1980 Lincoln Town car problems

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The Lincoln Town Car is a model line of full-size luxury sedans that was marketed by the Lincoln division of the American automaker Ford Motor Company. Deriving its name from a limousine body style, Lincoln marketed the Town Car from 1981 to 2011, with the nameplate previously serving as the flagship trim of the Lincoln Continental. Produced across three generations for thirty model years, the Town Car was marketed directly against luxury sedans from Cadillac and Chrysler.

Marketed nearly exclusively as a four-door sedan (a two-door sedan was offered for 1981 only), many examples of the Town Car were used for fleet and livery (limousine) service. From 1983 to its 2011 discontinuation, the Town Car was the longest car produced by Ford worldwide, becoming the longest mass-production car sold in North America from 1997 to 2011. While not a direct successor of the Town Car, the Lincoln MKS would become the longest American sedan until 2016 (overtaken by the Cadillac CT6).

From 1980 until 2007, the Lincoln Town Car was assembled in Wixom, Michigan, (Wixom Assembly) alongside the Lincoln Continental, LS, and Mark VI, VII, and VIII. After Wixom's closure, Town Car production moved to Southwold, Ontario, (St. Thomas Assembly) alongside the similar Ford Crown Victoria and the Mercury Grand Marquis. The final Lincoln Town Car was produced on August 29, 2011.

Within the Lincoln model line, the Town Car was not directly replaced; the nameplate was used from 2012 to 2019 to denote livery/limousine/hearse variants of the Lincoln MKT. For 2017, the revived Continental replaced the MKS, closely matching the Town Car in wheelbase and width.

1980 Lincoln Town car

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Common 1980 Lincoln Town car problems

The Lincoln Town Car, introduced in 1980, is a full-size luxury sedan that has been popular among car enthusiasts for its classic design and comfortable ride. However, like any other car, the Lincoln Town Car has its share of common problems, especially for the 1980 model year. Here are some of the most common problems reported by owners of the 1980 Lincoln Town Car, based on the search results:

  • Lack of investment value: The 1980 Lincoln Town Car is not an investment car, and it is unlikely to increase in value in the short term. While it is a beautiful and special car, it is mass-produced and not as rare as some other classic cars. However, it can provide a good bang for the buck in terms of enjoyment and style.
  • Difficulty in finding interior parts: The interior plastic parts and chrome bits and pieces of the 1980 Lincoln Town Car are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Stocking up on these parts, such as dash panels, lenses, hood ornaments, door panels, seats, latches, etc., can be a good idea, as they may become almost impossible to find in the future.
  • Mechanical issues: While the 1980 Lincoln Town Car's mechanical parts are generally reliable, some owners have reported issues with the car's transmission, fuel injection system, and engine management system. These issues can affect the car's performance, fuel efficiency, and overall drivability. However, these problems are not as common as the car's rusting and interior parts issues.
  • Air suspension problems: The 1980 Lincoln Town Car's air suspension system can cause the car to sag, which can affect its ride height and handling. This issue is more common in later models of the Town Car, but it can also affect the 1980 model year. Regular maintenance and inspection of the air suspension system can help prevent this problem.

In conclusion, the 1980 Lincoln Town Car is a classic car that has its share of common problems, especially in terms of rusting and interior parts availability. However, with proper maintenance and care, these issues can be managed, and the car can provide a comfortable and enjoyable ride for its owners.

1980 Lincoln Town car engine

Are 80s Lincolns reliable?

To me these 80s behemoths, at least from 1987-1989 represent the best of both worlds. The 1987-89s have a reliable, relatively simple, but still computer controlled fuel injection system and engine management system. Yet, the transmission is entirely electro-mechanical and does not have to “talk” to the engine.

Are Lincoln Town cars reliable?

Lincoln Town Car Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Lincoln Town Car Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 2nd out of 30 for luxury fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $635 which means it has average ownership costs.

What year is the best Lincoln Town Car?

Lincoln Town Cars built between 1990 -1997 were the best cars ever made as far as the above rating criteria are concerned. Even after 25+ years, the cars hold up very well mechanically, in appearance, and features. My favorite is the 1997 model as it is the most modern car of this range.

How many miles per gallon does a 1980 Lincoln Town Car get?

