Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Lincoln Town Car owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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
Life threatening complete brake failure complete loss of brake fluid because of brake line ruptures (both systems) while applying brakes abruptly to avoid an accident. Brake line failure was due to use of cheap uncoated steel brake lines that weakened over the years due to rust. Fortunately, this brake failure occurred at 25mph, just moments after I applied normal braking from 65mph to proceed through a toll booth. If this complete brake failure occurred while braking for the toll booth most likely this brake system failure would have resulted in severe injury and/or death. These inferior uncoated brake lines should have never been allowed to be installed in this vital safety system (brakes) in the first place . And now ...they should be recalled and replaced with superior brake lines under a manufacturer recall program to prevent future severe collisions and loss of life.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Lincoln Town Car. While driving 50 MPH, the front passenger side of the vehicle jumped when the brake pedal was depressed. The dealer stated that the control arm and lower ball joint failed. The brake lines also failed. As of October 23, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. There are recalls for the suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint (NHTSA campaign id number 98V322000) and service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (NHTSA campaign id number 98i001000); however, the dealer refused to repair the vehicle as part of the recalls. The failure mileage was 90,000 and current mileage was 143,000.
Dt*: the contact stated the brake light illuminated constantly. When the brake pedal was depressed, white smoke was observed coming from the engine compartment, accompanied by a smell of brake fluid. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where the mechanic determined that the stainless steel brake piping was severely rusted and cracked. This caused brake fluid to leak from between the master cylinder and the ABS system. The brake fluid was leaking on to the engine causing the smoke. The repair shop replaced part of the piping, but the problem persisted. Updated 10/04/06.
Brake failure due to corroded and rusted brake lines. Had to replace all lines. Can't understand why this occurred as I only have 75,000 miles on my automobile. This could have caused a serious accident as I was in the mountains of tennessee last year. I have never heard of this problem, nor has anyone else whom I have spoken to has ever heard of this problem, and never had this problem with any automobile that I have ever owned. This repair was costing approximately $2,000 to replace all lines. Please advise. Thank you.
1. The ABS lamp remained on and my cost was nearly 1000.00 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.
Dt*: the contact stated there are NHTSA recalls, # 98i001000 and 01V318000, regarding the service brakes: hydraulic :foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and the airbags: frontal: driver side inflator module. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for the service brakes and the brake lines were replaced. Also, the horn is inoperable. The manufacturer was alerted about both recalls who determined the VIN was not included in the recalls.
While driving on Sunday, went to apply the brakes and the pedal went to the floor - also noticed the brake light came on. Checked the fluid and found it almost gone. Took the Car to the dealer on Monday and was told the brake lines were rusted and needed replacing. Was also told my Ford extended warranty would not cover the problem since it was caused by rust/corrosion. Referenced in rq03-004
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Lincoln towncar. The brake lines were rubbing against the frame which caused a leak. This failure was identical to one mentioned in recall#98i001000 concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. The mechanic stated this VIN was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The current and failure mileage was 150,000.
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.
NHTSA investigations
Rear brake line failure
Odi has received 40 complaints alleging rear brake line failure in the subject vehicles, including 8 that have been received this year.an additional 192 reports and 478 warranty claims have been received from Ford.a leak in the rear brake line can cause extended stopping distance.a search of odi's complaint database for peer vehicle complaints, using the same brake line failure criteria as for the subject vehicles…
Rear brake line failure
In a letter dated February 25, 2005, Ford motor company (Ford) notified odi that it would be conducting a customer satisfaction program (Ford no. 04b26) to correct a rear brake line chafing concern in approximately 44,000 model year (my) 1997 Ford crown victoria and grand marquis non-fleet vehicles equipped with electronic traction control that werebuilt after March 19, 1997.these vehicles have an additional rear…
Brake complaints in other Town Car years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Lincoln Town Car?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Lincoln Town Car, 14% of the model year's 314 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Lincoln Town Car brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Lincoln Town Car, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Lincoln Town Car brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.