1998 Lincoln Continental

Routine

Owners filed 72 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Lincoln Continental years to avoid. Which Lincoln Continental years to avoid →

Most common 1998 Lincoln Continental problems

13 of the 72 complaints (18%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration9
310
Visibility › Windshield3
000
Seat Belts › Rear/Other3
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission3
101
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System · engine3
002
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine3
010
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine3
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System · engine3
000
Vehicle Speed Control › Linkages · throttle and acceleration2
000
Unknown or Other2
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 Lighting › Headlights98V028000
Filed Feb 10, 1998571,800 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE IMPROPERLY AIMED.

Remedy. OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 9, 2014109,000 milesDC

I AM ONE PERSON AMONG MANY THAT HAVE BEEN HAVING MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE FORD FRONT WHEEL DRIVE TRANSMISSION. BOUGHT MY 98 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL WITH 97000 MILES ON IT, AT 109000 MILES HAD TO PAY 2400 TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION PULLED AND REBUILT. I'M 65 YEARS OLD AND HAVE NEVER EVEN HIT THE PASSING GEAR. AT 155000 MILES IT HAD TO GET PULLED AGAIN. 1500 DOLLARS AT THST TIME. NOW WITH 175000 MILES ON IT THE CHECK TRANSMISSION SIGNAL IS ON AGAIN. I DID NOT UNTIL NOW DO ANY CODE CHECKS OR INTERNET SEARCH, BUT I DO BELIEVE THAT FORD KNOWS THEY BUILT A BAD UNIT. LOOKING TO FIND OUT IF THERE HAVE BEEN ANY SILENT RECALLS OR IF YOUR DEPARTMENT HAS ANY INFORMATION THAT COULD HELP ME. MY CAR IS IN MINT CONDITION AND RUNS GREAT EXCEPT FOR THE TRANSMISSION. I REMEMBER READING THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS INVESTIGATED OR GOING TO BE LOOKED AT. CURRENTLY I GET A P1744 CODE OFF THE COMPUTER. I HOPE THERE IS A SILENT RECALL OR SOME INFO YOU MAY HAVE THAT COULD HELP ME.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 10, 2012NY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REARVIEW MIRROR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MIRROR HAD A DAY NIGHT AUTOMATIC TINTING FEATURE. THE SEALS ON THE MIRROR FAILED AND THE FLUIDS LEAKED AND COVERED THE MIRROR. THE MIRROR COULD NOT LONGER BE USED AND WAS NOT FUNCTIONAL. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE MIRROR HIMSELF AND THE ORIGINAL MIRROR WAS TAKEN TO DEALER. THE DEALER WAS UNFAMILIAR WITH THE FAILURE AND WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE HOWEVER NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED TO THE CONTACT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 5, 2011180,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LUNGE FORWARD WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 186,000.

Visibility
Filed Feb 15, 2011122,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR VIEW AND DRIVER SIDE MIRRORS WERE TINTED WITH AN ANTI-REFLECTION CHEMICAL WHICH MELTED THE PLASTIC INSIDE CAUSING THE MIRRORS TO LOOK FOGGY OR DARKER THAN THEY WERE. HE BELIEVED IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE HIS VISIBILITY WAS MINIMAL AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Jan 12, 2011101,969 milesMI

THE RIGHT AND LEFT SEATS BELTS IN THE REAR OF CAR WILL NO LONGER RETRACT. I GOT THEM UNSTUCK A COUPLE TIMES BUT IT HAPPENS AGAIN AND AGAIN. I AM AFRAID BECAUSE MY KIDS SIT BACK THERE.

Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Filed Jan 3, 2011DC

1998 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING DEFECTIVE REAR SEAT BELTS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT AND LEFT REAR SEAT BELTS NO LONGER RETRACT. ALSO, WATER ENTERED THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS AND CAUSED THE LENS TO FOGGED UP. *JB

Steering
Filed Dec 22, 2010129,000 milesNM

AS I WAS BACKING THE CAR UP THE TIE ROD/STEERING ASSEMBLY DISENGAGED (UNSCREWED) FROM THE RACK&PINYON (PASSENGER SIDE) CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING. THE TIE ROD I STRESS AGAIN UNSCREWED FROM THE RACK. I WAS FORTUNATE THIS TOOK PLACE AT A SLOW SPEED. I FEEL THAT IF THIS OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS OR FATAL CRASH. MY MECHANIC REPLACED THE TIE RODS ON BOTH SIDES WITH NEW ONES AND I HAVE THE OLD PART ON HAND. LOOKS LIKE THE SAFETY PIN THAT HOLDS THE TIE ROD TO THE RACK WORE AND ALLOWED THE TIE ROD TO UNSCREW ITS SELF FROM THE RACK. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Mar 5, 2010101,000 milesCA

