Lincoln Town car 1997 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 Lincoln Town car 1997 problems
The Lincoln Town Car, a luxury vehicle produced by Ford's Lincoln division, has been praised for its comfort and reliability. However, like any other vehicle, it has faced certain common problems throughout its production years. This article will focus on the 1997 Lincoln Town Car and discuss the most frequently reported issues by owners, based on available search results.
- Cracked Intake Manifold: The most reported problem for the 1997 Lincoln Town Car is a cracked intake manifold, which can lead to engine performance issues and coolant leaks.
- Air Leaks: Air leaks, especially from the air suspension struts and drier, can cause problems with the compressor, resulting in failure. This issue can lead to a decrease in ride quality and the need for costly repairs.
- Intake Manifold Issues: The intake manifold may crack near the thermostat, leading to engine performance problems. This issue can be particularly prevalent in the 1997 model year and may require replacement of the intake manifold to resolve.
- Vehicle Control Issues: Some owners of the 1997 Lincoln Town Car have reported issues with vehicle control, including unexpected acceleration or jerking. These problems can increase the risk of accidents and should be addressed immediately by a mechanic.
- Acceleration Problems: Some owners have reported issues with acceleration, where the car may hesitate or lose power when the gas pedal is pressed. This issue can be caused by faulty components such as the fuel filter, throttle position sensor, or catalytic converter, and may require replacement of these parts to resolve.
- A/C (Air Conditioning) Problems: The A/C system in the 1997 Lincoln Town Car can experience problems, including sudden breakdowns and abnormal smells. These issues can lead to total component failure and may require costly repairs.
- Frame Rust: The frame of the 1997 Lincoln Town Car may experience rust, particularly at the passenger side A-pillar. This issue can lead to structural damage and should be addressed promptly.
- Air Suspension Compressor Failure: The air suspension compressor may fail due to air leaks from the struts and drier. This issue can lead to a decrease in ride quality and the need for costly repairs.
- Blend Door Issues: The blend door, which controls the temperature of the air conditioning system, may malfunction, leading to issues with temperature regulation.
- Oil Consumption: The 1997 Lincoln Town Car's engine may develop a healthy appetite for oil consumption, leading to the need for frequent oil changes.
In conclusion, while the 1997 Lincoln Town Car is known for its comfort and reliability, it has faced certain common problems throughout its production years. These issues include cracked intake manifolds, air leaks, intake manifold problems, vehicle control issues, acceleration problems, A/C problems, frame rust, air suspension compressor failure, blend door issues, and oil consumption. Owners of the 1997 Lincoln Town Car should be aware of these issues and address them promptly to ensure the longevity and safety of their vehicle.
How long can a 1997 Lincoln Town Car last?
250,000 miles
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.
How reliable are Lincoln Town cars?
Lincoln Town Car Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Lincoln Town Car Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 2nd out of 30 for luxury fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $635 which means it has average ownership costs.
Are 90s Lincoln Town cars reliable?
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.
How many miles will a 1999 Lincoln Town Car last?
It's average for this car to last over 400,000 miles!
How long can a 1997 Lincoln Town Car last?
250,000 miles
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.
Are 90s Lincoln Town cars reliable?
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.
How reliable are Lincoln Town cars?
Lincoln Town Car Reliability Rating Breakdown. The Lincoln Town Car Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 2nd out of 30 for luxury fullsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $635 which means it has average ownership costs.
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).
