1988 Lincoln Town CAR Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 17%of 99 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR, 17% of the 99 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,500 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 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“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“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 2000-07Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 17% |
| 2010 | 1 | 8% |
| 2009 | 2 | 40% |
| 2008 | 5 | 25% |
| 2007 | 32 | 38% |
| 2006 | 26 | 18% |
| 2005 | 34 | 29% |
| 2004 | 19 | 23% |
| 2003 | 18 | 9% |
| 2002 | 12 | 18% |
| 2001 | 26 | 16% |
| 2000 | 9 | 8% |
| 1999 | 5 | 3% |
| 1998 | 7 | 5% |
| 1997 | 43 | 14% |
| 1996 | 33 | 13% |
| 1995 | 19 | 12% |
| 1994 | 22 | 14% |
| 1993 | 37 | 21% |
| 1992 | 39 | 16% |
| 1991 | 19 | 12% |
| 1990 | 16 | 8% |
| 1989 | 12 | 13% |
| 1988 | 17 | 17% |
| 1987 | 2 | 6% |
| 1986 | 3 | 6% |
| 1985 | 1 | 5% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1988 Lincoln Town CAR
39 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 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 Nov 1, 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