1990 Lincoln Town Car recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1996-1999 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, NATURAL GAS, AND 1996-1999 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT WERE PRODUCED WITH A LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CONTAINING A ONE PIECE BEARING; AND 1990-1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, AND NGV VEHICLES AND 1990-1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN SERVICED WITH EITHER A BALL JOINT CONTAINING THE ONE-PIECE BEARI…
What could happen: IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, REDUCED STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1990 TOWN CAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V322000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1996-1999 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, NATURAL GAS, AND 1996-1999 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT WERE PRODUCED WITH A LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CONTAINING A ONE PIECE BEARING; AND 1990-1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, AND NGV VEHICLES AND 1990-1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN SERVICED WITH EITHER A BALL JOINT CONTAINING THE ONE-PIECE BEARING OR A FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM CONTAINING A BALL JOINT WITH A ONE-PIECE BEARING. THE ONE-PIECE BEARING WITHIN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN WEAKEN SLOWLY DURING USE AND EVENTUALLY CRACK. THIS COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE BALL AND CAP OF THE JOINT, ALLOWING THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP TO THE GROUND.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, REDUCED STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN JANUARY 18, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
2. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATINGS AND TIRE INFORMATION MAY BE INCORRECT ON LABELS.
What could happen: VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH 49 CFR PART 567.
The fix: INSTALL REVISED CERTIFICATION LABELS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1990 TOWN CAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V134000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATINGS AND TIRE INFORMATION MAY BE INCORRECT ON LABELS.
Consequence: VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH 49 CFR PART 567.
Remedy: INSTALL REVISED CERTIFICATION LABELS.
Notes: SYSTEM: ALTERERS CERTIFICATION LABEL; 49 CFR PART 567.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STRETCH LIMOUSINES.
3. Equipment
What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. TIRE PLACARD MAY CONTAIN INCORRECT GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATINGS AND TIRE INFORMATION.
What could happen: LIMOUSINES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 110 AND CONSUMERMIGHT UNKNOWINGLY OVERLOAD THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF PLACARD MISINFORMATION.
The fix: INSTALL REVISED TIRE PLACARDS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1990 TOWN CAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 90V133000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: TIRE PLACARD MAY CONTAIN INCORRECT GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATINGS AND TIRE INFORMATION.
Consequence: LIMOUSINES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 110 AND CONSUMERMIGHT UNKNOWINGLY OVERLOAD THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF PLACARD MISINFORMATION.
Remedy: INSTALL REVISED TIRE PLACARDS.
Notes: SYSTEM: TIRE PLACARD; FMVSS 110.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: STRETCH LIMOUSINES.
4. Latches / locks
What's wrong, in plain English: Doors, hood or trunk may open unexpectedly. CORROSION OF THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER PLATE CAUSES DETACHMENT OF THE PLATE FROM THE HOOD ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN AN UNEXPECTED OPENING OF THE HOOD WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN REDUCE THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROAD INCREASING THE POTENTIAL OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HOOD INNER PANEL REINFORCEMENT AND A NEW, GALVANIZED HOOD LATCH STRIKER PLATE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1990 TOWN CAR.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 95V091000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
Summary: CORROSION OF THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER PLATE CAUSES DETACHMENT OF THE PLATE FROM THE HOOD ASSEMBLY RESULTING IN AN UNEXPECTED OPENING OF THE HOOD WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN REDUCE THE DRIVER'S VIEW OF THE ROAD INCREASING THE POTENTIAL OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW HOOD INNER PANEL REINFORCEMENT AND A NEW, GALVANIZED HOOD LATCH STRIKER PLATE.
Notes: SYSTEM: STRUCTURE; HOOD ASSEMBLY; LATCHES. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES REGISTERED OR SOLD IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, VT, VA, WI, AND WASHINGTON, DC. NOTE: IF YOUR VEHICLE IS PRESENTED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND THE REMEDY IS NOT PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, PLEASE CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1990 Lincoln Town Car owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (71), Engine (32), Latches / locks (22), Brakes (18), Hydraulic (17).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
02/22/2006 · Electrical system · fire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE HOOD WAS RAISED. SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE SPOTTED COMING FROM THE PLUG ON THE ALTERNATOR. THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED AND THE PLUG REMOVED. THE FIRE SMOTHERED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN IN…
06/30/2005 · Electrical system · fire
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED:ON 5-19-04 HIS 1990 LINCOLN TOWN CAR BURNED WHILE IT WAS PARKED. WITHIN A HALF OF AN HOUR THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THERE WERE 3 DIFFERENT INVESTIGATIONS DONE;. AN ELECTRICAL AND AND ENGINEERING INVESTIGATION, AND ONE DONE BY THE TAMPA FIRE DEPARTMENT AND FOUND NO EXACT FAULT. . HE SAID THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 3 OTHER CARS T…
06/20/2005 · Electrical system · fire
DT: CONSUMER HAD A 1990 LINCOLN TOWN CAR WHICH CAUGHT ON FIRE. WHEN CONSUMER CAME HOME HE PARKED THE VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE, WENT INSIDE AND ATE, THEN A NEIGHBOR POUNDED AT DOOR TO LET HIM KNOW HIS HOUSE WAS ON FIRE. THE POLICE, FIRE DEPARTMENT, FIRE MARSHAL AND INSURANCE ADJUSTERS CAME OUT AND COULDN'T FIND THE REASON THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHIC…
02/14/2005 · Latches / locks
CONSUMER REPORTED THAT ALL FOUR DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. ONE OF THE VEHICLE WINDOWS HAD TO BE LEFT OPEN TO GAIN ENTRANCE INTO THE VEHICLE. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMERTHAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. *AK
12/16/2004 · Brakes · fire
CONSUMER PARKED THE VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND IN MINUTES WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE BURNED COMPLETELY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT NOTED THAT THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. *AK......... CONSUME RCLAIMED FIRE APPEARED TO BE DUE TO MECHANICAL FAILURE IN CAR , POSSIBLY BRAKES. *AK
07/19/2003 · Suspension
THIS CAR IS ABOUT A PIECE OF JUNK. PAINT IS ALMOST GONE, 3 OF 4 POWER WINDOWS DONT WORK, WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAS QUIT TWICE, REAR SUSPENSION FAILED, RADIO NON-FUNCTIONAL, MESSAGE CENTER SAYS THAT IT IS -76 DEGREES AT MOST TIMES WITH 400 MILES UNTIL EMPTY (NOT TRUE). *AK
07/05/2003 · Electrical system
VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING ON HOT DAYS WHILE DRIVING.AND WHEN DRIVEN ON HOT DAYS AND IS PARKED WILL NOT START AGAIN , UNLESS IT COOLS DOWN. REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE , WHICH I WAS TOLD WAS UNDER INVESTIGATION IN CALIFORNIA. *AK
05/29/2003 · Lights
HEADLIGHT LENS IS PLASTIC CAUSING IT TO BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO SEE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK