Four problems related to front suspension control arm have been reported for the 1997 Lincoln Town Car. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Ball jointseparated 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.
The contact owns a 1997 Lincoln Town Car. While driving approximately 20 mph, the engine began to misfire. The check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel until the engine was turned off. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they informed that the engine manifold would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Also, on a separate occasion the front lower control arm fractured and collapsed onto the front driver side wheel. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
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. Consumer has the same problem. A recall has been issued on similar makes and models, however this vehicle is not included due to VIN.
At 1500 miles front end of vehicle felt like it was going to collapse or fall apart whenever hitting bumps or pot holes, it was very hard to keep control of vehicle when this happened. Consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer has made several attempts to correct problem, however problem still occurs, consumer is afraid to drive this vehicle.