1985 LINCOLN TOWN CAR

1 recalls, 24 complaints - 21 TSBs

90V093000 May 9, 1990
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Defect Description
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIMOUSINES BUILT BY EMPIRE COACH. VEHICLE ALTERERS LABEL MAY BE MISSING OR INCOMPLETE.
Consequence
VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH PART 567.
Remedy
ADD COMPLIANCE LABEL.
544 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: EMPIRE COACH COMPANY

Complaint Statistics

24 total complaints 1 crashes 8 fires 3 injuries 3 deaths

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
TIRES:TREAD/BELT3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION2
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH2
TIRES2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING2
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS1
TIRES:TREAD/BELT Jan 25, 2006
Incident date: Jan 21, 2006
TIRE FAILURE: ABNORMAL BELT SEPARATION. PHOTO AND TIRE IS AVAILABLE. SEARS GUARDSMAN, RESPONSE XL, P215/75R15. 78615, DOT#CHHF244. ALSO, THERE WERE LARGE CRACKS WITHIN THE TREAD.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING Sep 16, 2003
Incident date: Sep 16, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT 32 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE BRAKES FAILED. DEALERS NOTIFIED.*AK CONSUMER HAD A SHORT IN THE WIRE. HER CONCERN WAS THAT SHE COULDN'T STOP THE VEHICLE AFTER A WHILE. *PH *JB
TIRES:TREAD/BELT May 28, 2002
Incident date: May 5, 2002
SPARE TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION ON IT. 13OOO MILES, 225/75R15. *AK MICHELN DOT M 3DY D3NX 527. MONTHLY INSPECTION OF SPARE TIRE FOUND AIR WAS ESCAPING FROM TIRE. TOOK TIRE OUT OF TRUNK AND THE AREA FACING REAR FIREWALL WAS BLOWN OUT, TIRE SEPARATION. CONTACTED MICHELIN AND REPLY WAS TIRE IS OLD.... Read more
TIRES May 14, 2002
Incident date: Jun 18, 1999
FIRESTONE,215/70/R15, TIRE UNRAVELED, COMPLETELY SEPERATED.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER May 13, 2002
Incident date: May 6, 2002
CONSUMER IS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 90 V 000 000 EQUIPMENT: CERTIFICATION LABEL. BUT, THIS VEHICLE NOT PART OF RECALL DUE TO VIN.
TIRES:TREAD/BELT Nov 26, 2001
Incident date: Jun 18, 1999
TIRE UNRAVELLED AND TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED.
TIRES Oct 16, 2001
Incident date: Jun 18, 1999
FIRESTONE,215/70/R15, TIRE UNRAVELED, COMPLETELY SEPERATED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM Jan 25, 2001
Incident date: Jan 3, 2001
I HAD ALWAYS FELT A SLUGGISHNESS IN THE CAR WHEN THE GEARS WERE CHANGING. BEING IT THAT THIS WOULD ALWAYS CORRECT ITSELF STILL I HAD AN UNCOMFORTABLE FEELING WHEN THIS HAPPENED. YET IT WASN'T SOMETHING THAT I CONSTANLY DWELLED UPON, UNTIL NOW. SEVERAL MACHANICS MADE STATEMENTS THEA THEY HAD NEVER... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING Jan 10, 2001
Incident date: Jan 10, 2001
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN STEERING COLUMN EXPLODED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER ,AND POURED SNOW ON IT TO TAKE FIRE OUT. *AK
Fire 1 injured
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR Jan 10, 2001
Incident date: Jan 10, 2001
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN STEERING COLUMN EXPLODED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER ,AND POURED SNOW ON IT TO TAKE FIRE OUT. *AK
Fire 1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Apr 26, 2000
Incident date: Feb 25, 2000
ENGINE FAILURE RESULTED IN ENGINE FIRE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *MJS
Fire
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS Oct 7, 1999
THE HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS USED TO HOLD THE HOOD UP GAVE WAY, ALLOWING THE HOOD T0 FALL DOWN, ALMOST INJURING THE OWNER. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Jul 7, 1999
Incident date: Sep 19, 1985
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE IS STALLED AND CUT OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. IGNITION SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACE THREE TIMES. *AK
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR Jan 7, 1999
Incident date: Jan 5, 1999
CONSUMER HAD A SICK PASSENGER IN BACK SEAT , DROVE TO HOSPITAL , WENT TO UNLOCK DOORS BY THE AUTOMATIC SYSTEM NEXT TO DRIVER , BUT IT WAS INOPERATIVE. NEXT, CONSUMER WENT TO OPEN THE BACK DOOR MANUALLY, BUT IT WILL NOT OPEN ON EITHER SIDE. CONSUMER HAD TO PULL SICK PASSNEGER TO THE FRONT SEAT IN O... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Jun 4, 1996
Incident date: Oct 1, 1995
ELECTRICAL SHORT, STEERING COLUMN FIRE, VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND PARKED AND RETURN VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. *AK
Fire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS May 2, 1996
Incident date: Mar 9, 1996
BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT) *DSH
Crash
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR Apr 26, 1996
Incident date: Feb 16, 1996
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SAW WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN, DROVE TO HOUSE, AFTER ARRIVING HOME, SMOKE STOPPED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Apr 23, 1996
Incident date: Sep 1, 1994
IGNITION FIRE. *AK
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Apr 23, 1996
Incident date: Sep 1, 1993
IGNITION FIRE. *AK
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH Apr 18, 1996
Incident date: Oct 11, 1993
THE CAR BURNED UP FROM THE HARNESS UNDER THE DASH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH Apr 18, 1996
Incident date: Oct 11, 1993
THE CAR BURNED UP FROM THE HARNESS UNDER THE DASH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Fire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Jan 23, 1996
CAR ACCELERATES TO 70 MPH FOR NO REASON BEFORE IT WARMS UP. IT STAYS AT THIS SPEED UNTIL YOU GO ABOUT 25 MILES.PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER Oct 5, 1995
Incident date: Aug 10, 1992
CARBON MONIXIDE EMITTED FROM AIR CONDITIONER, RESULTING IN TWO DEATHS. *AW
2 deaths
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR Jul 13, 1995
Incident date: May 10, 1995
CARBON MONOXIDE FUMES FROM DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC EXHAUST SYSTEM, CAUSING INJURY/DEATH. *SKD
1 injured 1 deaths

