1988 Lincoln Town CAR Problems
- Complaints
- 99filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 113,500miles, 8 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns 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
- 18 mpgcombined, 5.0L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints about the 1988 Lincoln Town Car cluster around two long-running themes: electrical trouble traced to the ignition switch, and unintended or uncontrolled acceleration linked to speed-control and throttle hardware. The car is a large, older rear-drive sedan, and many reports come in at high mileage, so a good share of what owners describe is wear-related rather than sudden. Reports are spread over decades of filings, with the electrical and speed-control complaints dominating the sample.
- Electrical system
Ignition switch shorts, smoke and column fire
- 32 complaints (32%)
- median 115,000 mi at 26.7 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 26 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2017
Owners describe smoke, black soot or flames coming from the steering column, sometimes while driving and sometimes when turning the key to start. Several say the ignition switch itself was found melted or shorted, and some report the short knocked out other circuits such as the radio or wiring harness. A number mention having received a recall notice for the switch or finding out a recall existed without being notified. Reported across a wide mileage range, from roughly 45,000 to about 115,000 miles, and often at the moment of starting or shortly after.
What to check: Ask whether the ignition switch recall (96V071000) was performed on this vehicle, and check the steering column and under-dash wiring for melted insulation, burnt smell or scorching.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I understand that there was a recall on my vehicle for a faulty ignition switch. I just found out yesterday about it. I was never notified in reference to the recall. It wasn't until the switch shorted out my radio which I can not replace until the switch is replaced. The ford company said that the recall was complete. I don't know how it can be complete when my car was never done. I have a faulty ignition switch that is supplying shorts through my wiring harness that connects to the radio. …”
NHTSA complaint #733271, filed 2000-10“Seat belts won't retract. Ignition switch is faulty and shorting out radio and other electrical components. Wanting to prevent fire from happening, by taking care of this now.”
NHTSA complaint #11010152, filed 2017-07, 115,000 miles - Vehicle speed control
Sudden unintended acceleration
- 15 complaints (15%)
- median 98,500 mi at 19.4 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2010
Complaints describe the car speeding up on its own at low speed, at a stop, or from park, sometimes with the brake applied and on one occasion with the cruise control refusing to disengage. Owners point to throttle body clips, the throttle valve cable grommet and bypass hardware as the parts involved; several say they had to shut off the engine or force the car into park to stop it. Dealers and shops reportedly replaced throttle body clips and related linkage parts. Reports span low-speed and stop-and-go situations, with stated mileages from about 60,000 to 85,000 miles where given.
What to check: Have a mechanic inspect the throttle linkage, cable grommet and cruise-control servo for cracked plastic or loose clips, and confirm the cruise control releases when the brake is pressed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Had gotten in vehicle to start it when it began to shift gears and vehicle suddenly accelerated without any warning. Had foot on brakes at the time. The wheels were spinning real fast. Will be taking vehicle to dealer to check.”
NHTSA complaint #836154, filed 1999-05“Attorney petition to investigate sudden acceleration of 1988 Lincoln Town Car, which accelerated and resulted in death of one child and amputation of other child. (attorney for consumer). Mjs”
NHTSA complaint #547625, filed 1999-09 - Electrical system
Stalling when hot (ignition module)
Mentioned in 5 of 45 sampled complaints
Several owners describe the engine quitting without warning, often after the car has been running and warmed up, and then restarting after it sits for a while. Reports attribute this to the distributor-mounted ignition module overheating near the engine, and one owner notes the loss of power steering and brakes when it cuts out. Some say repeated shop visits and parts replacement did not identify the cause. Typically described after the engine reaches operating temperature, at varied mileages; one report notes it at highway speed.
What to check: Ask whether the ignition module or distributor has been replaced, and take a warm-weather test drive long enough to bring the engine to temperature before deciding.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I would be traveling down the highway at 60with my family and my car would shut off. I would then pull to the side and let it sit for 20 minutes and then it would restart until it happens again ''very dangerous''.”
