Defect
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.
1983 Lincoln Town Car problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 1983 Lincoln Town Car — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
6
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1983 compare to other Town Car years?
What are the most common 1983 Lincoln Town Car problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 33% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 33% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 17% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 17% | new |
Does the 1983 Lincoln Town Car have recalls?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE PARKING GEAR MAY NOT ENGAGE, EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION. THIS OCCURS IF THE LINKAGE INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION THAT ACTUATES THE PARK GEAR WAS IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED. A PIN THAT RETAINS COMPONENTS ON A LINKAGE (ACTUATING) ROD COULD BREAK AND THE LINKAGE MAY NOT ENGAGE THE PARKING GEAR.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL ACTUATING ROD ASSEMBLY.
Defect
THE SHIFT INDICATOR MAY NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE SHIFT SELECTOR POSITION. SOME VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH TRANSMISSION CONTROL SELECTOR TUBE RETAINING CLIPS THAT MAY NOT BE HARD ENOUGH. THE CLIP MAY LOOSEN OR FALL OFF, AND THE SELECTOR TUBE MAY BECOME DISPLACED.
Remedy
THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL SELECTOR TUBE RETAINING CLIP AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TILT YOKE IN THE STEERING WHEEL BROKE, CAUSING STEERING WHEEL NOT TO LOCK IN PLACE. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT PART WAS NOT UNDER A RECALL, AND ANY REPAIRS WOULD BE AT CONSUMER'S COST. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK”
1983 Lincoln Town Car — common questions
Is the 1983 Lincoln Town Car reliable?
The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.
Does the 1983 Lincoln Town Car have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1983 Lincoln Town Car. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1983 Lincoln Town Car under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Lincoln Town Car years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Town Car years to avoid are 1997, 1996, 1992, 1991, 1990, 2003, 1995, 1993, 1994, 2006, 2001, 1999, 1998, 2005. The cleanest record among Town Car years belongs to 1981.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.