EPA Fuel Economy, 1985 LINCOLN TOWN CAR

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) 14.0 22.0 17.0 Regular $3,600

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Large Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1985 LINCOLN TOWN CAR

21 manufacturer communications from 17 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION5
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER3
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC2
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING2
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE2
131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM1
103600 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES1
01157 Aug 6, 2001
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
01156 Aug 6, 2001
138600 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
002310 Nov 13, 2000
103600 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT
0015 Jan 10, 2000
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS
99222 Oct 18, 1999
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT
99196 Sep 20, 1999
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT
99152 Jul 26, 1999
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT
9888 Apr 27, 1998
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC
9874 Apr 13, 1998
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC
9864 Mar 30, 1998
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT
97511 Mar 3, 1997
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD
962612 Dec 16, 1996
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW
96249 Nov 18, 1996
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW
96246 Nov 18, 1996
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW
96221 Oct 21, 1996
131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW
BC2850950401 Apr 1, 1995
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
UNKNOWN
BC2850950401 Apr 1, 1995
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
UNKNOWN
BC2850950401 Apr 1, 1995
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
UNKNOWN
BC2850950401 Apr 1, 1995
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
UNKNOWN
BC2850950401 Apr 1, 1995
162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
UNKNOWN
9562 Mar 1, 1995
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
ROUGHNESS CONCERN DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. *TW

