1989 Lincoln Town CAR Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 42about this part
- Share
- 47%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 42 complaints about the electrical system of the 1989 Lincoln Town CAR, 47% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 29 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“After parking the vehicle and turning off the ignition, the consumer heard a popping sound. A few seconds passed and the consumer saw thick black smoke and a fire coming from the engine compartment. The fire was extinguished and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer informed the consumer that the problem may have been the wiring harness.”
NHTSA complaint #10044700, filed 2003-11, 76,000 miles“Purchased cream puff towncar in 1996. Mid 1997, vehicle began stalling after the engine reached operating temperature. Independant mechanic-no help. Ford dealer, spent almost $1,000.00 to replace several items. Each time, I told them to check the ignition module/coil pickup. Ford dealer said that wouldn't be the problem. Enroute back to the dealer for either the 3d or 4th time and totalled the automobile while attempting to keep it from stalling. My fault but I shouldn't have been fighting the car and going to the dealer in the first place. My father has a 1985 continental with only 30k miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #750296, filed 2001-08“Letter on behalf of concern about the 1996 recall on Lincoln town cars, his brother-in-law is having electrical problem with the ignition switch on his 1989 Lincoln Town Car; send incoming ltr with reply to attn: allison jackson/foley the consumer stated the key did not operate properly. The consumer learned a recall had been issued for the problem, but the previous owners were not aware of the problem when they sold the vehicle to the consumers brother-in-law.”
NHTSA complaint #10415676, filed 2011-07“Vehicle caught on fire while parked in inside garage & ignition switch turned off. Property damage was due to fire. Consumer was informed vehicle was involved in manufacturer's. Recall # 95s-28 / NHTSA # 96v-071000 pertaining to an ingition switch which could experience an internal short circuit. Dealer/mfr was not notified at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #831393, filed 1998-11“While the vehicle was parked for a few minutes, the vehicle smelled like smoke. When the comsumer got closer to it smoke was coming out from under the hood; the vehicle was towed to a shop, and the mechanic said the fire started at the alternator or the wires of the alternator. Vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #815303, filed 1997-08Related recalls
- 96V071000Apr 25, 1996The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.Covers: Lincoln Town CAR 1988–1989, Ford Thunderbird 1988–1993, Mercury Cougar 1988–1993 +12 more
Electrical 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 1989 Lincoln Town CAR
12 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 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