Lincoln Town car 1997 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Lincoln Town car 1997 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints Lincoln Town car 1997
The NHTSA has received 328 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Lincoln Town car 1997. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Lincoln Town car 1997 vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-02
- VIN: 1lnlm81w0vy
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: This has happened to me 3 times in the past 3 months. While driving interstate highway at night and traveling 65 to 70 miles per hr., without any warning or symptoms, the headlights turn off. They then turn on and off a few times and then seem to correct themselves and stay on. This happens on trips after 1 hour or more. Has never occurred on shorter trips under 1 hour. Very dangerous and scary when it is so dark you can't see to pull over off the highway and also worried about vehicles approaching from behind not being able to see you in time. I replaced the headlight switch last week thinking that was the problem, but it happened again last night on my trip back from N.Y.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-07
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1LNLM82WCVY
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 1997 Lincoln Town Car. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle that crashed into the contact was driving at approximately 55 MPH. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The contact had a second accident, and the air bags did not deploy during that incident. The dealer stated that the air bags could not be replaced because the vehicle was an older model, and the VIN was not under a recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-11
- VIN: 1LNLM83W2VY
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING ABILITY BECAME LOOSE AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-07-13
- VIN: 1LNLM82W3VY
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BY THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE REPAIRED THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY WITH AFTERMARKET PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-06-15
- VIN: 1LNLM82W3VY
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT 30 MPH, STEAM EMITTED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN AFTER MARKET INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-25
- VIN: 1LNLM81W7VY
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK. BULBS OK. REPLACING THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH FIXED PROBLEM.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-12
- VIN: 1LNLM82W6VY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS PREMATURE RUST AND CORROSION ON THE BRAKE LINES CAUSING THEM TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98I001000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000. UPDATED 12/10/15*LJ *CN
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-21
- VIN: 1LNLM81WXVY
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AN UNKNOWN RATE OF SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON FURTHER INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE PLASTIC PIECE ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FRACTURED. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TEMPERATURE READER AND ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V638000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-29
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNLM82W3VY
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR SIGNATURE SERIES CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR APPROXIMATELY 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE FIRE. ABOUT 02:00 HRS ON THE MORNING OF THE 29TH DECEMBER 2014 I WAS WAKENED BY A LOUD POPPING SOUND. WHEN I INVESTIGATED I FOUND MY GARAGE TOTALLY ENGULFED BY FIRE. IT TOOK THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OVER TWO HOURS TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE; FOR IT HAD SPREAD TO THE OTHER VEHICLE PARKED IN THE GARAGE - 2013 JEEP MOAB AND TO ALL OF THE TOOLS AND MATERIALS STORED IN THE GARAGE. THE FIRE MARSHALL AND THE ARSON INVESTIGATOR STATED THAT THE IGNITION POINT FOR THE FIRE WAS UNDER THE HOOD IN THE LINCOLN, ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND CLOSE TO THE FIRE WALL. IT RESULTED IN THE TOTAL LOSS OF BOTH CARS, THE GARAGE STRUCTURE AND ALL CONTENTS OF SAID STRUCTURE. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1LNLM81W6VY
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM CONTROL ARM CAUSING CONTROL ARM TO DROP TO THE GROUND. THE SAME AS YOUR RECALL98V322000 BUT CALLING LINCOLN THEY SAID THAT MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. EVEN THOUGH IT DID EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL SAID. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-07-18
- VIN: 1LNLM82W0VY
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: I WAS TRAVELING AT 9:30 PM WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT FOR ABOUT 45 SECONDS AND THEN CAME BACK ON. TRAVELED ABOUT A MILE, WHEN THEY WENT OUT AGAIN, CAN ON, THEN STARTED RAPIDLY FLASHING. I PULLED OVER AND IT ABOUT A MINUTE BEFORE THEY RETURNED TO NORMAL. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES THAT NIGHT BEFORE I ARRIVED HOME. THESE HEADLIGHT PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED FIVE TIMES SINCE THE FIRST OCCURRENCE. I RARELY DRIVE AT NIGHT. ..UPDATED 06/26/14 *BF
