1985 Lincoln Town car problems
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.
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Common 1985 Lincoln Town car problems
The Lincoln Town Car, introduced in 1985, is a full-size luxury sedan that has been popular for its classic style and reliability. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems that owners have reported over the years. This article will discuss some of the most common problems with the Lincoln Town Car 1985, based on complaints from owners of this car.
One of the most commonly reported problems with the 1985 Lincoln Town Car is engine problems. The most frequently reported problem in this category is cracked intake manifold. This issue can cause a number of problems, including reduced engine performance, poor fuel efficiency, and even engine failure. The average cost to fix this problem is around $900, and it typically occurs at around 120,000 miles.
Another common problem with the 1985 Lincoln Town Car is air leaks. This issue can cause a number of problems, including reduced engine performance, poor fuel efficiency, and even engine failure. The average cost to fix this problem is around $60, and it typically occurs at around 120,000 miles.
The Lincoln Town Car 1985 is also known for its coolant leaks. This issue can cause a number of problems, including reduced engine performance, poor fuel efficiency, and even engine failure. The average cost to fix this problem is around $1,200, and it typically occurs at around 62,000 miles.
Blown-out spark plugs are another common problem with the 1985 Lincoln Town Car. This issue can cause a number of problems, including reduced engine performance, poor fuel efficiency, and even engine failure. The average cost to fix this problem is around $1,200, and it typically occurs at around 62,000 miles.
Vehicle control issues are also a common problem with the 1985 Lincoln Town Car. This issue can cause a number of problems, including reduced engine performance, poor fuel efficiency, and even engine failure. The average cost to fix this problem is around $1,200, and it typically occurs at around 62,000 miles.
The 1985 Lincoln Town Car is also known for its A/C problems. This issue can cause a number of problems, including reduced engine performance, poor fuel efficiency, and even engine failure. The average cost to fix this problem is around $3,300, and it typically occurs at around 64,000 miles.
In summary, the 1985 Lincoln Town Car is a reliable vehicle, but it does have its share of common problems. These include engine problems, air leaks, coolant leaks, blown-out spark plugs, vehicle control issues, and A/C problems. If you own a 1985 Lincoln Town Car, it is important to be aware of these common problems and to address them promptly if they occur. By doing so, you can help ensure that your vehicle remains safe, reliable, and enjoyable to drive.
Is the 1985 Lincoln Town Car reliable?
The Lincoln Town Car is an extremely reliable vehicle, ranking 2nd out of 30 cars in its class, according to RepairPal. With proper maintenance, it can last over 250,000 miles with little to no problems.
How reliable are Lincoln Town cars?
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 engine is in a 1985 Lincoln Town Car?
Chassis
| Engine | Displacement | Years produced |
|---|---|---|
| Ford 5.0 V8 | 4.9 liters (302 cu in) | 1982 |
| 1983 | ||
| 1984-1985 | ||
| 1986-1989 |
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.
Is the 1985 Lincoln Town Car reliable?
The Lincoln Town Car is an extremely reliable vehicle, ranking 2nd out of 30 cars in its class, according to RepairPal. With proper maintenance, it can last over 250,000 miles with little to no problems.
What engine is in a 1985 Lincoln Town Car?
Chassis
| Engine | Displacement | Years produced |
|---|---|---|
| Ford 5.0 V8 | 4.9 liters (302 cu in) | 1982 |
| 1983 | ||
| 1984-1985 | ||
| 1986-1989 |
Is Lincoln Town Car a reliable vehicle?
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.
