1992 Lincoln Continental

Routine

Owners filed 126 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine and engine cooling › engine. It has been recalled 3 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine23
000
Vehicle Speed Control10
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline9
030
Structure › Frame and Members7
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip6
000
Suspension › Rear5
000
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner5
000
Unknown or Other4
000
Suspension › Front › Springs › Air Suspension System4
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission3
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Structure › Frame and Members98V323000
Filed Dec 16, 19982,697,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.

Risk. IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.

Vehicle Speed Control97V025000
Filed Feb 26, 1997212,700 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINES AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. WATER CAN ACCUMULATE WITHIN THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT. IF ENOUGH WATER ACCUMULATES, IT COULD FREEZE WITHIN A LOW AREA OF THE CABLE ROUTING WHEN EXPOSED TO A LONG TERM COLD SOAK AT TEMPERATURES AT LEAST SEVERAL DEGREES BELOW FREEZING.

Risk. DRIVER CONTROL OF VEHICLE SPEED USING THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM WOULD BE DIMINISHED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan97V019000
Filed Feb 25, 199775,200 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THESE VEHICLES ARE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, IOWA, MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, AND SOUTH DAKOTA. THE VEHICLES INVOLVED ARE 1992-1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES WITH 3.0L ENGINES; 1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 2.3L ENGINES; 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8L ENGINES; 1994-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.0L ENGINES AND 1992-1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINES. DURING HIGH WINDS, HEAVY, BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AND LOW TEMPERATURES, THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CAN BECOME BLOCKED OR FROZEN WITH SNOW. THE FAN MOTOR MAY NOT ROTATE AND COULD OVERHEAT.

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE SMOKE OR FLAMES FROM THE FAN AND/OR SHROUD, THE FAN ELECTRICAL WIRING, OR THE FAN MOTOR RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Jun 9, 2015130,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR SUB-MOUNT FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 2, 2009140,000 milesPA

THERE ARE TIMES WHEN I AM USING MY CRUISE CONTROL AND STEP ON THE BRAKE TO DISENGAGE IT THAT THE CAR ACTUALLY SPEEDS UP. I HAVE TO STEP ON THE BRAKE SEVERAL TIMES TO GET IT TO DISENGAGE. IT IS QUITE SCARY. *TR

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Jun 11, 2004MS

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH A FIRE STARTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Jan 15, 2004NY

HERE IS THE LIST OF PROBLEMS I'VE HAD WITH THIS CAR. 1.PURCHASED FROM BOB MULLEN AUTO BATAVIA NY MILAGE: 58702 ,JUNE 3RD 1999 2.RETURNED CAR 10 DAYS LATER , AC DIDN'T WORK, DEALER REPIRED AT HIS COST OF $500. 3.JAN 2000 REPAIR EXHAUST SYSTEM. MY SHARE OF BILL $514.00 4. 4/28/2000 MONROE MUFFLER, WORK ON FRONT END AIR SUSPENSION, $370 5. 7/28/2000 ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED, COST $152 FOR NEW SWITCHES 6. 9/15/2000 TOOK CAR BACK TO DEALER ABS WASN'T WORKING ESTIMATE TO REPAIR..$826, HAD DEALER DISARM ABS 7. DGL ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. HAD TO TAKE CAR TO LINCOLN DEALER,,ESTIMATED COST TO FIX ALL THE THINGS DISCOVERED TO BE BAD, $3480. TOLD THEM I'D TAKE MY CHANCES 8. 4/9/2001 TOOK CAR AGAIN TO MONROE MUFFLER FOR RIGHT AIR SUSPENSION REPLACEMENT, COST $638.... 9. 4/23/2001 CAR RETURNED TO COLE MUFFLER MUFFLERS ROTTED OUT ALREADY WERE REPLACED WITH NEW ONES PLUS PIPES. 10. 5/01/01 TOOK CAR TO AIR CONDITIONING CENTER SAID IT HAD CRACKED HOUSING REPAIR WOULD COST $575. MADE SURE WINDOWS WORKED!!! 11. 7/16/2002 TOOK CAR TO TRANSMISSION CENTER FOR SERVICE. REPLACED SWITCH FOR CAR WOULD GO INTO 2ND GEAR COST $121. STILL NOT WORKING RIGHT. 12. 4/15/2003 OIL PAN STARTED TO LEAK, HAVE HAD TO WELD BUSTED SEAM $125 13. NOT SURE BUT IT SHOWS SIGNS OF OVERHEATING PROBLEMS, WHICH MAY LEAD TO HEAD GASKET FAILURE AND THE CAR STILL ONLY HAS ABOUT 80,000 MILES!! THE CAR IS A CONTINENTAL BUT HAS BEEN RENAMED TOWN CAR BECAUSE I DON'T DARE TAKE IT OUT OF TOWN.. THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST IN THIS MATTER.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 200461,774 milesMD

VEHICLE BROKE DOWN WHILE HEADED SOUTH I95 ON 12/26/02 IN PETERBURG,VIRGINIA. FORCED TO RENT A CAR WHILE BEING REPAIRED. REPLACED HEAD GASKETS AND EGO SENSOR AND PERIPHERAL WORK NEEDED. COST: $1,215.89 PLUS RENTAL (STRANDED IN VA) $264.60. TOTAL OF $1,480.49. THIS IS NOT A MAINTENANCE ITEM, BUT A FLAW IN VEHICLE WHICH FORD-LINCOLN HAS ACKNOWLEDGED VIA A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. I BELIEVE LATER MODELS 1994? WERE COVERED BY FORD FOR REPAIR EXPENSE. ALSO MY MILEAGE IS A 1000 OVER THAT FOR REPAIR REIMBURSEMENT. BUT THIS VEHICLE REPAIR ALSO SHOULD BE COVERED BY MANUFACTURER BECAUSE IT IS THE SAME FLAWED 3.8 ENGINE!

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 16, 200372,100 milesOH

1992 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WOULDN'T GO IN GEAR. TURNING IT OFF AND ON IT WOULD GO IN GEAR UNTIL YOU STARTING GOING THEN NOTHING. *LA

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed Sep 10, 2003VA

DEALER REPLACED ROTORS AND PAD FOR A NEW YORK TRIP. BY THE TIME CONSUMER ARRIVED IN NEW YORK BRAKES FAILED. CURRENTLY, BRAKE FLUID LEAK. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 14, 2003WA

ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED CAUSING A COLLISION. AFTERWARDS, THE "ABS" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DEALER NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE. TS

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 7, 2002MI

WORN MOUNT ALLOWS ENGINE TO SHIFT AND BIND STEERING SO YOU CAN'T TURN TO THE RIGHT.*AK

Suspension › Rear › Springs › Air Suspension System
Filed Aug 29, 2002IL

REAR AIR SHOCKS WILL CAUSE VEHICLE TO HEAVILY VIBRATE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Jun 22, 2002NY

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Jun 7, 2002KS

VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO ERRATIC OPERATION. VEHICLE HAS A TENDENCY TO STALL OR HESITATE WITH NO PARTICULAR FAIL PATTERN. FUEL FILTERS HAVE BEEN CHANGED ALONG WITH FUEL PUMP AND OTHER ITEMS.*AK.*NLM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed May 7, 2002NY

OIL IS LEAKING INTO ENGINE.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Apr 15, 2002CO

HEADLIGHTS FLICKERING AT RANDOM INTERVALS. TOTAL LIGH LOST DURATION CAN BE UP TO 5 SECONDS AT TIME. LINCLON DEALER SAID THERE ARE NO HIEADLIGHTS RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE. SOMEONE ON EDMUND'S WEB SITE MENTIONED THAT HIS 94' CONTINENTAL HAD THE SAME HEAD LIGHTS PROBLEM BUT WAS FIXED BY THE DEALER ASSUMABLY UNDER A RECALL. IS THERE A HEAD LIGHTS FOR 92' MODEL? THANKS!*AK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 29, 2001NC

WHILE TRAVELING 50MPH ON HIGHWAY VEHICLE STARTED TO ACELLERATE. ALSO, LEFT FRONT CALIPERS LOCKED UP. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

Suspension › Rear › Shock Absorber
Filed Nov 26, 2001GA

WHILE DRIVING STRUTS/ SHOCKS WENT OUT, CAUSING LEVELERS NOT TO WORK PROPERLY. VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT, AND STEERING BECAME VERY HARD. HAD TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC INDICATED REAR SHOCKS/STRUTS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. *AK

Suspension › Front › Springs › Air Suspension System
Filed Oct 17, 2001TX

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR RIDE CONTROL COMES ON, CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT AND REAR SPRING AND SHOCK ABSORBER ASSEMBLIES, CONSUMER STATES THE PROBLEM ALWAYS STARTS WITH THE CONSTANTLY RUNNING AIR PUMP. *SLC

Electrical System
Filed Oct 17, 2001TX

CONSUMER STATES THE CHECK DCL LIGHT ILLUMINATES, ACCOMPANIED BY A BEEP SOUND, ON THE MESSAGE CENTER, DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER NOT TO WORRY, HOWEVER CONSUMER STATES IT IS ANNOYING AND IS OCCURRING SOMETIMES AS OFTEN AS 3 TIMES A DAY, THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE 1999. *SLC

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 12, 2001NJ

VEHICLE ACCELERATES OUT OF CONTROL, DRIVER THREW IT OUT OF GEAR INTO NEUTRAL OR PARK, IT AGAIN WENT BACK TO IDLE ON ITS OWN.

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
Filed Aug 21, 2001DC

CONTACTED FORD - THEY ONLY RESPOND TO OFFICIAL RECALLS OR LAWSUITS. PLEASE HELP ME. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK

20 of 126 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1991
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20207200Routine
201932300Routine
201819200Routine
201775400Routine
200233100Routine
200132200Routine
200063430Routine
199942320Routine
199872220Routine
199796230Routine
199648302Fatalities reported
199570250Routine
1994190521Fatalities reported
1993121420Routine
1992 — this page126360Routine
19912033191Fatalities reported
19901585153Fatalities reported

Compare every Continental year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Dec 16, 1998. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.