Tl* the contact owns a 1996 lincoln town car. While attempting to drive the vehicle and shift the gear into drive with the brake pedal depressed. The pedal traveled to the floorboard and all the warning indicators illuminated. When the contact poured brake fluid into the reservoir and depressed the brake pedal, smoke appeared from the engine compartment near the master cylinder. The contact also stated that the brake line corroded. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
1996 Lincoln Town Car brakes problems
30 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 101,242. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 30
- of this car's complaints
- 12%
- typical mileage
- 101,242
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings11
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip9
- Supply: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2
- Foundation components2
- Supply1
- Power assist: hydraulic: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
- Foundation components: master cylinder1
- Foundation components: drum1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Lincoln Town Car brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Lincoln Town Car brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
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 line and a mastic patch causing reduced clearance from a stiffening rib in the floor pan.odi?s analysis showed higher complaint and warranty rates related to rear brake line failures in this population than in other subject vehicles and peer mid-sized passenger cars that were evaluated during the investigation.vehicles involved in ford?s program will have the rear brake lines inspected for contact with the floor pan stiffing rib.if there is contact, but no abrasion or leakage, the brake lines will be repositioned.if there is abrasion or a leak is evident the brake line will be repaired.if necessary, both of the rear brake lines will be replaced. Though ford does not admit to a safety-defect in the subject components, odi believes that the facts in this investigation show otherwise because the insufficient clearance in the routing of those brake lines may result in leaks in those lines that may result in increased stopping distances.odi is designating the campaign a safety recall (the federal safety agency recall no. 05v‑086).because of the low rates of brake line failures in the remaining subject vehicles, a safety-related defect has not been identified in those populations and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists in those vehicles.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
EA03012
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 and the same model years (1995-97), identified only 1 complaint involving general motors caprice/implala/88/98/regal vehicles and only 2 complaints involving chrysler lh-cars.the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis to further evaluate the frequency, scope, and causal factors related to rear brake line failures in the subject vehicle population.
RQ03004
What 1996 Lincoln Town Car owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I own a 1996 lincoln towncar VIN [xxx]. On saturday 7/9/2011 my brake lines broke and my brakes failed in rockwood, tn. Fortunately I was able to safely drive the car to a safe place where I had a friend patch the lines with rubber hoses and was able to again use my brakes. I discovered that ford has issued a recall for certain towncars #79493 4/7/1998 for brake line replacement. I went to 2 ford dealerships and was told this recall didn't cover my car. I feel this recall should cover my car because the same defects on the towncars covered are present on my towncar and caused the brake lines to break. I am asking ford to authorize me to receive the same protection afforded the owners of the covered towncars and cover my repairs at one of my local ford dealerships. I called the customer relations center on 7/12/2011 and was given a case number [xxx]. I called again on 7/13/2011 and was told the recall didn't cover my car. I am only asking for the same treatment afforded many other covered 1996 towncar owners under this recall! Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
Brakes failed - due to severe corrosion on brake lines (right front). Second occurrence different brake line(rear). Also occurred on my neighbors 1996 lincoln town car (rear brake line) both cars are available for inspection. Serious accident avoided by using emergency brake.
Brake pedal to the floor while driving in mall parking lot. Brake fluid flowing from leak in rusted brake line under body of vehicle at location where attached to frame. Found metal brake lines rusty from distribution block in engine compartment to all 4 wheels. Fortunately this happened at slow speed, what would have happened if this vehicle failed to stop at a busy intersection?vehicle currently awaiting parts to repair. Old parts will be available for inspection. *jb updated 10/10/07
Total sudden brake failure on lincoln town car due to rust/corrosion of brake lines. Own two other lincoln town cars whose brake lines are also severely rusted. Fortunately, failure occurred on my driveway and wreck was avoided. Personally replaced worst sections of rear brake lines via bypassing factory installed lines leaving original lines in place.
Brake line failure due to corroded brake line.
On four separate occasions the consumer experienced a loss of braking due to four different sections of the metal brake line due to exterior corrosion. Each time the vehicle was taken to a repair shop to have the brake line replaced. The dealer was notified. *ak the vehicle struck the rear of a utility truck due to the brake failure. The air bag did not deploy. The first failure occurred in 2001. The brake pedal had gone to the floor upon application with no braking effect on either axle. Each failure occurred by ruptured steel brake line due to external rust. *sc
A cell phone using driver cut into my lane and I had to hit the brakes hard. There was a sudden loss of braking power but I was able to steer around the SUV. My rear steel brake line failed in the area located just in front of the left rear tire. These brake lines are a problem! Last summer the same thing happened to my wife's 95 mercury grand marquis. I will have to replace all steel lines as all are rusted. When will fomoco do something about these failures? How many people must get hurt or die?
While driving at 10 MPH the consumer applied the brakes and brake pedal went to the floor, brakes failed completely. This resulted in extended stopping distance. Consumer had to use the emergency brake to stop. Dealer indicated the hose connected to the master cylinder needed to be replaced.
I am reporting a catastrophic brake line safety failure that occurred with my 1996 lincoln town car due to corrosion of a flexible span of the brake line to the ABS. Fortunately no injuries or damage occurred as I was driving about 10 MPH and stopped using the emergency brake. This looks like a recall safety issue. Also, according the sheehy ford dealer, the only replacement includes other lines and components at an expense of nearly $500.
Questions about the 1996 Lincoln Town Car brakes
Does the 1996 Lincoln Town Car have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 30 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Lincoln Town Car, 12% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1996 Lincoln Town Car brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 101,242 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Lincoln Town Car brakes?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Lincoln Town Car have bad brakes?
The Lincoln Town Car model years with the most brakes complaints are 1995 (52 complaints), 1991 (44 complaints) and 1997 (44 complaints).
Other 1996 Lincoln Town Car problems
Engine 90Acceleration 33Suspension 24Electrical 19Steering 18Seat belts 15Lights 14Fuel system 10Airbags 9Visibility 8Locks 6Body 4Seats 2Transmission 2Wheels 2
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