Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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. 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.
While driving 45 MPH the vehicle swerved to the left without warning . The consumer could not control the vehicle and the vehicle went through a guard rail. The vehicle flipped over three times down an embankment. The consumer suffered injuries to the spine and several limbs. The insurance company claims that the steering column malfunctioned. The vehicle was totaled.
Excessive wear on the upper and lower control arm ball joints LED to vague steering and a wandering Car path. The control arm ball joints that were replaced were rubber on metal without zerk lube fittings. They were designed to fail. The replacement control arm ball joints are metal-on-metal with zerk lube fittings. In 1999 there was a recall on Lincoln Town cars for replacement of the lower control arm ball joints. The recall numbers are NHTSA recall no. 98V322/Ford recall no. 98s37. However, we had to pay the full amount of the repair. Developed a crack in the intake manifold coolant crossover pipe and lost all engine coolant. We had to have it towed 80 miles for repair. Several Ford recalls were issued on the 4.6l v8 engine for replacement of this defective part; but they were for police cars, limo fleets, etc. I was told I am not covered. …
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?
Would be driving & the steering wheel would have too much play. Feels like losing control of vehicle. Took vehicle to dealer. Steering pressure sensor has been rplaced or changed & affects the steering of the vehicle. Rocker arm was cracked & needed replacing. Had an accident due to lack of control of steering wheel. Hit a telephone pole & the air bags deployed. Suffered injuries.
The consumer was not able to restart the parked vehicle due to the locked steering column. The steering column had been excessively difficult to unlock. The consumer was concerned about being stranded when the situation occurs. Mr the incident happened in the summer of 1998 as well-possibly the first incident. Scc
The consumer states that while pulling out the garage the outer tie rod fell off, unable to steer vehicle. Which could have caused a serious accident if vehicle was on the highway. Ts the front end was aligned. The consumer feels that there is an error with the type of tie rods being used on this vehicle. Scc
An extremely strong mildew odor is coming from the air conditioning unit, causing passengers to become ill. Dealer states odor is due to coil which is too tight around air conditioner, preventing water to escape, and causing mildew odor. Emergency brake shoes were replaced. Brakes squeal, dealer has replaced front brake pads, resurfaced rotors, lubed caliper slides, replaced rear brake pads, machined rear rotors, however brakes still squeal. Both rear wheels were covered with gear lube. Drivers shoulder belt would not retract at times, dealer replaced seat belt. Noise and thimping felt in steering when making turns, dealer lubed stops. Left front window inoperable, dealer replaced window regulater. Front roof welt loose and broken, dealer replaced. Front door pull trim missing. Blend doors inoperable, will not blow air through defrost vent. Ash tray will not close. …
Anti theft - system would go off on its own; locked garage, etc. After 3 tries, dealer replaced sterring column tamper switch. (3/15/00). No problem since then. Soon roof rocker switch has broken twice. You still must be extremely careful when opening and closing the sun roof.
While driving vehicle stalled out at least 3-4 times a week. Has taken vehicle to dealership & mechanic placed vehicle on diagnostic machine. No code came up. Mechanic did replace fuel filter/ idler/ neck in fuel tank & a canister. But, problem still exists.
Steering complaints in other Town Car years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Lincoln Town Car?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Lincoln Town Car, 7% of the model year's 314 complaints. The component named most often is column locking › anti-theft device (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Lincoln Town Car steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to steering 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.