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-17
- VIN: 1LNLM83W3VY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE IN ADDITION TO THE BRAKE PEDAL FEELING ABNORMALLY LOOSE. THE CONTACT LATER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-23
- VIN: 1LNLM81W6VY
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: BEGINNING ON A COLD MORNING THE STEERING FELT OFF, LIKE IT NEEDED MORE EFFORT TO TURN AT TIMES. THE STEERING ALSO FAILED TO RETURN TO CENTER ON ITS OWN, INDICATING A POSSIBLE SEIZED UP UNIVERSAL JOINT IN THE STEERING SHAFT. I REMOVED THE STEERING SHAFT AND FOUND THE UNIVERSAL JOINT SEIZED AND VERY DIFFICULT TO MOVE WHICH CAUSED MY DIFFICULT STEERING. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS SAME ISSUE ON NEWER TOWN CARS, WHY DOES THIS NOT COVER MINE? *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-15
- VIN: 1LNLM82W3VY
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT ENGINE COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, WHICH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-15
- VIN: 1LNLM82W3VY
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT ENGINE COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-01
- VIN: 1LNLM81W5VY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN AND CRUISE CONTROL WERE INOPERATIVE. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE HORN WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-09
- VIN: 1LNLM81W6VY
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: SON WAS OPERATING THE VEHICLE. AS HE MADE A LEFT TURN, HE HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND AND THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED TO THE GROUND. HAD THE CAR TOWED HOME AND SUBSEQUENTLY TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP THE NEXT DAY. WAS TOLD THAT THE LOWER RIGHT BALL JOINT HAD FAILED, SUBSEQUENTLY SNAPPING THE STABILIZER LINK. THIS HAPPENED IN AUGUST 2010. NOVEMBER 15, 2011, I WAS DRIVING HOME. STOPPED TO AIR UP MY RIGHT REAR TIRE. UPON RE-ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND BACKING OUT, THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE FELL TO THE GROUND. AGAIN, THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT FAILED. THIS TIME, I HAD TO ALSO REPLACE THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM, RIGHT FRONT STABILIZER LINK, RIGHT FRONT SHOCK AND RIGHT FRONT BALL JOINT. THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE 1997 LINCOLN TOWNCAR'S FRONT END. WHEN THE MECHANIC WENT TO INSTALL THE RIGHT LOWER BALL JOINT (WHICH IS A PRESSED FIT) THE BALL JOINT WENT RIGHT IN BY HAND, WHICH INDICATED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS FAULTY. I NOW HAVE A RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT SIDE. I'M REALLY SCARED TO DRIVE THIS CAR. *KB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-09-21
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE OIL PAN RUSTED THROUGH AND CAUSED ALL THE OIL TO LEAK OUT ONTO THE GROUND. THE CRUISE CONTROL COMPUTER KEEPS CAUSING THE CAR TO TAKE OFF OR NOT EVEN WORK AT ALL WHEN U SET IT, WHEN THE CAR TAKES OFF AFTER SETTING IT THE GAS PEDDLE GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND IT WILL NOT DEACTIVATE UNLESS YOU SHUT THE CAR OFF WHILE DRIVING. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-23
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1LNLM81W3VY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE CAR WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY UNATTENDED WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION WHEN THE FIRE STARTED. IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN ABOUT 3 HOURS BEFORE WITH NO PROBLEMS. THE FIRE INSPECTOR SAID THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD ON THE LEFT SIDE BUT HE WAS UNABLE TO SAY EXACTLY WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. AFTER CHECKING ON LINE IT WAS DISCOVERED THE CAR WAS ON A RECALL LIST FOR THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE LEFT SIDE.
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-10
- VIN: 1LNLM83WXVY
- Components: SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MISFIRE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE MANIFOLD WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ALSO, ON A SEPARATE OCCASION THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND COLLAPSED ONTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 137,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-10-22
- VIN: 1LNLM82W0VY
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-24
