latches/locks/linkagesHood › Latch; Trunk lid › Lock22401—
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip20140—
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal16901—
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Windshield wiper/washer › Motor15100—
StructureFrame and members; Body13000—
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module121007—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Linkages › Tie rod assembly12000—
Unknown or other11000—
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery; Fuel injection system10150—
SuspensionRear; Rear › Springs › Air suspension system9000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations