One problem related to ball joint has been reported for the 1996 Lincoln Town Car. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving my 1996 signature series Town Car about 25 mis/hr in residential area the right front ball joint suspension collapsed & "rolled" under the car frame. The slow speed enabled the car to be stopped within feet. Driver & a passenger unhurt. Car towed to aaa certified garage that had been used for over 25 years. Suspension replaced as was the left one that mechanic deemed ready to also collapse. Resident municipality literally surrounded by expressways whose speed limit is 65 mis/hr. Deaths and or severe injuries would most certainly have resulted had collapse occurred while driving at allowed speed limit as this driver does. The car had 92551 carefully driven miles on it. Car always garaged and meticulously maintained by owner, dealer and the mechanic used . Worse that did happen was the almost $500 bill & being late for an annual conference being held at nearby university.