1997 Lincoln Town CAR Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 44about this part
- Share
- 14%of 314 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 44 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Lincoln Town CAR, 14% of the 314 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 1997 Lincoln Town Car the two brake lines that run to the back brakes rusted out, and I lost my stopping power. This should have never happen. Your life depends on them. I had new ones put in at my expense. Can you think that they would put cheap lines in the Lincoln that coast 35000 dollars. They did.”
NHTSA complaint #10136833, filed 2005-09, 97,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10189951, filed 2007-05, 75,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10058228, filed 2004-02, 73,000 miles“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”
NHTSA complaint #10016660, filed 2003-04, 64,302 miles“Consumer complained about a brake line problem. There is insufficient clearance between the brake line and the underbody front floor pan assembly. This has caused excessive wear to the brake lne resulting in loss of brake fluid and and increasing the braking distance.”
NHTSA complaint #10116978, filed 2005-04, 108,600 milesBrakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 17% |
| 2008 | 5 | 25% |
| 2007 | 13 | 15% |
| 2006 | 21 | 15% |
| 2005 | 24 | 20% |
| 2004 | 10 | 12% |
| 2003 | 15 | 7% |
| 2002 | 11 | 17% |
| 2001 | 13 | 8% |
| 2000 | 13 | 12% |
| 1999 | 19 | 13% |
| 1998 | 20 | 13% |
| 1997 | 44 | 14% |
| 1996 | 30 | 12% |
| 1995 | 52 | 32% |
| 1994 | 23 | 15% |
| 1993 | 25 | 14% |
| 1992 | 32 | 13% |
| 1991 | 44 | 28% |
| 1990 | 17 | 8% |
| 1989 | 2 | 2% |
| 1988 | 3 | 3% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1997 Lincoln Town CAR
87 complaintsSuspension
50 complaintsVehicle speed control
43 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
16 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsEngine
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Lincoln Town CAR
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology