1990-1997 Lincoln Town Car: Reliability

Updated: 11/23/08

1996 Lincoln Town Car
1997 Lincoln Town Car
View the Photo Gallery

1990-1997 Lincoln Town Car 

  • Price Range:  $700 - $3,400
CG Rating

50

out of 100

About our Road Test

Pricing

Explore

Related to Lincoln Town Car

Related Reviews

View Another Vehicle

Our reliability study for this generation Lincoln Town Car includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Lincoln Town Car .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air springs: Air springs are prone to leaks caused by the bag rubbing against the axle or control arm. (Any so-equipped)

Alternator belt: The drive-belt tensioner pulley or idler-pulley bearings are apt to make a squealing noise when the engine is started in cold weather. (1993-96)

Automatic transmission: Transmission shudder or vibration can be caused by improper transmission fluid. It requires that the transmission fluid (including fluid in the torque converter) be changed and that only Mercon fluid be used. (1992-94)

Automatic transmission: The transmission may slip and the engine may flare when the transmission shifts into fourth gear, which can often be traced to a bad TR/MLP sensor. (1992-95)

Coolant leak: The intake manifold on 4.6L V8 engines is prone to breakage resulting in coolant loss and possible overheating. The manufacturer is reimbursing owners who paid for fixes up to $735 and extending the warranty for others (1996-97)

Hard starting: The connector at the starter solenoid tends to corrode resulting in a "no-crank" condition. (1991-94)

Hard starting: If the engine does not want to start or cranks for a long time then stalls, the idle-air control valve may be sticking. (1996)

Heater core: Heater cores may repeatedly leak requiring a restrictor be installed in the heater inlet hose. (1990-97)

Oil leak: The oil filter balloons and leaks because the oil-pump relief valve sticks. (1991-94)

Vehicle noise: A broken gusset or weld separation at the frame crossmember causes a rattle from the rear or the car. (1990-92)

Vehicle noise: A chattering noise that can be felt coming from the rear during tight turns after highway driving is caused by a lack of friction modifier or over-shimming of the clutch packs in the Traction-Lok differential. (1990-96)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $390
Alternator $375
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $700
Brakes $265
Constant Velocity Joints $140
Exhaust System $690
Shocks and/or Struts $365
Timing Chain or Belt $330
Advertisement

Car Buying Resources

Trade-in Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth.

Trade-in Calculator

Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer.

Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. The first...

Get a CARFAX report

What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn Things

Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance

Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers.

Sell Your Car

Search
Local Listings


to

submit

Vehicle
History Report

CARFAX

FREE CARFAX Record Check

Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.

Go
Advertisement
Advertisement