1997 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series from North America - Comments

In June,2006..I was told by Lincoln dealership that I had a cracked manifold... My car was giving me no problems... I did not believe the mechanic. August 5,2008...I was told by another repair shop that I have a cracked intake manifold. I was not notified about the settlement by the dealership or the lawyers. I contacted my advisor, the service manager at the dealership, to no avail. Then I contacted Ford Customer Service department and was told that a letter was sent to me in July 05. But they have no copy of the letter. The funny thing is the decision was not finalized by the judge until December 16,2005, so Why was the letter sent out in July. I feel that I received no notification concerning the settlement. I have made a call to one of the owners of the dealership. I think my intake manifold should be replaced by Ford. I have been quoted $1300 by Lincoln repair shop and $925 from an independent repair shop. Why such a difference in the prices? I was told that I could continue to drive my vehicle as long as I kept coolant in my over flow container. Something sounds fishy to me. This cracked manifold should be paid for by Ford on all vehicles that have a plastic manifold. Why fix some... Do a total recall and own up to their responsibility. This is my last Lincoln. I have had 3. I was considering purchasing another. I think I will go to Toyota.

If you want to get another Lincoln, try a '95 or older model.

1997 Lincoln Town Car - I am on my second PLASTIC intake manifold of the supposed improved version. It did not crack this time but is leaking around a non-threaded hose nipple, which the dealership says cannot be "fixed". The entire $430 (after market) part was needed. The first "improved" version was a Ford part.

2005 first replacement for cracked original equipment $1,000

2009 second replacement for leaking replacement Ford part $850 (used after market replacement part THIS TIME).

I am really disappointed that this substandard part design continues to be marketed. A threaded nipple could be an improvement. Dealership says this is a common problem observed.

I am also really disappointed that Ford has not stepped forward with offer to make this right for all owners suffering significant repair costs, due to this poorly designed part.

Howard Fleming, Greensboro, NC.