1986 Lincoln Town CAR Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 58%of 50 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 168,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the electrical system of the 1986 Lincoln Town CAR, 58% of the 50 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 168,000 miles. 24 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When the key was turned in the ignition there was a cracking noise followed by smoke coming from under the hood. When the hood was popped there was a fire in the center of the engine compartment. The fire department extinguished the fire, and indicated it may have been something electrical that caused the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10099514, filed 2004-11, 168,000 miles“Drove out of parking lot, about 1 to 3 minutes later, smoke poured out of steering column, around gear shift lever; minutes later, car engulfed with flames.”
NHTSA complaint #983269, filed 1996-04“While driving, smoke started coming from steering column, 5 to 10 seconds later, flames were coming under steering wheel caused by faulty ignition switch.”
NHTSA complaint #985171, filed 1996-06Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 3 | 23% |
| 2008 | 3 | 15% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 6 | 4% |
| 2005 | 8 | 7% |
| 2004 | 8 | 10% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 3 | 5% |
| 2001 | 9 | 6% |
| 2000 | 18 | 17% |
| 1999 | 13 | 9% |
| 1998 | 15 | 10% |
| 1997 | 16 | 5% |
| 1996 | 19 | 7% |
| 1995 | 21 | 13% |
| 1994 | 20 | 13% |
| 1993 | 43 | 24% |
| 1992 | 73 | 29% |
| 1991 | 15 | 10% |
| 1990 | 63 | 30% |
| 1989 | 42 | 47% |
| 1988 | 39 | 39% |
| 1987 | 17 | 53% |
| 1986 | 29 | 58% |
| 1985 | 7 | 33% |
| 1984 | 9 | 60% |
Other parts of the 1986 Lincoln Town CAR
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1986 Lincoln Town CAR
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology