1997 Lincoln Town Car steering problems

Filed May 22, 2019 · Steering · 300,000 miles · SC

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.

Filed Jan 25, 2014 · Steering · 145,000 miles · CT

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?

Filed Jul 26, 2004 · Steering · 47,000 miles · MD · crash · 2 injuries

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. *nm

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Steering · 82,500 miles · NJ

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 the federal safety agency 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. The little guy is left paying a thousand dollars for ford's engineering defect. Within a time period of 4 months, we have had to spend almost two thousand dollars to correct ford's design defects.

Filed Jan 10, 2003 · Steering · FL

Consumer was unable to start the vehicle because the steering wheel was locked, the steering wheel was difficult for the consumer to unlock. *tt

Filed Nov 6, 2002 · Steering · 13,500 miles · FL

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

Filed Oct 22, 2002 · Steering · 77,000 miles · MI

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

Filed May 9, 2002 · Steering · SC

Center linkage (drag link) metalurgical failure of break.

Filed Apr 3, 2002 · Steering, Suspension · OH

The lower control arm disengaged from the lower ball joint, and dropped to the ground, tearing a large hole in the front tire, this caused complete loss of control of vehicle.

Filed Dec 31, 2001 · Steering · TX

Steering wheel became very loose. Steering wheel was free to turn in both directions with out stopping. Consumer took vehicle to dealer, and they stated that steering column rod came out. Dealer replaced steering parts. Please provide any further information.