- VIN: 1LNLM82W4VY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: OUR 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR THAT WAS PART OF THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH RECALL BEGAN HONKING AS THE ALARM TRIGGERED ON THE EVENING OF AUGUST 24, 2010 IN OUR GARAGE. AFTER CLEARING THE ALARM SEVERAL TIMES, I INVESTIGATED THE BATTERY VOLTAGE AND ALL WAS WELL. THE ALARM TRIGGERED AGAIN AND I CLEARED IT. AS I CLOSED THE HOOD SMOKE BEGAN TO ESCAPE NEAR THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE CORNER OF THE HOOD. I OPENED THE HOOD AS THE SMOKE SLOWED DOWN. THE CONNECTOR TO THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS VERY WARM AND THE SWITCH HAD BRAKE FLUID ON IT. THE RECALL INSTALLED 20 AMP FUSE HAD NOT OPENED. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND THAT THE FUSE IN THE RECALL INSTALLED HARNESS WAS IN THE CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE SWITCH AND THE CRUISE CONTROL INSTEAD OF BETWEEN THE BATTERY AND THE SWITCH. HENCE THE FUSE PROVIDED NO PROTECTION AGAINST THE POTENTIAL FIRE. THANKFULLY I WAS STANDING THERE WHEN IT HAPPENED AND COULD DISCONNECT THE CABLE FROM THE SWITCH. OTHERWISE WE WERE AT RISK OF FIRE THAT COULD HAVE SPREAD TO OUR HOUSE. *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-15
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. 120,000 MILES. SEAT BELT DOES NOT STAY BUCKLED. AND COMES UNDONE WITH SLIGHTEST OF MOVEMENT. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-07
- VIN: 1LNLM82W9VY
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING AS USUAL AND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED OR HAD BEEN CRACKING OVER TIME. THE ENGINE MADE A PING NOISE AND THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING DOWN INTO THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IMMEDIATELY. THE MANIFOLD, THERMOSTAT, AND GASKETS HAD TO BE REPAIRED. THE COST FOR THIS REPAIR WAS OVER $1,200.00. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-08
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: FORD LINCOLN -- TOWN CAR, YEAR MODEL 1997. BRAKE LINE (TUBING) BETWEEN POINT OF DISTRIBUTION FROM MASTER CYLINDER/BOOSTER TO REAR AXLE. ALSO BRAKE LINE BETWEEN REAR WHEELS (FASTENED TO OUTSIDE OF REAR AXLE HOUSING). THIS BRAKE LINE TUBING IS OF INFERIOR METAL COMPOSITION PRONE TO RUSTING IN NORTHERN CLIMATES WHERE WINTER SALT IS SPREAD ON ROAD SURFACES. CASE IN POINT: WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED ON THE PARKING LOT, EVERYTHING WAS FINE. WHEN CAR WAS RESTARTED AFTER A SHORT DURATION OF BEING PARKED, UPON PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, ALL BRAKE FLUID SQUIRTED ONTO PAVEMENT. ROOT CAUSE: THE CORRODED BRAKE LINE BURST SOMEWHERE, APPROXIMATELY, UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT ON THE ROADSIDE (BOTTOM SIDE) OF THE FLOOR BOARD. THIS NECESSITATES THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE BRAKE LINE TUBING STRETCH (AS PER DESIGN) IN EXCESS OF $1,200, PARTS AND LABOR INCLUDED. THIS BURST OF FLUID COULD HAVE OCCURRED ANYWHERE. SINCE THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AT A TIME AND A PLACE FROM WHERE IT WAS POSSIBLE TO DRIVE THE CAR A SHORT DISTANCE TO ITS HOME PARKING POSITION USING ONLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, WHERE NEEDED, AT A SPEED OF NO HIGHER THAN 10 -15 MPH. A PRIVATE RESEARCH INDICATED THAT THIS PROBLEM IS SOMEWHAT 'COMMON.' SUBSEQUENT INQUIRIES AT DEALERSHIPS VERIFIED THE FACT THAT THERE IS A GOODLY NUMBER OF BRAKE LINE REPLACEMENTS. LABOR TIME EXPENDED IS ABOUT A FULL DAY (A FULL SHIFT). TO THE WRITER OF THIS NOTE IT IS NOT KNOWN HOW MANY SERIOUS ACCIDENTS MIGHT HAVE BEEN ALREADY CAUSED BY THIS INFERIOR QUALITY BRAKE LINE. A SHORT LENGTH OF THE SUBJECT BRAKE LINE COVERED WITH A PLASTIC COATING -- WHEN UNCOVERED TO EXPOSE THE METAL TUBING -- SHOWED THAT TUBING AS IF BRAND NEW, UNAFFECTED BY THE ROAD SALT. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM, AND IT MERITS A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION INCLUDING A RECALL. THE WRITER OF THIS NOTE IS NOT AWARE OF ANY LATER MODELS HAVING THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEM. THAT IS UP TO THE INVESTIGATORS TO FIND OUT. *TR
Lincoln Town car 1997 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 8 recalls for different components of the Lincoln Town car 1997.
- Manufacturer: Dorman Products, Inc.
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain model Dorman Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 7-0359, and OE Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured April 17, 2014, to September 28, 2015. These aftermarket replacement steering shafts are sold for use in 1995-2002 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. These steering shafts may separate during operation if the integral fastener is loose or missing and if the interfacing vehicle shaft is compressed in length.
- Consequence: If the shafts separate during vehicle operation, a loss of steering control would result, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2015. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, option 5.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE REPLACED AFTER APRIL 5, 2000. THE REPLACEMENT DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE INFLATOR MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT WELDS THAT COULD PREVENT PROPER INFLATION OF THE AIR BAG.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY NOT PROPERLY DEPLOY WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF OCCUPANT PROTECTION.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 5, 2001. 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 1-866-436-7332.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: 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).
