1995 Lincoln Continental

Routine

Owners filed 70 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the exterior lighting › headlights. It has been recalled 2 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Exterior Lighting › Headlights7
000
Suspension › Front4
000
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage3
101
Visibility › Windshield2
000
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Interior2
000
Suspension2
000
Structure › Frame and Members2
000
Structure › Body › Door2
000
Structure › Body2
000
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar2
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads16E026000
Filed Apr 1, 201649,635 vehiclesRobert Bosch Llc

Defect. Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.

Risk. A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.

Exterior Lighting96V009000
Filed Jan 23, 199640,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. A DEFECTIVE CONTROL MODULE IN THE "AUTOLAMP" SYSTEM CAN MALFUNCTION. IF THE "AUTOLAMP" SYSTEM IS BEING USED TO ACTIVATE THE EXTERIOR LIGHT (INCLUDING HEADLAMPS), THE HEADLAMPS COULD SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THIS WILL NOT OCCUR IF THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING IS TURNED ON MANUALLY BY THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.

Risk. IF THE HEADLAMPS SHUT OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE IMPAIRED INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE "AUTOLAMP" CONTROL MODULE. OWNERS ARE INSTRUCTED TO USE THE MANUAL HEADLAMP SWITCH UNTIL THE CONTROL MODULE CAN BE REPLACED.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 3, 201060 milesWI

I BOUGHT THE CAR ON 08/28/2010 AND ONLY DROVE IT THAT DAY. SINCE IT WAS A SATURDAY AND THEY CLOSED EARLY, I HAD TO WAIT UNTIL MONDAY TO CONTACT THEM. ON MONDAY, A REP FROM THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THEY SOLD THE CAR TO ME FROM SOMEONE WHO DIDN'T HAVE A DEALERSHIP OR TITLE FOR THE CAR AND HE WAS USING THEIR DEALERSHIP TO SELL AND TO RETRIEVE THE TITLE ONCE THE SELL WAS FINAL. THE CAR WAS OK WHEN I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP, BUT AFTER A COUPLE HOURS IT DIED ON ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING ALMOST CAUSING A ACCIDENT. ON THE DASH IT KEEP SAYING, "CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM". I KNOW A LIL ABOUT CARS AND I REALLY NEED THE TRANSPORTATION BECAUSE I'M A COLLEGE STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE, I DECIDED TO TRY TO GET IT FIXED TO MY KNOWLEDGE, BUT IT SEEMS AS IF IT'S SOMETHING MORE TO THIS "LEMON" AUCTION AUTO SOLD ME. I REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR, VOLTAGE REGULATOR AND BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY AND NOTHING HAS CHANGED. IT'LL DRIVE FOR A HOUR OR TWO THEN DIE WHILE I'M DRIVING. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 23, 2009131,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 10 MPH THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE PLACE OF RESIDENCE. THE FORD MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

Tires
Filed May 27, 2009125,000 milesSC

MY LEFT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING AT APPROX 69 MPH ON I-85. THE TIRE HAD PROPER AIR PRESSURE AND NOTHING WAS RUN OVER TO MAKE A PUNCTURE. I THINK THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE BODY DUE TO POOR ADHESION TO THE STEEL CORD AND THEN THE BODY EXPLODED WITHIN A REVOLUTION OR 2. I BASE THIS ON THE SOUND AND THE FACT THAT BARE TIRE CORD IS SHOWING ON THE CARCASS. MICHELIN REFUSED TO OFFER ANYTHING MORE THAN CREDIT FOR TREADWEAR, WHICH WAS ABOUT 40% (60% LEFT). I ESTIMATE THE TIRE AGE AT 2 TO 3 YEARS, BUT CANNOT FIND A RECEIPT. THE TIRE WAS TOO DAMAGED TO FIND A SERIAL NUMBER. SOME DAMAGE OCCURRED DURING APPROX 0.2 MILE REQUIRED FOR CHANGING LANES AND MOVING OFF THE EXPRESSWAY (RUSH HOUR). THE LEFT FRONT FENDER, WHEEL WELL (PLASTIC), AND WHEEL WERE REPLACED IN ADDITION TO THE TIRE AND AN ALIGNMENT. TOTAL COST ABOUT $1550. THE TIRE WAS A MICHELIN HARMONY 225R60X16. THE CAR ALSO HAD TO BE TOWED, DUE TO A MISSING KEY TO A LUGNUT ON EACH WHEEL. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Jan 30, 200736,645 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT RECALL #96V009000 DID NOT APPLY TO THIS VEHICLE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS MORE THAN 10 YEARS OLD. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURES AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED THE VEHICLE IN 1998 WHEN THE RECALL NOTICE WAS ISSUED AND HAS EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE SINCE 1995. THE CONTACT REPORTED THE FAILURE TO THE LOCAL MERCURY DEALER AT THAT TIME, AND THE RECALL WAS NOT HONORED. THE CONTACT REQUESTED THAT THE RECALL BE HONORED DUE TO THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DASH GIVES OFF A POOR ILLUMINATION. THE LEFT FRONT WINDOW REGULATOR WAS REPLACD. UPDATED 03/02/07. *JB UPDATED *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › FanFire
Filed Nov 20, 2006108,000 milesIL

