1986 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 1986 Lincoln Town car problems
Common Problems with the 1986 Lincoln Town Car Based on Owner Complaints
- Compressor Failure Due to Air Leaks from Air Suspension Struts and Drier:
Owners of the 1986 Lincoln Town Car have reported issues with compressor failure due to air leaks from the air suspension struts and drier. This problem can lead to a compromised suspension system, affecting the car's ride quality and stability. Addressing this issue promptly is crucial to maintain the vehicle's performance and safety. - Intake Manifold Cracking Near Thermostat:
Another common problem reported by owners of the 1986 Lincoln Town Car is the cracking of the intake manifold near the thermostat. This issue can result in coolant leaks, overheating, and potential engine damage if not resolved in a timely manner. Monitoring the coolant levels and addressing any signs of leaks promptly is essential to prevent further complications.
These common problems with the 1986 Lincoln Town Car highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that arise. By staying proactive and addressing these issues early on, owners can ensure the longevity and performance of their vehicles.
Are Lincoln Town cars 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 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.
What engine is in a 1986 Lincoln Town Car?
Lincoln 5.0-liter V-8
The '86 Town Car is powered by an improved version of the Lincoln 5.0-liter V-8.
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.
Are Lincoln Town cars 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 1986 Lincoln Town Car?
Lincoln 5.0-liter V-8
The '86 Town Car is powered by an improved version of the Lincoln 5.0-liter V-8.
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).
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.
1986 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
- Power train problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Structure problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Lincoln Town car vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1986 Lincoln Town car
The NHTSA has received 53 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Lincoln Town car. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1986 Lincoln Town car vehicles.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-10
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1LNBP96F4GY
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CAR WAS PARKED WITH TRANSMISSION SELECTOR IN PARK POSITION WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION. THE CAR JUMPED OUT OF PARK AND BEGIN TO ROLL AWAY. WHEN THE CAR HIT ANOTHER CAR AND CAME TO REST, THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR WAS IN REVERSE POSITION. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-05
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED IN THE IGNITION THERE WAS A CRACKING NOISE FOLLOWED BY SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN THE HOOD WAS POPPED THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE CENTER OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND INDICATED IT MAY HAVE BEEN SOMETHING ELECTRICAL THAT CAUSED THE FIRE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-03
- VIN: 1LNBP96F4GY
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: PAINT PEELING, EMISSIONS BAD.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-17
- VIN: 1LNBP95F4GY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WAS LURCHING, THEN CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE TIRES. DEALER DETERMINED THAT RIGHT FRONT BRAKE WAS LOCKED UP, CALIPER AND BRAKE HOSE WERE REPLACED. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-26
- VIN: 1LNBP96F4GY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: STRAPS THAT HOLD FUEL TANK IN PLACE HAVE BEEN RUBBING ON TANK, FUEL TANK IS LEAKING DUE TO THAT. *AK THE TANK NEEDS REPLACING. *YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH IS TEMPERAMENTAL AND THE VEHICLE IS STALLING. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE IGNITION SWITCH IS TEMPERAMENTAL AND THE VEHICLE IS STALLING. *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-25
- VIN: 1LNBP96F8GY
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: MODEL POWER PRIMA ATERMARKET TIRE SIZE P21570R15 WITH 30,000 MILES WITH 80,000 MILE WARRANTY. DRIVER'SFRONT TIRE BELT BROKE INSIDE THE TIRE, CAUSING TIRE TO GO OUT OF ROUND. CONSUMER HAD TO BUY 2 BRAND NEW TIRES BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS UNDRIVEABLE.*AK DOT #H288YPE1513. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-27
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBP96F5GY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR BURST INTO FLAMES. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-06
- VIN: 1LNBP96F1GY
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1LNBP96F3GY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: STARTED CAR AFTER IT HAD SET FOR THREE DAY, PUT IT IN REVERSE, TOUCHED GAS PEDAL TO BACK UP AND SUDDENLY THE CAR SHOT BACKWARDS LIKE A ROCKET, GOING AT AN UNCONTROLABLE RATE OF SPEED, BRAKING DID NOT EFFECT IT. FINALLY AFTER SHOVING IN PARK AND TURNING IGNITION OFF, IT CAME TO REST AT REAR OF A BUILDING ON SOME METAL PIPES SURROUNDING AN OUTSIDE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT. IT HAD RUN OVER ANOTHER UNIT AND FLATTENED IT. THE REAR FENDERS AND BUMPER OF THE CAR WAS DAMAGED. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-04-02
- VIN: 1LNBP96F5GY