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. FORD IS INITIATING AN OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR OWNERS OF CERTAIN 1995-1997 CROWN VICTORIA MODEL VEHICLES WITH POLICE, TAXI, AND COMMERCIAL FLEET PACKAGES AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES WITH THE LIVERY PACKAGE. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE UNDERBODY FRONT FLOOR PAN ASSEMBLY WHICH COULD CAUSE WEAR OF THE BRAKE LINES.
- Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FLUID LOSS FOR THE REAR BRAKES AND, POTENTIALLY, INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LINES FOR WEAR, INSTALL TWO NEW TUBE BUNDLE CLIPS, AND CHECK THE BRAKE LINES FOR PROPER CLEARANCES. IF THE BRAKE LINES ARE WORN, THE DAMAGED SECTION OF THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE DRIVER AIR BAG TO THE STEERING WHEEL WERE NOT INSTALLED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL COLLISION, THE AIR BAG MODULE WOULD STAY IN POSITION DURING DEPLOYMENT. HOWEVER, THE MODULE COULD LEAVE THE STEERING WHEEL CAVITY FOLLOWING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND INSTALL ANY BOLTS THAT ARE MISSING.
Negative Lincoln Town car 1997 car reviews
Positive Lincoln Town car 1997 car reviews
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Ford, have you considered the opportunity before you? By reintroducing the same frame and body car with updated features such as a backup camera and sound, and keeping the same air glide suspension, you could launch the only vehicle in its class! We seem to have forgotten the comfort of a real air cushioned ride, instead opting for the rough ride of trucks, buses, and vans. Come on Ford, opportunity is knocking!
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I love the Towncar and I don't drive it at 45 mph! This car has great pickup and power. It's quite fast, and most people don't know this about the Towncar. I've been driving them since '86, and I drive mine like a sports car.
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I drive about 20,000 miles a year and I need a car that is reliable and looks good. The town car is perfect for me as it is much more affordable than most of its competitors. I have only experienced one minor issue in the last 5 and a half years. It is a car that you can just get in and go, with style and grace. I plan to keep it until it reaches 150-200,000 miles.
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I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying your car! It sounds like it handles really well and is very reliable, even after 90,000 miles. Your gas mileage of 21 mpg is also impressive. Thank you for recommending this car to others!
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Hi there! I just wanted to share that I absolutely adore my Lincoln. It's my favorite car, even over my Mercedes, Lexus, and Mustang. I feel like we're joined at the hip! Whenever I'm out and about, I always meet the nicest people who want to discuss and even purchase this unique automobile. It's amazing how after building them for 7 years (1990-1996), they really knew how to perfect the 1997 model. I only drive about 4,000 miles per year, but every mile in my Lincoln is a joy!
Additional sources
More sources of information about Lincoln Town car 1997 problems:
1997 Lincoln Town Car Problems and Complaints - 20 Issues
Problem with your 1997 Lincoln Town Car? Our list of 20 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 Lincoln Town Car.
Most common problems - Lincolns OnLine Message Forum
Aug 21, 2012 ... I am looking at a 1997 lincoln town car. An 89 year old had it but went to a nursing home. It has 57k miles on it. he is asking 3k for it (his ...
1990-1997 Lincoln Town Car reliability? : r/lincolnmotorco
Jan 10, 2021 ... In general, the Town Cars are known for being very reliable with excellent longevity. All of the Ford panther platform cars are, in fact. That's ...
97 TC won't start. - Lincolns OnLine Message Forum
Aug 16, 2014 ... Oscar. 1995 Lincoln Town Car Signature 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT 2000 Ford Windstar SE ...
Q&A: Common Problems with 1997 Lincoln Town Car | JustAnswer
Aug 4, 2010 ... HelloCustomer Double check the wiring for the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) it sounds like the mouse may have chewed on it causing the condition ...
Other years of Lincoln Town car
Are you having problems with your Lincoln Town car 1997?
Edgar Dooley 2024-11-17
This has been a great car and I'm still driving it. Despite having some hail damage over 3/4 of the vehicle, it remains a very comfortable car. I only need to know its value for tax purposes. My experience with this car has been positive.
Sebastian Kessler 2024-10-02
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my Lincoln car. I took great care of it and went beyond the suggested maintenance, but unfortunately, at 89,000 miles, the plastic intake manifold melted and caused the car to overheat. It was a tough situation, and I had to replace the engine. After some research, I found out that this is a common issue. Although Lincoln denies any responsibility, I wanted to share my story with you. Thanks for listening!