1995 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL COOLING FAN FIRE. I EXTINGUISHED IT WITH H20 BEFORE FPD ARRIVED. *NM

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 23, 2005102,073 milesPA

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL 98V323000. VEHICLE MANIFESTED THE SAME PROBLEM AS LISTED IN THE RECALL CONCERNING REAR LOWER SUB FRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT THAT COULD 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 SUB FRAME WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP. IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE'S CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THIS RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE THE YEAR O VEHICLE BUT SHE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. *AK *TT

Interior Lighting
Filed Jan 11, 2005IN

JANUARY 10TH THE 'DOOR AJAR' SENSOR CAME ON AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE ON. I CHECKED ALL 4 DOORS, THEY WERE ALL CLOSED AND THE LIGHTS REMAINED ON. I THEN PUSHED THE 'RESET' BUTTON FOR THE SENSOR AND THE LIGHTS THEN WOULD GO OFF FOR A BRIEF TIME AND COME BACK ON. THEN, TODAY JANUARY 11TH THE SAME THING OCCURRED BUT AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS THE PROBLEM INCREASED. I STARTED THE CAR, THE 'DOOR AJAR' SENSOR CAME ON ALONG WITH THE LIGHTS. AGAIN THE DOORS WERE CHECKED, THEY WERE ALL SHUT. AS I STARTED TO DRIVE THE LIGHTS WENT OFF, THEN WHEN I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE LIGHTS WOULD TURN ON, AND WHEN I PUSHED THE GAS THE LIGHTS FADED AWAY AND TURNED OFF. WHEN I TURNED MY CAR OFF AND LOCKED THE DOORS THE LIGHTS STAYED ON FOR OVER 10-15 MINUTES. I'VE HAD NUMEROUS PEOPLE LOOK AT IT, AND THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED IT. BUT THERE BEING A SHORT OR TOUCHING WIRES. I HAVE NOT YET DONE ANYTHING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IM HAVING SOMEONE ELSE LOOK AT THE WIRING JANUARY 12TH.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Filed Apr 29, 2004AR

1995 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL BRAKE PROBLEMS. (NAR) *MR THE VEHICLE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED SEVERAL TIMES. EACH TIME IT WAS REPLACED IT FAILED AGAIN. THE DEALER(S) HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO PERMANENTLY FIX THE BRAKE PROBLEM. *NM *CB

Power Train
Filed Jan 15, 200493,000 milesMN

PROBLEM ONE: INTERMITTENT NO-START WHEN CAR HAD BEEN STANDING AFTER INITIAL WARMUP. PROBLEM TWO: SLUGGISH TRANSMISSION FOR ABOUT A YEAR, THEN HARD SHIFTS, AND SQUEAL NOISES, BURNT AND DISCOLORED FLUID

Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
Filed Jan 15, 2004DE

DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR WINDOW MOVES OUT OF CHANEL AND JAMS. DRIVER SIDE FRONT POWER WINDOW MOTOR FAILED. DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR FAILS TO LOCK AUTOMATICALLY. AIR CONDITIONING VENTS FAIL TO OPEN. AIR CONDITIONING BLOWS ON WINDSHIELD ONLY. IRRATIC SHIFTING OF TRANSMISSION FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. SLIPPING OF TRANSMISSION WHEN POWER IS APPLIED. FAILURE OF ALL 4 SUSPENSION. FAILURE OF BRAKES SENTING CAR INTO UNCONTROLABLE FISH TAILING AND 360 DEGREE SPINOUT AT 40 MILE/PER HOUR.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Concealment Devices
Filed Dec 2, 200345,000 milesNH

CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHT HAD AN OPAQUE GLAZED DEVELOPING OVER THE HEADLIGHT LENS. THE CONDITION REDUCED THE HEADLIGHT BEAM AND CAUSED SEVERE VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION AND COMPLETE THIS QUESTIONNAIRE. *JB BOTH HEADLIGHTS ARE DEFECTIVE AND IS A ONE PIECE UNIT. REPLACEMENT IS $250. DOLLARS EACH. *PH

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Jun 26, 2003160,000 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT 0N FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Interior
Filed Feb 20, 2003LA

THE INTERIOR CABIN REAR-VIEW MIRROR WAS DEFECTIVE AND HAD BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALER 3 TIMES SINCE 06/96. THE VIEW THROUGH THE MIRROR WAS DISTORTED WHICH PREVENTED CONSUMER FROM SEEING OTHER VEHICLES PROPERLY.*JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Oct 29, 2002NH

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE LENSES GOT DISCOLORED MAKING THE LIGHT THAT THE REFLECTOR THROWS TO BE DIMMER BY 50%. TS

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › FanFire
Filed Oct 24, 2002NY

NHTSA INVESTIGATIONS# 3264-EA-96-024 AND 3109-PE-96-033: CONSUMER STATES, THE ENGINE FAN COOLER TOOK FIRE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Electrical System
Filed Sep 30, 2002KY

CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS AN A ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TO RIDE CONTROL MECHANISM, THAT IS EXPOSED TO WEATHER CONDITIONS. ICE OR SNOW CAN GET INTO THE MECHANISUM AND DISABLE IT,MAKING VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO DRIVE OR CONTROL. NLM

Suspension › Front
Filed Jul 25, 2002OH

STRUT TOWERS ARE WELDED SO ALIGNMENT CANNOT BE DONE, WEARS TIRES AND BALL JOINTS, DEALER AND FORD REFUSED TO REPAIR, OR MAKE GOOD, THIS PROBLEM IS WITH RANGER AS WELL AS TAURUS AND EXTENDS TO 99 FROM 95, MOST FRONT WHEELS DRIVES HAVE THIS PROBLEM, A RECALL IS WARRANTED AND CLASS ACTION OUGHT TO BE SOUGHT, THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WERE SPENT TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT.*JB

Suspension
Filed Jul 13, 2002OH

THE CAMBER ADJUSTMENT ON THIS CAR AND ALL OTHERS THIS MAKE MODEL ARE WELDED SO IT CANNOT BE MADE, WE ARE GETTING RIPPED OFF DUE TO PAYING FOR ALIGNMNT THAT CANT BE PERFORMED, THIS SITUATION IS WEARING OUT HUNDRDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF TIRES EVERYDAY,, FORD DENIES WONT MAKE IT GOOD PLEASE HELP. THE CAMBER IS SOO FAR OUT OF WHACK IT WEARS THE TIRES, IT IS WELDED IN THIS POSITION, 2 DGREES OFF AND WELDED AT THAT POINT, THIS IS HORRID. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling SystemFire
Filed Jul 5, 2002NY

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Suspension › Front › Springs › Air Suspension System
Filed Jun 24, 2002KY

AIR SUSPENSION WILL INTERMITTENTLY GO OUT AND CAUSE SUSPENSION TO FAIL, CREATING A ROUGH RIDE WHILE CONSUMER IS DRIVING. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER WAS TAKING A LOOK AT VEHICLE.*AK *MJ

20 of 70 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1991
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20207200Routine
201932300Routine
201819200Routine
201775400Routine
200233100Routine
200132200Routine
200063430Routine
199942320Routine
199872220Routine
199796230Routine
199648302Fatalities reported
1995 — this page70250Routine
1994190521Fatalities reported
1993121420Routine
1992126360Routine
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: Apr 1, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.