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 1998 Lincoln Town Car owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Accident 7/11/04 wife rear ended a Dodge dorango and totaled her Lincoln Town Car. She didn't see thr Car stop in front of her quick enough when applying the brakes the Car went in a nice straight line but did not have good braking . I found this to be true when driving this Car myself . Now we have to pay the price of increased ins. And a bad mark . My wife has never had an accident but there is no room for this in the ins. World even though the Car had a engineering problem as so recorded by mycarstats.com and others.this Car and Ford products were ===improved=== in 1999 or 2000 but of course there is no problem.
My 1998 Lincoln Town Car (approx 35,000 miles) dramatically pulls to the right during braking when road conditions are wet and the Car is travelling in excess of 40 miles per hour. This problem is addressed in fordmotor company's repair bulliten 98-13-4 dtd 07/06/98. Notwithstanding having the Car repaired by an ase certified mechanic (napa approved) in accordance with the service bulliten the problem has reoccured after 3,000 miles. This is an extremely dangerous condition which could result in a serious accident, particularly since the problem only occurs at highway speeds when traffic conditions are already dangerous because of wet conditions.
When braking , the steering wheel would pull hard to the right. This made it hard for the driver to maintain control of vehicle. The brake rotors were warped. Also the lower ball joints were replaced, the engine light illuminated, the dealer found the EVAP canister solenoid valve leaking.
I have had a brake problems with the front brakes they kept locking-up and smoking 1 first round they changed a front right hub and sensor, that lasted about 1 mile that was around $425.00 dollars. Picked up the Car drove it home 1/4 mile the ABS light came on. This time it had to be towed back to the dealer. Car sat for one week because a tech was on vacation! Then I got a call from my service rep and gave me price around $3200.00 for the repair. After thinking how much money I put in the Car over the years I gave her the go ahead to do the work. Another 3/4 week went by the job was know completed so I picked up the Car drove it to work. Again it did the same problem the front wheels locked-up but this time I drove & made it to the dealer. I called ahead of time so she was waiting for me to pull into their yard. …
Vehicle would pull to the right in bad wet weather conditions. When the pads were replaced vehicle would pull to the left at anytime. Dealer resolved the problem . Vehicle has been to the dealer 8 different times. Consumer also states very difficult to steer wheel and when aking turns there would be a noise from the front end. Also when pressing brakes radio makes a static sound, and when playing tapes there is also a squealing noise powre mirror switch sticks in the down position.
Vehicle experienced problem with vibration when brakes were applied due to excessive warping of rotors. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that nothing else could be done at this time. Vibration still present after replacing the rotors.
While traveling 10 MPH and without any indication brakes failed, resulting in vehicle hitting curve to stop. Please provide further information.
In wet weather above 40 MPH the Town Car weaves erratically left and right upon touching brakes.
The power assist problem existed when the Car was purchased. This is a serious problem when it is raining. I notified the dealer and they stated that there was no defect in the power steering.
Brake rotors experienced failure on two occasions due to vibration. On one occasions at 10,000 miles rotors were rotated, rotors failed again at 20000 miles.
Brake complaints in other Town Car years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Lincoln Town Car?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Lincoln Town Car, 13% of the model year's 154 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Lincoln Town Car brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Lincoln Town Car, though it has 7 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 1998 Lincoln Town Car brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 31,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.