The Environmental Protection Agency rates the 1980 -model Continental with a "351" engine at 18 miles per gallon, compared with 13 two years ago with the 400-c.i. engine. In a week-long, 60-mile-a-day commute in a 1980-model Lincoln Continental Town Car, for instance, I was able to average about 16.5.

Are 80s Lincolns reliable?

To me these 80s behemoths, at least from 1987-1989 represent the best of both worlds. The 1987-89s have a reliable, relatively simple, but still computer controlled fuel injection system and engine management system. Yet, the transmission is entirely electro-mechanical and does not have to “talk” to the engine.

Are Lincoln Town cars reliable?

Lincoln Town Car Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Lincoln Town Car Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 2nd out of 30 for luxury fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $635 which means it has average ownership costs.

Is Lincoln Town Car a safe car?

The Town Car boasts a record Five-Star federal safety rating in five categories for four years in a row (2003-06).

Why did they stop making Lincoln Town Car?

Although remaining Lincoln's top-selling model, calendar-year sales declined each year for the Town Car between 1986 and 1989. This decline was mostly blamed on its aging design and the increased popularity of the Continental which had been fully redesigned for 1988.

1980 Lincoln Town car car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lincoln Town car problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1980 Lincoln Town car vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1980 Lincoln Town car complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1980 Lincoln Town car.

2005-06-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2005-06-09
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: DT: THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN AT 35 MPH WHEN IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STOPPED AND LOST STEERING AND BRAKES. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES. THE VEHICLE USUALLY STALLS AT LOWER SPEEDS ABOUT 35 MPH. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED BEFORE FAILURE, ONLY AFTER THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE IS REGULARLY SERVICED. NO OTHER PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. DUE TO THIS PROBLEM VEHICLE IS NOT DRIVEN. PROBLEM BEGAN ABOUT A YEAR AGO.*AK *SB
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1980 Lincoln Town car problems:

Possible problem with the automatic climate control. - Lincolns ...
Possible problem with the automatic climate control. - Lincolns ...
https://www.lincolnsonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=66870

Nov 18, 2009 ... I think that's a common problem. Any suggestions? Ninteen hundred and eighty eight Lincoln Town Car Base. Ninteen hundred and ninety seven ...

1994 Lincoln Town Car - I am having issues with the transmission ...
1994 Lincoln Town Car - I am having issues with the transmission ...
https://repairpal.com/i-am-having-issues-with-the-transmission-jerking-and-at-times-while-driving-down-highway-it--380

May 6, 2018 ... ... transmission that was used from about 1980 until the new 4.6L V8 came out in 1991 on the Town Car. It is electronically controlled, rather ...

1984 TC Problems and Questions - Lincolns OnLine Message Forum
1984 TC Problems and Questions - Lincolns OnLine Message Forum
https://www.lincolnsonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53708

Sep 2, 2007 ... 1984 TC Problems and Questions 1980 - 1989 Town Car. ... 1986 Lincoln Town Car 1991 Mark VII LSC 1984 ... car only had ~16,000 miles on a rebuilt ...

Q&A: Troubleshooting Annoying 1980 Lincoln Mark VI Problem
Q&A: Troubleshooting Annoying 1980 Lincoln Mark VI Problem
https://www.justanswer.com/ford-lincoln/7cfwp-lincoln-mark-6-quite-annoying-problem-1980.html

Nov 20, 2012 ... I used to have a 1987 Lincoln Town Car with an engine-mounted ignition and run module that had think film circuitry. The engine would start but ...

89 Town Car A/C Issues!! - Lincolns OnLine Message Forum
89 Town Car A/C Issues!! - Lincolns OnLine Message Forum
https://www.lincolnsonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82536

Jul 26, 2014 ... ... Town Car > 1980 - 1989 Town Car · Reload this Page 89 Town Car A/C Issues!! ... Its a very common problem ... 1986 Lincoln Town Car 1991 Mark VII ...

Other years of Lincoln Town car

lincoln town car 1981 photo
Town car 1981
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lincoln town car 1982 photo
Town car 1982
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lincoln town car 1983 photo
Town car 1983
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lincoln town car 1984 photo
Town car 1984
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lincoln town car 1985 photo
Town car 1985
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lincoln town car 1986 photo
Town car 1986
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1980 Lincoln Town car photo