SPONTANEOUS FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE LAST DRIVEN ABOUT 12 HOURS BEFORE, AND HAD BEEN OFF SINCE THAT TIME. DURING A DOWNPOUR, AND WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE IGNITED SHORTLY AFTER 6AM - 02/06/10. EVENTS AND REMAINING EVIDENCE CLOSELY MATCH THOSE DESCRIBED IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH FIRES FOR OTHER FORD MODELS (INCLUDING SAME MODEL-YEAR TOWN CARS). *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 28, 2009KY

I WAS DRIVING AROUND 50 MPH WHEN THE SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT OF THE HEAD OF THE MOTOR. IT CAUSED THE PISTON TO SMOKE AND IT HAD A RATTLE. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 18, 2009WI

I KEEP GETTING THIS MESSAGE. FROM: [email protected] DATE: 3/18/2009 4:02:15 PM TO: SUBJECT: UNKNOWN FOOTPRINTS INCOMING MAIL ERROR FOOTPRINTS ENCOUNTERED AN ERROR PROCESSING AN INCOMING MAIL MESSAGE. THE ERROR CODE IS BELOW. IF THE ERROR IS UNCLEAR OR IF YOU NEED HELP, PLEASE CONTACT SUPPORT. FOOTPRINTS ERROR: 201 [MICROSOFT][ODBC SQL SERVER DRIVER][TCP/IP SOCKETS]SQL SERVER DOES NOT EXIST OR ACCESS DENIED. (SQL-08001) [MICROSOFT][ODBC SQL SERVER DRIVER][TCP/IP SOCKETS]CONNECTIONOPEN (CONNECT()). (SQL-01000)(DBD: DB_LOGIN/SQLCONNECT ERR=-1) CONNECTION STRING: DBI:ODBC:FOOTPRINTS\ THIS IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO SEND TO:[email protected] FROM: SUBJECT:AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT MODUALE COMMENTS: I GOT A NOTICE OF AN ERROR ON SENDING YOU MY MESSAGE. HOPE YOU DO NOT GET TWO. MY 98 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL HAS NO TURNSIGNAL LIGHTS,NO EMERGENCY LIGHTS ETC. IT CAN NOT BE DRIVEN SAFELY. WE HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD WE NEED AN AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT MODULE. HOWEVER IT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THERE IS NONE AVAILABLE IN THE UNITED STATES. I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY(CASE ID#1556870779) AND WAS TOLD TO CONTACT YOU. WAS THERE NO RECALL ON THIS PART? I AM CERTAIN THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS A PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. I WAS TOLD TO GET A PART FROM A JUNK YARD ALTHOUGH THAT TOO WOULD BE EXPENSIVE SINCE THEY TOO KNOW THIS PART IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.. BEING FEMALE I DO NOT THINK THAT IS POSSIBLE. I ALSO THINK THAT A COM

