One problem related to catalytic convertor has been reported for the 1996 Lincoln Town Car. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The exhaust converter went bad at the mileage specified. Notice - I also own a 1990 Lincoln towncar, on which the identical right side tie rod wore out. On the 1996 towncar the tierod was so bad that the right side control arm seperated at the tie rod upon pulling into my driveway! if this component would have failed at highway speeds the resulting lack of steering control would have caused loss of life or equipment.