1988 Lincoln Town CAR Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 9%of 99 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR, 9% of the 99 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 miles“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 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“Throttle valve control cable grommet made out of plastic broke, causing transmission to fail. Manufacture also produces a metal grommet that would last longer.”
NHTSA complaint #865648, filed 2000-07Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 8% |
| 2008 | 2 | 10% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 6 | 4% |
| 2005 | 7 | 6% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 27 | 13% |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 7 | 5% |
| 1998 | 11 | 7% |
| 1997 | 3 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 1% |
| 1995 | 12 | 7% |
| 1994 | 17 | 11% |
| 1993 | 19 | 11% |
| 1992 | 14 | 6% |
| 1991 | 7 | 5% |
| 1990 | 4 | 2% |
| 1989 | 6 | 7% |
| 1988 | 9 | 9% |
| 1987 | 2 | 6% |
| 1986 | 3 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR
39 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsTires
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 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