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.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

I am the owner of a 1997 Lincoln Town car. My wife was driving the car today with her mother and 2 children, ages 2 1/2 yrs & 4 wks. The engine suddenly began to loose coolant fluid rapidly and overheated. This left all of them stranded. After having the vehicle towed into a repair shop, we were notified it had a cracked intake manifold. It only has 99K miles. Then I was informed that this was normal considering it had a plastic manifold. After researching this issue, I have found thousands with the same problem, but of course Ford is willing to handle the big guys (I.e.; government fleets and taxis services) and get their problems fixed. Of course us little guys must spend the money to replace some guys project with plastic. They would loose money if they didn't take care of their money bag, the big guys. So tell me why I have to pay $1000 to fix their screw up. I think their needs to be another class action to make Ford pay for their mistake. I am paying for mine, buying a Ford.

- Lake Charles, LA, USA

I am not covered by the recent settlement on my 1997 Town car both because of it's age is just outside the covered range, and because the manifold only failed yesterday. The manifold cracked on interstate 293 in manchester, nh. When the car shifted into overdrive after accelerating slightly steam came from under the car due to coolant loss. The engine did not overheat, because I was able to stop and call for help quickly. I am the second owner of the car. It has 96,000 miles on it, has been well maintained, and otherwise has never had a mechanical problem. I have been quoted $900 to repair this problem. The intake manifold should be considered a lifetime part, mine cracked without being abused.

- Bow, NH, USA

Upper plastic manifold broke and leaked out coolant while traveling. Repair was made by replacing manifold at a cost of $812.89. Reported this to Ford dealer after settlement date and was told that the repair was made after 7 year warranty period had expired.

- Philadelphia, MS, USA

Manifold developed a engine coolent crack. Repair was $1150. Car had to be towed to dealer for repair. Manifold was replaced. Manifold is made from plastic. Internet research shows that this is very common defect.

- Chester, SC, USA

Complaint concerning plastic intake manifold on 1997 Lincoln Town car. The vehicle's manifold cracked without warning and caused coolant to leak from the vehicle. The consume requested reimbursement but was refused.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

1997 lincol towncar-intake manifold cracked and spewed out antifreeze causing a blanket of whit smoke endagering the vehicles behind me. The manufacturer knew in advance that this plastic manifold was defective. I had to get a wrtecker and the repair cost me $1,100. Ford should be held liable

- Reed City, MI, USA

The intake manifold on a 97 Lincoln Town car was originally made of plastic. This manifold has cracked in a large number of cars that use this manifold. These cars include the Crown Victoria, the mustang and the Town car. When purchasing a new manifold, it has been redesigned and a cast iron section has replaced the front plastic section. Keep in mind that the rest is still plastic. The manifold supposedly cracks under the pressure of the alternator, which is attached to the front of the manifold. A recall was issued only for fleet and police vehicles. I believe this is unfair to the consumer. Ford's engineers made a mistake and they are not claiming responsibility unless the vehicles are part of a fleet. The cost of replacement of the manifold is $975. It's not pocket change even for a Lincoln owner. And even if it were just pocket change the owner shouldn't have to pay for an engineering mistake that could have injured someone. The crack in the manifold causes the coolant to leak out of the engine, which could cause other serious repercussions. I, along with many other consumers, feel that Ford (Lincoln) should take responsibility for this defect.

- Broadview Hts, OH, USA

Lincoln towncar 1997- intake manifold;cross over made of plastic cracked while driving on interstate hwy in ga, causing the antifreeze to leak out and endanger the driver of stalling. Vehicle w/O antifreeze started to overheat was close to an exit and got off interstate in time. There are numereous customers that have this same problem. Manufacturer knew that plastic was not the appropriate material for a cooling system cross-over device in a vehicles engine such as the Lincoln.... this is a high end car..... such inferior materials should not be used. Ford should replace this part at no cost to consumer when it fails..this is a dangerous flaw.. could cost serious accidents and injury when vehicle overheats and stops on a interstate high speed. Consumer should not have to pay for manufacturers poor judgement and mistakes.

- College Park, GA, USA

1997 Lincoln Town car intake manifold: Cross-over channel coolant seepage (the intake manifold is made of plastic and prone to cracks) coolant runs through part of the cross-over channel of the intake manifold.

- Slidell, LA, USA

Part is plastic. Similar vehicles have been recalled. Failure of this part in turn caused the heads to warp. We have lost approximately 2 weeks of revenue from this vehicle.

- Orefield, PA, USA