1987 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 1987 Lincoln Town car problems
The 1987 Lincoln Town Car, a luxury vehicle produced by Ford Motor Company, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. Here are some of the issues that have been frequently mentioned:
- Power window and power lock failures: Owners have reported issues with the power windows and locks, with some windows not functioning at all or only working intermittently. The power locks may also fail to operate, which can be inconvenient and potentially dangerous in certain situations.
- Brake problems: The 1987 Lincoln Town Car has been reported to have brake issues, including the passenger front brake line breaking and the brakes failing to stop the car, resulting in accidents.
- Engine issues: Engine problems have been reported by several owners, including the car stalling, producing burning smells, and overheating, despite the engine temperature gauge not indicating any issues. The gas gauge may also fail to work, which can make it difficult to determine how much fuel is left in the tank.
- Acceleration problems: Some owners have reported that the car may hesitate or lose power when accelerating, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous. These issues may be caused by faulty components, such as the fuel filter, throttle position sensor, or catalytic converter, and may require replacement to resolve.
- A/C problems: The A/C system in the 1987 Lincoln Town Car has been reported to have issues, including sudden breakdowns and abnormal smells before failure. These problems may be caused by multiple technical service bulletins (TSBs) and may require professional diagnosis and repair.
- Transmission problems: Some owners have reported that the car may not shift past 2nd gear, which can be caused by a metal link between the throttle and transmission that may require a small rebuild.
- Electrical issues: Electrical issues have been reported by some owners, including the ignition switch causing sudden shut-offs and the fuel pump or its electrical circuit causing intermittent fuel delivery loss.
These issues may require professional diagnosis and repair, and some may be covered under warranty or through recall campaigns. It is important to consult with a mechanic or the dealership to determine the cause of any issues and to ensure that the vehicle is safe to operate.
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 1987 Lincoln Town Car?
Chassis
| Engine | Displacement | Years produced |
|---|---|---|
| Ford 5.0 V8 | 4.9 liters (302 cu in) | 1986-1989 |
What is a Lincoln Town Car worth?
Prices for a used Lincoln Town Car currently range from $2,900 to $24,990, with vehicle mileage ranging from 41,906 to 198,705. Find used Lincoln Town Car inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.
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 1987 Lincoln Town Car?
Chassis
| Engine | Displacement | Years produced |
|---|---|---|
| Ford 5.0 V8 | 4.9 liters (302 cu in) | 1986-1989 |
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.
1987 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
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Lincoln Town car vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1987 Lincoln Town car
The NHTSA has received 34 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Lincoln Town car. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1987 Lincoln Town car vehicles.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-15
- VIN: 1LNBM82F9JY
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TOTAL TREAD SEPARATION FROM TIRE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 ..M.P.H. FRONT RIGHT TIRE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBM82F8HY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: FOUR MINUTES AFTER THE ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF, BLACK SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE OWNER OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THE ALTERNATOR WAS ON FIRE. *AK A MECHANIC EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS MADE. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE FORD TO RECALL ALL VEHICLES WITH THE SAME TYPE ALTERNATOR AND OTHER COMPONETS AS HIS. *PH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING RADIATOR SUDDENLY STARTED TO LEAK FLUID. UPON THE LEAKAGE FROM THE RADIATOR VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY SHUT DOWN WITH NO WARNING. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-09
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: STRONG GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE CAR MOST NOTICEABLE WITH A WINDOW DOWN, HAVE CHECKED FOR LEAKS AND CAN'T FIND IT, SEEMS LIKE IT MAY BE COMING FROM BEHIND THE DASH. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1LNBM81F6HY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN TURNING VEHICLE AT LESS THAN FIVE MILES AN HOUR, VEHICLE WENT INTO HIGH THROTTLE MODE, AND ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO JUMP CURB. BOTH FRONT TIRES WENT FLAT, KNOCKING DOWN 20 FEET WOODED FENCE, AND HIT HOUSE.*AK CONSUMER STATED PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL.*JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1LNBM81F3HY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ONGOING TFI IGNITION MODULE PROBLEM, ALL IGNITION COMPONENTS REPLACED, TFI 3+ TIMES, STILL HAPPENS, CAR STALLS AND WON'T START. CALIFORNIA HAS DONE SOMETHING ABOUT THIS, WHEN ARE YOU!? NOW I HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS ONGOING PROBLEM. DO I HAVE TO GET SERIOUSLY INJURED OR WHAT????????