NHTSA Safety Investigations, LINCOLN TOWN CAR

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA03014 Opened: Aug 22, 2003 , Closed: Aug 12, 2004
EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 182 REPORTS ALLEGING INADVERTENT OR NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAGS.THE DATA EXAMINED DURING THE INVESTIGATION SUGGEST THAT THE SIDE AIR BAG CRASH SENSING SYSTEM'S ALGORITHM MAY RECOGNIZE CERTAIN NON-CRASH INCIDENTS AS DEPLOYABLE EVENTS.ODI HAS NOT,... Read more
PE03011 Opened: Mar 14, 2003 , Closed: Aug 22, 2003
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 173 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING INADVERTENT OR NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT OF SIDE AIR BAGS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2003 LINCOLN TOWN CARS.MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT ONE OF THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY IMPACT.ANALYSIS SHOWED THAT MY 2001 THROUGH EARLY MY 2003 TOWN... Read more
DP99004 Opened: Jul 29, 1999 , Closed: Apr 6, 2000
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1988
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES' CRUISE CONTROL IS ENERGIZED WHENEVER THE IGNITION IS TURNED ON.IT IS ALLEGED THAT A SUDDEN ACCELERATION EVENT MAY OCCUR AS A RESULT.
EA99010 Opened: Apr 9, 1999 , Closed: May 4, 1999
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1998
FUEL SPIT BACK DURING REFUELING
There is no summary currently available
EA99006 Opened: Mar 11, 1999 , Closed: May 19, 1999
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1992
UNDER HOOD FIRES
ALLEGED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IN THE AREA OF THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WELL AND THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER
PE98055 Opened: Oct 27, 1998 , Closed: Mar 11, 1999
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1992
UNDER HOOD FIRES
ALLEGED ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IN THE AREA OF THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL WELL AND THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINER.
PE98052 Opened: Sep 25, 1998 , Closed: Apr 9, 1999
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998
FUEL SPIT BACK DURING REFUELING
THE SUBJECT VEHICLE IS FITTED WITH AN ONBOARD REFUELIG VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) SYSTEM, AS REQUIRED BY THE EPA.THE EPA SAFETY REQUIREMENTS, PREPARED IN COOPERATION WITH ,AND APPROVED BY NHTSA, REQUIRE VEHICLES TO BE REFUELED AT A RATE OF 10 GALLONS PER MINUTE (THE MAXIMUM RATE ALLOWED TO BE USED IN REF... Read more
EA91021 Opened: Mar 29, 1991 , Closed: Mar 16, 1992
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1990
HOOD LATCH FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
PE91018 Opened: Nov 27, 1990 , Closed: Mar 29, 1991
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1990
HOOD LATCH FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
PE89100 Opened: Mar 14, 1989 , Closed: Jul 12, 1989
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1988
FUEL FILLER PIPE SPURTING
===
PE88012 Opened: Jan 15, 1988 , Closed: May 2, 1988
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1985
NON COLLISION FIRES
SUMMARY: ALLEGEDLY THE AXLE BEARINGS ON LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINES OVER-HEAT IGNITING COMBUSTIBLE COMPONENTS NEARBY.RECOMMENDATION: OPEN PE SEND LETTER TO FORD.===
DP87029 Opened: Aug 17, 1987 , Closed: Oct 23, 1987
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1985
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
SUDDEN ACCELERATION

LINCOLN TOWN CAR - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the LINCOLN TOWN CAR across all model years (1983, 2011).

125 Total Recalls
4,352 Total Complaints
12 Investigations
409 Reported Crashes
507 Reported Fires
10 Reported Deaths

LINCOLN TOWN CAR - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2011 3 11 View
2010 3 17 View
2009 3 6 View
2008 3 31 View
2007 3 114 View
2006 2 207 View
2005 3 161 View
2004 0 99 View
2003 1 242 View
2002 1 71 View
2001 6 207 View
2000 9 147 View
1999 6 203 View
1998 8 194 View
1997 8 395 View
1996 10 316 View
1995 9 241 View
1994 5 212 View
1993 4 226 View
1992 4 312 View
1991 5 278 View
1990 4 267 View
1989 5 97 View
1988 5 123 View
1987 6 40 View
1986 4 54 View
1985 (current) 1 24
1984 1 19 View
1983 3 6 View
1982 0 4 View
1981 0 1 View
1980 0 1 View
1978 0 1 View
1977 0 2 View

Other LINCOLN Models

Model Recalls Complaints
NAVIGATOR 549 1,731 View
AVIATOR 367 666 View
MKX 365 1,718 View
MKZ 351 1,974 View
CORSAIR 266 204 View
NAUTILUS 112 229 View
ZEPHYR 111 289 View
MKC 102 666 View