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Lincoln Town Car Problems

The Lincoln Town Car was a full-size luxury sedan produced from 1981 to 2011, representing the pinnacle of traditional American luxury. With over 8,600 complaints and 20 reported deaths, this body-on-frame sedan has extensive ownership data to examine. The Town Car was beloved by limousine services, livery companies, and buyers seeking old-school comfort and presence. Its straightforward mechanical design makes it easier to maintain than many modern luxury cars.

8,656
Total Complaints
26
Total Recalls
34
Model Years
20
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

1997
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1977 1978 1980

Common Problem Categories

Electrical System 1,116
Engine And Engine Cooling 944
Vehicle Speed Control 938
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 866
Suspension 668

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2011 22 3 12 0 Good
2010 34 3 0 6 Good
2009 12 3 0 0 Good
2008 62 3 18 0 Good
2007 228 2 58 2 Average
2006 414 2 40 2 Below Average
2005 322 2 46 4 Average
2004 198 0 44 6 Average
2003 484 0 30 0 Below Average
2002 140 1 34 2 Average
2001 414 1 62 10 Below Average
2000 294 1 36 20 Average
1999 406 1 48 18 Below Average
1998 388 1 14 16 Below Average
1997 790 1 28 12 Avoid
1996 632 1 30 28 Below Average
1995 482 1 34 26 Below Average
1994 424 0 42 60 Below Average
1993 452 0 34 134 Below Average
1992 624 0 22 218 Below Average
1991 556 0 60 34 Below Average
1990 534 0 60 150 Below Average
1989 194 0 16 78 Average
1988 246 0 18 76 Average
1987 80 0 4 32 Good
1986 108 0 8 54 Good
1985 48 0 2 16 Good
1984 38 0 4 18 Good
1983 12 0 0 2 Good
1982 8 0 0 0 Good
1981 2 0 0 0 Good
1980 2 0 0 0 Good
1978 2 0 0 0 Good
1977 4 0 4 0 Good

Lincoln Town Car Years to Avoid

The 1997 Lincoln Town Car is the worst year to avoid, with elevated complaint volumes compared to surrounding years. The late 1990s models (1995-1999) experienced air suspension problems that were expensive to repair, with many owners converting to conventional coil springs. These years also saw complaints about intake manifold failures on the 4.6L V8 that could cause coolant leaks. The 1998-2002 models had issues with spark plug ejection from cylinder heads, a known Ford modular V8 problem. Window regulators and blend door actuators were common failure points.

Best Lincoln Town Car Years

The 1981 model year represents the best of the downsized Town Cars with proven technology. For modern amenities, the 2003-2011 models benefited from significant updates and improved quality control. The final years (2009-2011) offer the most refined versions with improved intake manifold designs and air suspension refinements. These late models represent excellent value for those seeking smooth, comfortable transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions