Ford Lincoln -- Town car, year model 1997. Brake line (tubing) between point of distribution from master cylinder/booster to rear axle. Also brake line between rear wheels (fastened to outside of rear axle housing). This brake line tubing is of inferior metal composition prone to rusting in northern climates where winter salt is spread on road surfaces. Case in point: When the car was parked on the parking lot, everything was fine. When car was restarted after a short duration of being parked, upon pressing the brake pedal, all brake fluid squirted onto pavement. Root cause: The corroded brake line burst somewhere, approximately, under the driver's seat on the roadside (bottom side) of the floor board. This necessitates the replacement of the entire brake line tubing stretch (as per design) in excess of $1,200, parts and labor included. This burst of fluid could have occurred anywhere. Since the incident occurred at a time and a place from where it was possible to drive the car a short distance to its home parking position using only the emergency brake, where needed, at a speed of no higher than 10 -15 mph. A private research indicated that this problem is somewhat 'common.' Subsequent inquiries at dealerships verified the fact that there is a goodly number of brake line replacements. Labor time expended is about a full day (a full shift). To the writer of this note it is not known how many serious accidents might have been already caused by this inferior quality brake line. A short length of the subject brake line covered with a plastic coating -- when uncovered to expose the metal tubing -- showed that tubing as if brand new, unaffected by the road salt. This is a very serious problem, and it merits a thorough investigation including a recall. The writer of this note is not aware of any later models having the same type of problem. That is up to the investigators to find out.

- Southbury, CT, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Lincoln Town car. While driving 50 mph, the front passenger side of the vehicle jumped when the brake pedal was depressed. The dealer stated that the control arm and lower ball joint failed. The brake lines also failed. As of October 23, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. There are recalls for the suspension: Front: Control arm: Lower ball joint (NHTSA campaign id number 98V322000) and service brakes, hydraulic: Foundation components: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (NHTSA campaign id number 98I001000); however, the dealer refused to repair the vehicle as part of the recalls. The failure mileage was 90,000 and current mileage was 143,000.

- Little River, SC, USA

Brake failure due to corroded and rusted brake lines. Had to replace all lines. Can't understand why this occurred as I only have 75,000 miles on my automobile. This could have caused a serious accident as I was in the mountains of Tennessee last year. I have never heard of this problem, nor has anyone else whom I have spoken to has ever heard of this problem, and never had this problem with any automobile that I have ever owned. This repair was costing approximately $2,000 to replace all lines. Please advise. Thank you.

- Freehold, NJ, USA

: the contact stated the brake light illuminated constantly. When the brake pedal was depressed, white smoke was observed coming from the engine compartment, accompanied by a smell of brake fluid. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where the mechanic determined that the stainless steel brake piping was severely rusted and cracked. This caused brake fluid to leak from between the master cylinder and the ABS system. The brake fluid was leaking on to the engine causing the smoke. The repair shop replaced part of the piping, but the problem persisted. Updated 10/04/06.

- Wind Gap, PA, USA

: the contact stated there are NHTSA recalls, # 98I001000 and 01V318000, regarding the service brakes: Hydraulic :foundation components: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and the airbags: Frontal: Driver side inflator module. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for the service brakes and the brake lines were replaced. Also, the horn is inoperable. The manufacturer was alerted about both recalls who determined the VIN was not included in the recalls.

- Manalapan, NJ, USA

I have a 1997 Lincoln Town car the two brake lines that run to the back brakes rusted out, and I lost my stopping power. This should have never happen. Your life depends on them. I had new ones put in at my expense. Can you think that they would put cheap lines in the Lincoln that coast 35000 dollars. They did.

- Croydon, PA, USA

Consumer complained about a brake line problem. There is insufficient clearance between the brake line and the underbody front floor pan assembly. This has caused excessive wear to the brake lne resulting in loss of brake fluid and and increasing the braking distance.

- Citrus Heights, CA, USA

1997 linclon Town car rear brake line failure due to corrosion. Vehicle is now in repair shop.

- Pasadena, MD, USA

While driving on Sunday, went to apply the brakes and the pedal went to the floor - also noticed the brake light came on. Checked the fluid and found it almost gone. Took the car to the dealer on Monday and was told the brake lines were rusted and needed replacing. Was also told my Ford extended warranty would not cover the problem since it was caused by rust/corrosion. Referenced in RQ03-004

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

While driving the vehicle's brake line failed which resulted in the consumer vehicle rear ending another vehicle. The dealer was notified. Referenced in RQ03-004

- Hopkins, MN, USA

When brakes was applied the vehicle failed to stop. The owner had the brakes checked out which informed him the brake line had rusted and allowed brake fluid to leak out. Referenced in RQ03-004

- Ship Bottom, NJ, USA

Owner attempted to pull out onto a major road and brake pedal descended to floor. Owner noticed that all fluid had run out onto the ground. A steel brake line that ran parallel with gas line had rusted through. Referenced in RQ03-004

- Ship Bottom, NJ, USA

Consumer had front brake pads replaced and front brake rotors machined, 4 months later while driving, brakes failed, dealer states brake lines totoally rusted out leaving the vehicle with no braking capacity. Referenced in RQ03-004

- Singer Island, FL, USA

While driving, consumer went to apply brakes to stop and brake pedal went to the floor, took vehicle to dealer and was informed brake lines had corroded and needed replacing.. consumer aslo had the front brakes replaced. Referenced in RQ03-004

- Singer Island, FL, USA

During inspection, a repair shop determined that brake line had been rubbing against chassis, causing brake line to rupture. Consumer was informed of a recall regarding this, however it is for the limousine model only. Referenced in RQ03-004

- Santa Clara, UT, USA

When brakes were applied pedal went to floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Dealer has inspected vehicle. Brake lines are on national back order. Referenced in RQ03-004

- Peninsula, OH, USA

Lower control arm broke, dropping vehicle to the ground, and consumer lost power steering. Also, while applying the brakes, brakes failed due to a broken brake line. Consumer stated carburetor is stuck causing engine to race at high RPM, intake manifold failed causing engine damage.

- Landsdowne, PA, USA