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBM82F8HY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN DUE TO FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH . CONSUMER NOTICED THAT TAILIGHTS HAD TURNED ON BY THEMSELVES. 1 WEEK PRIOR TO INCIDENT, RADIO HAD STARTED TO SMOKE AND THEN FAILED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-01
- VIN: 1LNBM81F3HY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS, FAILS TO START, AFTER FIRST 30 TO 45 MINS DRIVING DURING 95F PLUS OUTSIDE AIR TEMP, DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS, DALLAS, TX. TFI REPLACED TWICE, COIL REPLACED, TPS REPLACED, AND TUNE UP STILL HAS NOT RESOLVED PROBLEM. POTENTIAL FOR SERIOUS ACCIDENT, INJURY, OR DEATH EXISTS WITH THIS PROBLEM AS VEHICLE STALLS WITH NO WARNING. ONCE STALL CONTITION EXISTS VEHICLE CANNOT BE STARTED FOR AT LEAST 1.5 TO 2 HOURS, UNTIL ENGINE HAS COOLED ENOUGH TO ALLOW FOR A RESTART. ENGINE TEMP GUAGE REMAINS IN NORMAL RANGE DURING THIS ENTIRE PROCESS. ALSO BOTH COOLANT TEMP SENSORS, GUAGE, AND COMPUTER COOLANT SENSOR, HAVE BEEN REPLACED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-01
- VIN: 1LNBM81F3HY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS, FAILS TO START, AFTER FIRST 30 TO 45 MINS DRIVING DURING 95F PLUS OUTSIDE AIR TEMP, DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS, DALLAS, TX. TFI REPLACED TWICE, COIL REPLACED, TPS REPLACED, AND TUNE UP STILL HAS NOT RESOLVED PROBLEM. POTENTIAL FOR SERIOUS ACCIDENT, INJURY, OR DEATH EXISTS WITH THIS PROBLEM AS VEHICLE STALLS WITH NO WARNING. ONCE STALL CONTITION EXISTS VEHICLE CANNOT BE STARTED FOR AT LEAST 1.5 TO 2 HOURS, UNTIL ENGINE HAS COOLED ENOUGH TO ALLOW FOR A RESTART. ENGINE TEMP GUAGE REMAINS IN NORMAL RANGE DURING THIS ENTIRE PROCESS. ALSO BOTH COOLANT TEMP SENSORS, GUAGE, AND COMPUTER COOLANT SENSOR, HAVE BEEN REPLACED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-02
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBM82F6HY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE SITTING IN THE HOUSE CONSUMER HEARD A STRANGE NOISE THAT SOUDED LIKE A CAR STARTING. WHEN GOING TO INVESTIGATE CONSUMER THEN NOTICED THAT THE GARAGE WAS FULL OF SMOKE. CONSUMER OPENED CAR HOOD AND THERE WERE FLAMES COMING OUT. *AK
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1LNBM82F2HY
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: PLEASE SEND SIGNATURE FORM TO SEND TO MANUFACTURER
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-26
- VIN: 1LNBM81F1HY
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCES A PROBLEM WITH ROLLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. CONSUMER'S FOUR YEAR OLD CHILD MOVED THE SHIFTER OUT OF GEAR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL DOWN THE STREET. CAN NHTSA HELP OR PROVIDE ADDITION INFORMATION. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBM81F9HY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DEFECTIVE "O"-RINGS IN THE FUEL RAIL CAUSED A FUEL LEAK WHICH, IN TURN STARTED A FIRE IN UNDERHOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. OWNER REPAIRED VEHICLE HIMSELF, AND FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. *AK *ML
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBM2F6HY6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STARTED VEHICLE, SMELLED BURNING, STEERING COLUMN CAUGHT ON FIRE,FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH, DEALER CLAIMS BAD IGINITION SWITCH WAS INSTALLED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-01
- VIN: 1LNBM82F0HY
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLES BROKE. . *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-14
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBM82F1HY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: COMBUSTIBLE GASOLINE WAS EXPELLED, FROM EITHER A BREACHED RUBBER HOSE OR QUICK CONNECT FITTING, INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSING FIRE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-16
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBM83F9HY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE CAR WAS IN PARK, CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE CAUSED BY INGITION SWITCH. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-01
- VIN: 1LNBM83F8HY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-16
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBM82S4HY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBM81F9HY
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-03-01
- VIN: 1LNBM82F3HY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-30
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBM81FSH4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: IGNITION FIRE. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-02
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNBM81F9HY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: POSSIBLE IGNITION SHORT WHILE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, RESULTING IN BURNING UP THE GARAGE. *AL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-15
- VIN: 1LNBP96F5HY
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE VALVE COVER GASKET REPLACED TWICE DUE TO LEAKING ON BOTH REAR SIDES OF ENGINE; FUEL ODOR; COULD CAUSE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-06
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT)*SD
1987 Lincoln Town car recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1987 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: STEERING:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT
- Consequence: DRIVER WOULD EXPERIENCE A CLUNKING NOISE ON TURNS AND ALOOSE FEELING IN THE STEERING WHEEL; STEERING CONTROL WOULD BE MAINTAINED.
- Remedy: REPLACE IDLER ARM ASSEMBLY.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
- Summary: STEERING CENTERLINKS MAY BREAK AT A BEND LOCATION.
- Consequence: STEERING CONTROL WOULD BE DIMINISHED, WITH REDUCEDCONTROL OF LEFT WHEEL ONLY AND CONSIDERABLE STEERING WHEEL FREE PLAY.
- Remedy: REPLACE STEERING CENTERLINK.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
- Summary: WIRING HARNESS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY BE MISROUTED AND SUBJECT TO DAMAGE. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD OCCUR (DURING USE OR WHEN PARKED) WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
- Remedy: PROPERLY ROUTE WIRING HARNESSES, AS NECESSARY.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1987 Lincoln Town car problems:
What I learned after 3 years of owning my 80s Lincoln Town Car Part 1
Mar 22, 2016 ... The 1987-89s have a reliable, relatively simple, but still computer controlled fuel injection system and engine management system. Yet, the ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting 1987 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series Issues
Dec 6, 2012 ... The most common problem for your concern is no spark from a faulty ign module and stator. Inside the distributor is the Stator and the ign ...
Possible problem with the automatic climate control. - Lincolns ...
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 ...
What causes over drive in a 1987 Lincoln Town car? Gears slipped ...
Dec 17, 2009 ... It sounds like you have a worn direct clutch in the transmission. This is a very common problem with these transmissions. To repair you will ...
1987 Lincoln Town Car Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Oct 12, 2010 ... Faults: Plug wires every 20k miles. 60k after I started using motor craft. Don't know why Fords don't like Accel wires.
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