VehicleVerdict

1997 Lincoln Town Car problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 395 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.7 times the median Town Car year — the 1997 model ranks #1 of 34 Town Car years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (98), suspension (59), and brakes (50), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

395

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

7

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Town Car years?

Town Car NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted395 complaints1977: 2 complaints1978: 1 complaints1980: 1 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 4 complaints1983: 6 complaints1984: 19 complaints1985: 24 complaints1986: 54 complaints1987: 40 complaints1988: 123 complaints1989: 97 complaints1990: 267 complaints1991: 278 complaints1992: 312 complaints1993: 226 complaints1994: 212 complaints1995: 241 complaints1996: 316 complaints1997: 395 complaints1998: 194 complaints1999: 203 complaints2000: 147 complaints2001: 207 complaints2002: 71 complaints2003: 242 complaints2004: 99 complaints2005: 161 complaints2006: 207 complaints2007: 114 complaints2008: 31 complaints2009: 6 complaints2010: 17 complaints2011: 11 complaints
Town Car NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Town Car years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Lincoln Town Car problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine9825%
Suspension5915%
Brakes5013%
Speed Control4411%
Lighting236%
Steering226%
Fuel System185%
Electrical System174%
Visibility & Wipers174%
Body & Structure113%
Tires & Wheels103%
Airbags92%
Other62%
Seat Belts41%
Transmission31%
Seats21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)21%

Does the 1997 Lincoln Town Car have recalls?

8 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15E082000SteeringOctober 6, 2015 · 1,767 units

Defect

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain model Dorman Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 7-0359, and OE Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured April 17, 2014, to September 28, 2015. These aftermarket replacement steering shafts are sold for use in 1995-2002 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. These steering shafts may separate during operation if the integral fastener is loose or missing and if the interfacing vehicle shaft is compressed in length.

Consequence

If the shafts separate during vehicle operation, a loss of steering control would result, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2015. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, option 5.

07V336000Speed ControlAugust 3, 2007 · 3,600,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

01V318000AirbagsOctober 3, 2001 · 911 units

Defect

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE REPLACED AFTER APRIL 5, 2000. THE REPLACEMENT DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE INFLATOR MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT WELDS THAT COULD PREVENT PROPER INFLATION OF THE AIR BAG.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY NOT PROPERLY DEPLOY WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN LESS THAN THE INTENDED LEVEL OF OCCUPANT PROTECTION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 5, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

00V157001Seat BeltsJune 12, 2000 · 1,167 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.

00V157002Seat BeltsJune 12, 2000 · 1,129 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.

98V322000SuspensionDecember 16, 1998 · 175,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1996-1999 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, NATURAL GAS, AND 1996-1999 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT WERE PRODUCED WITH A LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CONTAINING A ONE PIECE BEARING; AND 1990-1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, AND NGV VEHICLES AND 1990-1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN SERVICED WITH EITHER A BALL JOINT CONTAINING THE ONE-PIECE BEARING OR A FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM CONTAINING A BALL JOINT WITH A ONE-PIECE BEARING. THE ONE-PIECE BEARING WITHIN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN WEAKEN SLOWLY DURING USE AND EVENTUALLY CRACK. THIS COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE BALL AND CAP OF THE JOINT, ALLOWING THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP TO THE GROUND.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, REDUCED STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).

98I001000BrakesApril 7, 1998 · 167,742 units

Defect

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. FORD IS INITIATING AN OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR OWNERS OF CERTAIN 1995-1997 CROWN VICTORIA MODEL VEHICLES WITH POLICE, TAXI, AND COMMERCIAL FLEET PACKAGES AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES WITH THE LIVERY PACKAGE. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE UNDERBODY FRONT FLOOR PAN ASSEMBLY WHICH COULD CAUSE WEAR OF THE BRAKE LINES.

Consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FLUID LOSS FOR THE REAR BRAKES AND, POTENTIALLY, INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LINES FOR WEAR, INSTALL TWO NEW TUBE BUNDLE CLIPS, AND CHECK THE BRAKE LINES FOR PROPER CLEARANCES. IF THE BRAKE LINES ARE WORN, THE DAMAGED SECTION OF THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.

96V231000AirbagsNovember 12, 1996 · 742 units

Defect

TWO BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE DRIVER AIR BAG TO THE STEERING WHEEL WERE NOT INSTALLED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL COLLISION, THE AIR BAG MODULE WOULD STAY IN POSITION DURING DEPLOYMENT. HOWEVER, THE MODULE COULD LEAVE THE STEERING WHEEL CAVITY FOLLOWING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND INSTALL ANY BOLTS THAT ARE MISSING.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND A LARGE AMOUNT OF WHITE SMOKE EXPELLED FROM THE EXHAUST. THE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED UNDER THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 14, 2008 · fire

“BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM CONTROL ARM CAUSING CONTROL ARM TO DROP TO THE GROUND. THE SAME AS YOUR RECALL98V322000 BUT CALLING LINCOLN THEY SAID THAT MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. EVEN THOUGH IT DID EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL SAID. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 15, 2014 · crash

“ABS SYSTEM FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT AND TIRE BLOWOUT, LOSS OF CONTROL RESULTING IN ACCIDENT ( NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS DURING COLLISION AND SEAT BELTS DID NOT RESTRAINT PROPERLY), INJURIES DUE TO DEFECTS. YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 29, 1998 · crash

“THE CAR WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY UNATTENDED WITH NO KEY IN THE IGNITION WHEN THE FIRE STARTED. IT HAD BEEN DRIVEN ABOUT 3 HOURS BEFORE WITH NO PROBLEMS. THE FIRE INSPECTOR SAID THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD ON THE LEFT SIDE BUT HE WAS UNABLE TO SAY EXACTLY WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. AFTER CHECKING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · August 23, 2011 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHENEVER THE CONTACT DRIVES WITH THE HIGH BEAMS ACTIVATED, THE LIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL THEY ARE TURNED OFF. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000. UPDATED 11/19/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED A SWITCH WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 13, 2007

1997 Lincoln Town Car — common questions

Is the 1997 Lincoln Town Car reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 395 complaints put the 1997 model at #1 of 34 Town Car years. It is one of the Town Car years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Town Car problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (98 complaints), suspension (59 complaints), brakes (50 complaints).

Does the 1997 Lincoln Town Car have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Lincoln Town Car. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Lincoln Town Car under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 7 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Lincoln Town Car years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Town Car years to avoid are 1997, 1996, 1992, 1991, 1990, 2003, 1995, 1993, 1994, 2006, 2001, 1999, 1998, 2005. The cleanest record among Town Car years belongs to 1981.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.