1990 Lincoln Town CAR Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 15%of 209 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 98,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1990 Lincoln Town CAR, 15% of the 209 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 98,000 miles. 18 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Stalling on interstate and city driving when temperature gets very hot. Losing the power in brakes and the ability to control the vehicle's steering. The car can be started again when it has cooled down. This problem is very dangerous. **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*734325”
NHTSA complaint #10007020, filed 2000-10, 98,000 miles“Consumer stated that the vehicle was driven approximately 1/2 hour, and then parked. 1 and 1/2 hours later the vehicle caught on fire. The fire was in engine compartment and burned complete drivers side of the engine. The vehicle is totaled, possibly engine related.”
NHTSA complaint #8018013, filed 2002-09“When driving and pressing on brakes they felt like they were locking up/got hard and tight. The vehicle would not accellerate. The front passenger's wheel caught on fire while driving, the incident occurred two times, dealer stated the problem could be remedied by replacing the valve block/pump and gasket. Also, flushing the system. Repairs result in costs up to $2,000.”
NHTSA complaint #825745, filed 1998-07“Vehicle was parked in carport and suddenly caught fire, the vehicle was totaled, and the consumer lost her home. The fire department appeared and the cause of the fire is still undetermined,.the dealer was contacted and state they are aware of the 1987-1988 models with this problem, but are not aware of the 1990 model having any defects. The problem cannot be duplicated.”
NHTSA complaint #831243, filed 1998-11“Engine: after being on highway on and off for about an hour, drove vehicle into driveway, opened the door and noticed a smell.shut off the engine then noticed smoke coming from the hood ,opened the hood latch friend said get out of car it is on fire . The entire engine went up in flames. Cause of fire unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #813588, filed 1997-06Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1 | 5% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 4 | 5% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 3 | 5% |
| 2001 | 10 | 6% |
| 2000 | 12 | 11% |
| 1999 | 13 | 9% |
| 1998 | 32 | 21% |
| 1997 | 87 | 28% |
| 1996 | 90 | 35% |
| 1995 | 14 | 8% |
| 1994 | 23 | 15% |
| 1993 | 17 | 10% |
| 1992 | 48 | 19% |
| 1991 | 19 | 12% |
| 1990 | 31 | 15% |
| 1989 | 5 | 6% |
| 1988 | 7 | 7% |
| 1987 | 4 | 13% |
| 1986 | 2 | 4% |
| 1985 | 2 | 10% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1990 Lincoln Town CAR
63 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
21 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsEquipment
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Lincoln Town CAR
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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