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.

- Houston, TX, USA

1. the ABS lamp remained on and my cost was nearly $1000 to diagnose a faulty module, and have it replaced. The Lincoln towncar is a 97 with only 73K miles. 2. there is a suspension noise in the front driver side which I was told would cost nearly 600 dollars because they have to break the seal to access the area and that it is not a simple lubricatiion job. 3. I have seen several recalls associated with the ABS and front suspensions yet I have never received any by mail.

- Riverton, NJ, USA

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. Consumer has the same problem. A recall has been issued on similar makes and models, however this vehicle is not included due to VIN.

- Berea, KY, USA

On December 14, 2001, while parking my car with my granddaughter buckled in her car seat in the back, I suddenly heard a loud crashing sound and felt the jolt of the entire right side of my car collapsing. I immediately removed myself and my granddaughter from the car only to see that the suspension on the right side of the car had simply fallen off. As a mechanic in my younger years it was very obvious that my grand daughter and I would have been severely injured-even killed- had this occurred on the highway. There were no warning signs at all. In over 50 years as a safe driver and operating a variety of trucks and automobiles, I have never before encountered such a defect with such high potential for lethality. The dealer has already insulted my intelligence by trying to minimize the significance of such a defect and suggest that I would pay for the damage and feel comfortable ever driving this vehicle again. Please investigate as soon as possible. The Lincoln towncar tends to be very popular amongst older/elderly adults who may not have the resources to confront any attempts to coverup/conceal the magnitude of this problem. Please call me any time for any further clarifications. Thank you

- Arlington, VA, USA

At 1500 miles front end of vehicle felt like it was going to collapse or fall apart whenever hitting bumps or pot holes, it was very hard to keep control of vehicle when this happened. Consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer has made several attempts to correct problem, however problem still occurs, consumer is afraid to drive this vehicle.

- Storm Lake, IA, USA

When driving at high speeds and hitting a small bump vehicle wanders over to next lane. Dealer has seen vehicle 4 or 5 times. But, problem still exists.

- Livonia, MI, USA

Front end shimmied, making it difficult to steer and handle vehicle when driving at highway speeds, and on rough roads. Dealer has replaced idler arm. Also, consumer replaced tires and shocks, but defect still occurs. Cause is still unknown.

- Ronkonkoma, NY, USA

Please reference identical ODI case# 815394. No safety defect listed in summary.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

The car will drift to the right or left. When the driver tries to steer straight, the vehicle goes to the extreme in that direction. Dealer cannot fix vehicle.

- Abilene, KS, USA

Front right and left tires wore out due to alignment problems.

- Philadelph, PA, USA

The water leak is coming in from the windshield wiper motor assembly. I have talked with other 1997 Lincoln towncar owners and they all have the same problem. The water enters the car under the windshield wiper motor and runs down the firewall underneth the carpet and forms a pool of water underneth the carpet in the rear passenger compartment. The dealer tries to sell you an undercoating and does not guaratnee this will fix the problem

- Portland, OR, USA

While driving vehicle experiences front end shimmy. Took to dealer 4 different times. Had tires/brakes changed.

- Bedford Heights, OH, USA

While driving the vehicle began swerving across the road. Took the vehicle back to the dealer and they replaced the steering box. Then vehicle started doing it again, and they took it to the dealer, engineer told the consumer that it was his driving habits that was causing the vehicle to swerve. Dealer fixed the problem, but since then it has started again.

- Strafford, CT, USA

Vehicle is unstable on the highway.

- Bloomington, IL, USA