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 1, 2008145,304 milesNM

VEHICLE ACCELERATES BY ITSELF. I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN THE SHOP APPROX. EVERY YEAR FOR THIS SINCE 2005 AND AS RECENT AS JUNE OF 08. THE DEALERSHIP USUALLY REPLACES THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE BUT THIS PROBLEM WILL AGAIN SERVICE AFTER ABOUT ONE YEAR. I HAVE PAID FOR A COMPLETE FUEL INDUCTION CLEANING (10-05-07). THE ONLY THING THAT WORKS IS REPLACING THE IDLE CONTROL VALVE BUT LIKE I SAID THE PROBLEM RESURFACES. THE CAR WILL IDLE AT 500 RPM FOR NORMAL BUT IDLE AT 1000 RPM IN DRIVE WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS, IF I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL IT WILL TAKE OFF AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND I HAVE TO TURN IT OFF IN ORDER FOR IT TO RESET ITSELF. DURING NORMAL OPERATION THE CAR WILL WANT TO TAKE OFF BY ITSELF AT A STOPLIGHT AND JERK WHEN I RELEASE THE BRAKE. I PARTICULARLY NOTICE THIS TO OCCUR WHEN I COME OFF THE FREEWAY BUT IT ALSO OCCURS DURING NORMAL OPERATION. I TOOK MY CAR IN JUNE OF THIS MONTH FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY COULD NOT GET IT TO ACCELERATE ON IT'S OWN. IT IS NOW OCT. 2008 AND THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE MEANING THIS HAPPENS NOW ABOUT 4 TO 6 TIMES A DAY. THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF MY SITUATION AND THEY HAVE THE HISTORY ON MY CAR BUT I'M THE ONE STUCK WITH THE BILL OF GETTING IT FIXED. THE DEALERSHIP HAS THE LAST COUPLE OF TIMES WORKED OUT A DISCOUNT BECAUSE THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM BUT I STILL HAVE TO PAY BECAUSE THE WARRANTY HAS USUALLY RUN OUT. THEY DO SHOW ME TAKING IT IN BEFORE THE WARRANTY RUNS OUT BUT THEY CAN NEVER SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM UNTIL IT IS SO BAD TO THE POIN

Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
Filed Mar 12, 2008AL

SECURITY FLASHES RAPIDLY WHICH PREVENTS THE IGNITION FROM STARTING. IT ROLLS OK BUT WILL NOT CRANK UP TO RUN. THIS PROBLEM STARTED ALMOST A YEAR AGO, BUT AFTER A LITTLE WAIT IT WOULD FINALLY CRANK. IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS WE HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR ABOUT 4 TIMES BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. ON MAR , 2008 WE WERE LEFT STRANDED IN BILOXI, MS REQUIRING A TOW TO THE EASTERBROOK DEALERSHIP FROM WHERE THE AUTOMOBILE WAS PURCHASED IN 2004. AT TIMES THE SECURITY LIGHT WOULD FLASH NORMALLY, AND ON THOSE TIMES WE COULD DRIVE ANYWHERE WE LIKED WITHOUT WORRY. FROM OUR PROGRESSIVE DRIVE INSURANCE WEBPAGE I RAN ACROSS A NHTA ITEM # 619266 COVERING THIS COMPLAINT IN 1998 LINCOLN CONTINENTALS WHICH WAS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN. WE HAD NEVER EVEN HEARD OF OR RECEIVED A NOTICE OF THIS. I FEEL THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE $369.00 REPAIR OF THIS VEHICLE NOT EVEN SPEAKING OF THE PAIN AND WORRY IT HAS CAUSED AND MISSED DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENTS AND SUCH. OUR FIRST INCIDENT WAS IN 2006 WHEN, AT OUR EXPENSE, WE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION, WHEN IT FAILED ON INTERSTATE 63, LEAVING US STRANDED, HAVING TO BE TOWED, AND WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR OVER A WEEK. *TR

Tires
Filed Jan 31, 200610,800 milesTN

MICHELIN IS AWARE THAT OLD, UNSAFE MICHELIN TIRES OUTSIDE MANUFACTURER'S SAFETY GUIDELINES ARE BEING PLACED ON VEHICLES BY THEIR AUTHORIZED TIRE DEALERSHIPS YET CLAIMS THAT THEY ARE NOT "LEGALLY CULPABLE" AND CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT THIS PRACTICE OR THE RESULTANT DEATHS AND INJURIES SUSTAINED BY END USERS. MY SITUATION IS AS FOLLOWS: WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH MY RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT ALMOST SLAMMING ME INTO ANOTHER CAR AND GUARD RAIL. SUBSEQUENTLY I LEARNED THAT THE "NEW" MICHELIN SYMMETRY TIRES I HAD PURCHASED AT AN AUTHORIZED MICHELIN DEALERSHIP 2-1/2 YEARS AGO WERE FIVE YEARS OLD WHEN THEY WERE PLACED ON MY CAR ACCORDING TO THE D.O.T. DATE ON THEM. MOREOVER THE OLD MICHELIN SYMMETRY TIRES THAT WERE PLACED ON MY VEHICLE WERE NOT "H" OR "V" RATED FOR SAFETY AS FORD/LINCOLN MANUFACTURER SPECIFIES. I CALLED MICHELIN AND TALKED WITH MULTIPLE INDIVIDUALS INCLUDING THEIR U.S. MANAGER OF CONSUMER RELATIONS. SHE ADMITTED THAT MICHELIN IS AWARE THAT UNSCRUPULOUS MICHELIN DEALERSHIPS SELL OLD, OUTDATED TIRES AND TIRES NOT PROPERLY SAFETY RATED FOR VEHICLES BUT CLAIMS THAT THERE IS "ABSOLUTELY NOTHING" THAT MICHELIN CAN DO ABOUT THIS PRACTICE. APPARENTLY MICHELIN BELIEVES THERE IS AN "ACCEPTABLE" NUMBER OF CONSUMER DEATHS AND INJURIES THAT WILL OCCUR YEARLY FROM FAULTY, DEFECTIVE MICHELIN TIRES. MICHELIN DISCLAIMS ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY BREACHES AT THEIR DEALERSHIPS, PREFERRING TO MEET SALES GOALS AND NET PROFIT MARGINS, LOOKING THE OTHER WAY AND WINKING AT FRAUD AND DANGEROUS PRACT

