1987 Lincoln Town CAR Problems
- Complaints
- 32filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 34,102miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 6campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 5.0L 8-cyl RWD · 16 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Lincoln Town CAR (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 1987 Lincoln Town CAR. The part named most often is electrical system, with 17 complaints (53% of the total), followed by engine cooling (4) and fuel system (4). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 67% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 34,102 miles. Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 14 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the front underhood filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system17 53%
- Engine cooling4 13%
- Fuel system4 13%
- Equipment2 6.3%
- Seat belts2 6.3%
- Vehicle speed control2 6.3%
- Brakes1 3.1%
- Other or unknown1 3.1%
- Steering1 3.1%
Also reported: Tires (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Four minutes after the engine was shut off, black smoke was seen coming from under the hood. The owner opened the hood and noticed the alternator was on fire. A mechanic extinguished the fire and no police report was made. Consumer would like ford to recall all vehicles with the same type alternator and other componets as his.”
NHTSA complaint #10050168, filed 2004-01, 25,880 milesFuel system: “Strong gasoline odor inside car most noticeable with a window down, have checked for leaks and can't find it, seems like it may be coming from behind the dash.”
NHTSA complaint #10018443, filed 2003-05, 150,000 milesEquipment: “Vehicle caught on fire in the steering column due to faulty ignition switch . Consumer noticed that tailights had turned on by themselves. 1 week prior to incident, radio had started to smoke and then failed. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #872813, filed 2000-10Mileage when problems were reported
67% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 25,880 and 150,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1987 Lincoln Town CAR version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Town Car RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 90V093000May 9, 1990Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Lincoln Town CAR 1983–1989, Cadillac Fleetwood 1983–1989
Vehicle description: limousines built by empire coach. Vehicle alterers label may be missing or incomplete.
- 90V050000Mar 6, 1990Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Lincoln Town CAR 1986–1989, Cadillac Fleetwood 1985–1988
Safety belts (type 1 lap belts) for rear facing seats were not installed.
- 87V139000Sep 4, 1987Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Lincoln Town CAR 1986–1988, Ford Escort 1986–1988, Lincoln Mark VII 1986–1988 +18 more
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
- 87V018000Feb 19, 1987Steering › Linkages › Arm › Idler and attachmentCovers: Lincoln Town CAR 1987
- 87V012000Feb 9, 1987Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › ConnectingCovers: Lincoln Town CAR 1987, Ford Crown Victoria 1987, Mercury Grand Marquis 1987
Steering centerlinks may break at a bend location.
- 86V142000Oct 24, 1986Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhoodCovers: Lincoln Town CAR 1987
Wiring harness in the engine compartment may be misrouted and subject to damage. Consequence of defect: a short circuit could occur (during use or when parked) which could result in a vehicle fire.
Recall details for the 1987 Lincoln Town CAR → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1987 Lincoln Town CAR.
Other model years of the Lincoln Town CAR
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 6 | 53,500 | 3 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 13 | 94,000 | 3 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 5 | 27,410 | 3 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 20 | 43,200 | 3 | — | 18 | — | Falling |
| 2007 | 84 | 60,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 143 | 62,768 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 119 | 65,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 83 | 65,500 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 201 | 69,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 65 | 48,940 | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 161 | 80,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 108 | 68,150 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 148 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 154 | 84,000 | 7 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 314 | 90,000 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 259 | 92,000 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 165 | 103,734 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 155 | 105,500 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 176 | 108,500 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 249 | 100,000 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 155 | 83,100 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 209 | 100,000 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 89 | 96,951 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 99 | 113,500 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 32 | 34,102 | 6 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 50 | 143,000 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 21 | — | 1 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 15 | 152,000 | 1 | — | 16 | — | Rising |
All Lincoln Town CAR model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1987 Lincoln Town CAR have?
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 1987 Lincoln Town CAR as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Lincoln Town CAR is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 17 complaints (53% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 4.
Has the 1987 Lincoln Town CAR been recalled?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1987 Lincoln Town CAR get?
The EPA rates the 1987 Lincoln Town CAR (Town Car, 5.0L 8-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1987 Lincoln Town CAR reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 34,102 miles and the middle half falls between 25,880 and 150,000 miles; 67% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.