Defect
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING, SMOKE, AND POSSIBLY FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
1989 Lincoln Town Car electrical system problems
The 1989 Lincoln Town Car has 45 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 46% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.
45
Electrical System complaints
46%
Share of year
1
Crash-involved
1
Related recalls
Electrical System complaints by year
Related recalls
What owners report
“WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR A FEW MINUTES, THE VEHICLE SMELLED LIKE SMOKE. WHEN THE COMSUMER GOT CLOSER TO IT SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD; THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SHOP, AND THE MECHANIC SAID THE FIRE STARTED AT THE ALTERNATOR OR THE WIRES OF THE ALTERNATOR. VEHICLE WAS…”
Common questions
How many electrical system complaints does the 1989 Lincoln Town Car have?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the 1989 Lincoln Town Car electrical system — 46% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Are there recalls for the 1989 Lincoln Town Car electrical system?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 96V071000.
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.