1985 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
- Tires problems
- Structure problems
- Steering problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Lincoln Town car vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1985 Lincoln Town car complaints
The NHTSA has received 24 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Lincoln Town car.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-21
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-16
- VIN: 1LNBP96F8DY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-05
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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. PHOTO ATTACHED. 1985 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. *TT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-06
- VIN: 1LNBP96FY73
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-18
- VIN: 1LNBP96F5FY
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FIRESTONE,215/70/R15, TIRE UNRAVELED, COMPLETELY SEPERATED.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-18
- VIN: 1LNBP96F5FY
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE UNRAVELLED AND TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-18
- VIN: 1LNBP96F5FY
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FIRESTONE,215/70/R15, TIRE UNRAVELED, COMPLETELY SEPERATED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-03
- VIN: 1LNBP96F7FY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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 KNOWN OF AN INTAKE MANIFOLD TO EXPLODE. THIS IS WHEN I STARTED TO THINK ABOUT THINGS THAT HAD HAPPENED IN THE PAST. ONCE THE MECHANIC HAD REMOVED THIS UNIT HE MENTIONED THAT THIS UNIT HAD MANY DEFECTS IN IT. THERE WERE THIN SPOTS AND THICK SPOTS THAT VARIED THROUGH OUT THIS UNIT. ONE BEING WHERE THIS UNIT HAD EXPLODED, LEAVING A HOLE IN IT THE SIZE OF A BULLET, YET IT WASN'T A BULLET HOLE. AFTER DRIVING MY CAR HOME I IMMEDIATELY REALIZED THAT THIS CAR WAS DRING BETTER THAN IT EVER HAD WITH OUT THE HESITATIONS. I THEN REALIZED THAT THIS DEFECT COULD HAVE BEEN EFFECTING THE OPERATION OF THIS CAR FROM DAY ONE. ONE DEALER'S SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THE PARTS WERE OBSOLETE, THEREFORE I WOULD HAVE TO SCRAP IT. ONCE I FOUND MANY PARTS ON THE INTERNET I KNEW THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG. THIS PARTICULAR PART SELDOM WORE OUT UNLESS IT WAS FACTORY DEFECTIVE, I FELT BETTER. NOT BECAUSE OF THE DEFECT ITSELF, BUT TO KNOW THAT MY COMPLAINT FOR ALL THESE YEARS HAD NOT BEEN A FIGMENT OF MY IMAGINATION, JUSTIFIED MY COMPLAINTS TO THE MANUFACTURER. I KNOW THE CAR IS OLD AS I HAVE BEEN REMINDED OF MORE TIMES THAN I CARE TO MENTION. MUST KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER CONSUMERS THAT WENT THROUGH THIS SAME ORDEAL. I'M CURIOUS BECAUSE I HAD ALWAYS BRAGGED ABOUT THE FACT THAT THIS CAR WAS THE LESS TROUBLESOME CAR I HAD EVER OWNED, UNTIL THIS LITTLE TIDBIT POPPED UP. BELIEVE IT OR NOT THE MILAGE ON IT IS ORIGINAL MILES. A SIXTEEN YEAR OLD CAR WITH LESS THAN ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES ON IT, AND STILL CRANKS ON THE FIRST TURN OF THE KEY!*AK
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBP96FOFY
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-02-25
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FAILURE RESULTED IN ENGINE FIRE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *MJS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1985-09-19
- VIN: 1LNBP96FOFY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE IS STALLED AND CUT OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. IGNITION SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACE THREE TIMES. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-05
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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 ORDER TO GET HIM OUT. DEFECT CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SHORT, STEERING COLUMN FIRE, VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND PARKED AND RETURN VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-02-16
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SAW WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN, DROVE TO HOUSE, AFTER ARRIVING HOME, SMOKE STOPPED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-09-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBP96F1FY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION FIRE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-09-01
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION FIRE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-09
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1LNBP96FZFY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT) *DSH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-10-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBP96E4FY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CAR BURNED UP FROM THE HARNESS UNDER THE DASH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-10-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBP96E4FY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE CAR BURNED UP FROM THE HARNESS UNDER THE DASH. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- VIN: 1LNBP96F4FY
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CARBON MONOXIDE FUMES FROM DEFECTIVE CATALYTIC EXHAUST SYSTEM, CAUSING INJURY/DEATH. *SKD
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-08-10
- Number Of Deaths: 2
- VIN: 1LNBP96F6FY
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CARBON MONIXIDE EMITTED FROM AIR CONDITIONER, RESULTING IN TWO DEATHS. *AW
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-10
- VIN: LMRBP98F4FY
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEELS BENT UNDER BROKEN FRAME, CAUSING STEERING/STOPPING DIFFICULTY. *AW
1985 Lincoln Town car recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1985 Lincoln Town car.
- Manufacturer: EMPIRE COACH COMPANY
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1985 Lincoln Town car problems:
Q&A: Troubleshooting 85 Lincoln Town Car Starting Issues
Aug 14, 2009 ... ... lincoln town car 302 starts when cold no problem ... 85 lincoln town car 302 starts when cold no ... One of the common problems on this vehicle ...
'89 Town Car Headlight Issue - TheLincolnForum.Net
Is this a common problem? And is it easy to fix ... Some months ago, I began having problems of the high ... 1985 Lincoln Town Car Cartier - formerly navguy12's
1988 Lincoln Town Car: Common Problems & Q&A
May 26, 2009 ... 1988 Lincoln Town Car - Car started fine, started driving, then minutes later the engine just quit running. Engine - Answered by a verified ...
A few 03 + front end observations. - Lincolns OnLine Message Forum
Aug 13, 2012 ... And as my 97 MGM needed them too at about the same mileage I suspect they are a common problem. ... 1985 Lincoln Town Car Sig, 'Faded Glory', sold ...
Advice on Buying a 1988 Lincoln Town Car : r/auto
May 26, 2021 ... How long do these cars usually last and are there any major or consistent issues that are associated with this car that I should be aware of? As ...
Other years of Lincoln Town car
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