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.
1997 Lincoln Town Car: brake failure
6 of the 312 complaints about the 1997 Lincoln Town Car describe brake failure.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 0
Brake failure by model year
What owners say
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.
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. *ak *bf
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. *nlm referenced in rq03-004
While driving, consumer went to apply brakes to stop and brake pedal went to the floor, took vehicle to dealer and was informed brake lines had corroded and needed replacing.*ak. Consumer aslo had the front brakes replaced.*slc referenced in rq03-004
Lower control arm broke, dropping vehicle to the ground, and consumer lost power steering. Also, while applying the brakes, brakes failed due to a broken brake line. *ak consumer stated carburetor is stuck causing engine to race at high RPM, intake manifold failed causing engine damage.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material...
- All vehicles with antilock brake module concerns that require a module replacement, the technician must...
- Owner notification program 98B19-S1 - brake line wear on certain vehicles
- A squealing and / or moaning noise may be heard from the rear brakes during light to medium brake applications
- The anti-lock brake system ( ABS ) may activate under false ABS conditions
- Hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment from rotunda is now approved for warranty and service use
- Service tip information regarding elimination of sanding rotors and drums
- Availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1997 Lincoln Town Car brake failure
Is brake failure a common problem on the 1997 Lincoln Town Car?
6 of 312 owner complaints about the 1997 Lincoln Town Car (2%) mention brake failure. The model year with the most reports is 1996.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Lincoln Town Car?
There are 0 recalls and 13 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Lincoln Town Car
Ball joint 33Adaptive cruise 19Overheating 17Stalling 17Headlights 15ABS 7Pulling 7Check engine light 6
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1997 Lincoln Town Car?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history