The contact owns a 1996 Lincoln Town car. While driving approximately 5 mph, the tie rod detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic and he stated that the failure occurs frequently for that year, make, and model vehicle. He further stated that there was no lubrication in the zerks on the tie rods for that year, make, and model vehicle, which caused the failure to occur. The contact was responsible for paying $229 to repair the vehicle. The intake manifold cracked and all of the water left the exhaust system. The contact was responsible for paying $900 for that repair. The manufacturer was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 94,000 and current mileage was 100,000. Updated 02/15/08.

- New Hampton , IA, USA

The tie rod failed again after two previous replacements. Also, the ball joints were replaced twice. While going over a speed bump, one could hear the tie rod touching the ground.

- Boardman, OH, USA

Consumer states that while driving heard a grinding noise. Consumer states that the tie rod fell off in the middle of the street. Consumer loss control of vehicle.

- Milwalkee, WI, USA

The lower control arm disengaged from the lower ball joint, and dropped to the ground, tearing a large hole in the front tire, this caused complete loss of control of vehicle.. also the inner and outer tie rod ends were replaced.

- Akron, OH, USA

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.

- Romeoville, IL, USA

While pulling into a parking lot heard a loud noise. Consumet thought that drove over a hole, got out of vehicle, and found out that ball joints had fallen off vehicle without prior warning. The dealer replaced broken lower ball joints and inner tie rod ends.

- Utica, NY, USA