NHTSA complaint #735444, filed 2000-10“Fuel system: electric relay to fuel pump failed 6/21/02--car had to be towed for repair power windows: driver's side window motor failed. Was replaced in fall 2000 by dealer in seattle: "olympic Lincoln mercury." presently, same motor failing again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10069717, filed 2004-01 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping out of gear or failing
- 7 complaints (7%)
- median 81,000 mi at 20.9 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1996–2014
Complaints describe the transmission dropping out of overdrive or out of gear while driving, sometimes with a hot-oil smell, and in one case internal parts tearing up third and fourth gears. One owner links the failure to a broken plastic grommet on the throttle valve cable and notes a metal replacement part is available. Shops in some reports could not identify the cause, and another notes the selector cable needed replacement. Reported from about 45,000 to 117,000 miles, often at highway speed or in overdrive.
What to check: Test the overdrive and downshift behavior on a highway drive, check the fluid for a burnt smell, and ask whether the throttle valve cable grommet has been replaced with the metal type.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The transmission suddenly fails when in overdrive. This failure occurs on the highway at high speed and could cause an accident because the car goes out of control.”
NHTSA complaint #10650865, filed 2014-10, 45,000 miles“Consumer experiencing problem with transmission. This problem is caused by failure of a gromet which allows the internal parts of the transmission to tear up, rendering the 3rd and 4th gears useless. Transmission needs to be rebuilt. Manufacturer notified and refused to assist.”
NHTSA complaint #832291, filed 1998-12
Buying note. On a car this old, the priority checks are the steering-column wiring and ignition switch recall status, the throttle linkage and cruise control, and the transmission's behavior in overdrive. A pre-purchase inspection by a shop familiar with these cars is worth the cost, especially for fuel line condition and the ignition module.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 45 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 99 consumer complaints for the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR. 8 of the complaints include a mileage, and 13% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 113,500 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 31 a fire, 10 an injury, 3 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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 system39 39%
- Vehicle speed control17 17%
- Engine cooling7 7.1%
- Fuel system7 7.1%
- Seat belts7 7.1%
- Tires5 5.1%
- Body and structure4 4.0%
- Brakes3 3.0%
Also reported: Engine (2), Exterior lighting (2), Steering (2), Wheels (2), Equipment (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Other or unknown (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “The relay that hooks to the battery starter] broke. This caused vehicle to acclelerate in full throttle. Consumer came to a completed stop, but had to disconnect the battery to stop the engine from running, although the vehicle was turned off. Relay # 1e9tz-11450b.”
NHTSA complaint #10024618, filed 2003-06, 112,000 milesVehicle speed control: “The contact owns a 1988 Lincoln towncar. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the clip from the throttle body fractured and accelerated the vehicle to 80 MPH. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by removing the key from the ignition. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who informed the contact that he needed to replace the throttle body clip. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The transmission selector cable had to replaced. Updated 04/25/11”
NHTSA complaint #10370429, filed 2010-12, 85,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle slipped out of gear, accompanied by a smell of hot oil. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and then taken to a private mechanic shop where the shop was unable to determine the cause of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10161808, filed 2006-07, 117,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
13% of the 8 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 85,000 and 117,000 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 1988 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 | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
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
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Lincoln Town CAR 1988–1989, Ford Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
- 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.
- 87V131000Aug 17, 1987Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection systemCovers: Lincoln Town CAR 1988, Ford Crown Victoria 1987, Mercury Grand Marquis 1987
Fuel rails may be bent so that no. 5 injector cups are out of design position.
Recall details for the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- DP99004Sudden accelerationClosed · Jul 29, 1999
- PE89100Fuel filler pipe spurtingClosed · Mar 14, 1989
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1988 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
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR?
Complaints about the 1988 Lincoln Town Car cluster around two long-running themes: electrical trouble traced to the ignition switch, and unintended or uncontrolled acceleration linked to speed-control and throttle hardware. The issues reported most often: Ignition switch shorts, smoke and column fire; Sudden unintended acceleration; Stalling when hot (ignition module).
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR have?
NHTSA recorded 99 consumer complaints for the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 39 complaints (39% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 17.
Has the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR get?
The EPA rates the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR (Town Car, 5.0L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR reported?
Among the 8 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 113,500 miles and the middle half falls between 85,000 and 117,000 miles; 13% 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.