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MY CAR BEGAN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH SURGING (FEELING LIKE SOMEONE IS REPEATEDLY MASHING ON AND THEN LETTING UP ON THE ACCELERATER) SEVERAL YEARS AGO. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO NUMEROUS MECHANICS INCLUDING A FORD DEALERSHIP OVER THE PAST YEARS AND NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IT WILLN'T IDLE. I REPEATEDLY DIES AT INTERSECTIONS, IN PARKING LOTS, ETC. IT DIED 6 TIMES WHILE A MECHANIC ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE IT INTO A BAY AND STILL THE COMPUTER SAID THAT THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE SYSTEM. MECHANICS HAVE DONE EVERYTHING INCLUDING SETTING THE TIMEING, AND STILL IT SURGES AND DIES. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AND I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO SELL IT; PEOPLE CAN HEAR THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG. I HAVE EVEN CALLED THE 800 NUMBER AT FORD, AND WAS ONLY REFERRED TO DEALERSHIPS IN MY AREA EVEN WHEN I TOLD THEM THAT THEY HAD BEEN UNABLE TO HELP ME IN THE PAST. I WILLN'T BUY ANY FORD PRODUCT AGAIN AND WILL DISCOURAGE ANY OF MY FRIENDS FROM PURCHASING ONE. I LIMIT MY TRAVEL AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE DUE TO FEAR OF ACCIDENTS. I FEEL THAT I WASTED A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY PURCHASING AND MAKING REPAIRS ON A VEHICLE THAT DIDN'T HELP. I STILL HAVE A VERY DANGEROUS VEHICLE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-12
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBP96F4GY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ORIGINAL ALTERNATOR REPLACED ON 11-23-96, NEW ALTERNATOR SHORTED OUT RESULTING IN FIRE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-06
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBP96FXGY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOTALLED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-12
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1FNBP96F4GY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE PARKED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE IN THE ALTERNATOR.*AK *JB
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-07
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: LEFT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF WHILE DRIVING.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-01-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBP96F5GY
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING COLUMN CAUGHT FIRE PRIOR TO RECALL.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND THE ROOF CAME OFF .*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-01-09
- VIN: 1LNBP96F0GY
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN SHIFT SELECTOR IS PUT IN DRIVE IT READS OVERDRIVE/OVERDRIVE READS NEUTRAL.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LN8P96F4GY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE PARKED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING HARNESS, CAUSED THE VEHICLE WIRES UNDER THE HOOD TO CATCH ON FIRE. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-09
- VIN: 1LNBP96F5GY
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE ROOF FLEW OFF. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-07-19
- VIN: 1LNBP96F8G4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. *AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-07
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1LNBP96F8GY
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: RIGHT REAR WHEEL SHEARED OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT. (NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE REPORT)
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-20
- VIN: 1LNBM83F4JY
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE LAP/SHOULDER BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE, AND COULD NOT GET THE PERSON OUT, HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-06-09
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBP96FXGY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE, UNDER THE HOOD, VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN GARAGE AND COMPLETELY BURNED, CAUSING THE HOUSE TO CATCH ON FIRE.*AK
1986 Lincoln Town car recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1986 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.
- Manufacturer: ROYALE LIMOUSINE MFRS.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: SAFETY BELTS (TYPE 1 LAP BELTS) FOR REAR FACING SEATS WERE NOT INSTALLED.
- Consequence: LACK OF RESTRAINTS COULD CONTRIBUTE TO OTHERWISE PREVENTABLE INJURY AND WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 209 AND 210.
- Remedy: INSTALL SAFETY BELTS FOR REAR FACING SEATS.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
- Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
- Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
- Summary: INCORRECT BOLTS WERE USED IN THE TRANSMISSION LINKAGE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFT SELECTOR LEVER ON THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD BE ON THE WRONG TRANSMISSION FUNCTION. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE DRIVER WOULD FIND THEIR CAR IN A GEAR OTHER THAN THE ONE INDICATED BY SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR. THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF THE CAR IS LEFT UNATTENDED.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE SHIFT LINKAGE TRUNNION, GROMMET AND ADJUSTMENT BOLT.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Lincoln Town car problems:
Troubleshooting Oil Pressure Light Issues | Ford Q&A - JustAnswer
Jul 4, 2009 ... HelloCustomer. On the 1986 Lincoln Towncar, the oil pressure light could be caused by actual low oil pressure or a bad oil pressure sending ...
Test Drive Review: 1986 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series ...
Oct 22, 2010 ... Who knew! It's also interesting to note that of all the main TC problems, the two most well known - intake and air springs and also of the most ...
Buy 2003 town car with axle problem?? - Lincolns OnLine Message ...
May 17, 2014 ... ... car that needs the rear taken apart for repairs seems high to me. 1986 Lincoln Town Car 1991 Mark VII LSC 1984 ...
1986 lincoln town car stalls while driving, drives good f...
Aug 17, 2017 ... Q: My 1986 lincoln town car has a intermittent stalling problem. ive taken it to a mechanic a few times and have had a full tune up done, ...
Possible problem with the automatic climate control. - Lincolns ...
Nov 18, 2009 ... Possible problem with the automatic climate control. 1980 - 1989 Town Car. ... I think that's a common problem. ... 1986 Lincoln Town Car 1991 Mark ...
Other years of Lincoln Town car
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