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jul 27, 2005TX

DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT 1998 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL HAD ONE HEADLIGHT THAT BECAME UNALIGNED AND WAS SHINING THE BEAM STRAIGHTENED UP IN THE AIR. THIS WAS THE DRIVER'S SIDE LEFT HEADLIGHT. WAS HAVING WATER LEAKAGE AND AROUND THE LIGHT WAS TURNING BLACK. THE WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD WAS SAYING CHECK BRAKE LAMP, BUT THE BRAKE LAMPS WERE BOTH WORKING. THE OWNER THOUGHT THAT THE HEADLIGHT SHORTED OUT, CAUSING THAT INSIDE LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD TO COME ON. THIS STARTED IN THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. THE OWNER HAS NOT HAD THE CAR CHECKED YET, BUT WAS GOING TO TAKE IT TO DEALER. THE OWNER COULD NOT AFFORD TO PAY $400.00 FOR A HEADLIGHT. THE OWNER HAS NOT CONTACTED FORD. *AK

Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust
Filed Apr 30, 2005NV

THE DRIVER SIDE POWER SEAT WILL NOT RETRACT BACK. THE SEAT HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT AND SEAT BACK WORK FINE. THE MOTOR CLICKS TO ENGAGE, BUT THE SEAT WILL NOT MOVE BACK.*AK

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Mar 27, 200559,000 milesOH

#1-WHILE LEAVING WORK THE LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED IN HALF PUNTURING (TEARING) THE TIRE CAUSING IMMEDIATE DEFLATION OF LEFT FRONT TIRE AFFECTING STEERING CONTROL AND BRAKING.(I HAD NO ADVANCE NOTICE -NOISE OR BOUNCE-BEFORE FAILURE). #2-FAILURE OCCURED IN A PARKING LOT AT LOW SPEED - THANKFULLY. #3-THE LEFT FRONT STRUT/SPRING ASSEMBLY #1F3Z*5W311*AA WAS REPLACED AS WELL AS THE RIGHT STRUT/SPRING #1F3Z*5W310*AA ASSEMBLY DUE TO INSPECTION REVIELED A CRACK IN THE RIGHT FRONT SPRING.THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS REPLACED. THIS COULD EASILY HAVE CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE OR A FATALITY AT DRIVING SPEEDS. I HAVE OLD PARTS FOR INSPECTION - THEY REMIND ME HOW LUCKY I WAS IN A PARKING LOT AT TIME OF FAILURE.

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Mar 9, 2005TX

THE 1998 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN, THE SLANTED WINDSHIELD ABOVE A GREY DASHBOARD, CAUSING A REFLECTION IN THE BRIGHT SUNLIGHT THAT MAKES SOME OBJECTS INVISIBLE TO THE DRIVER. TOO MANY CAR DESIGNS HAVE THIS FAULT AND SHOULD BE OUTLAWED FOR SAFETY REASONS. ALSO THE CONTINENTAL INSTRUMENT PANEL CANNOT BE READ IN CERTAIN ANGLES OF SUN ON THE PANEL. YOU CANNOT SEED THE NEEDLE ON THE SPEEDOMETER AND I WONDER HOW MANY SPEEDING TICKETS RESULT FROM THIS DEFECT. I HAVE ADDED A BLACK COVER TO MY DASHBOARD AT MY COST TO TRY TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. IF AUTOS ARE MADE LIKE THIS THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD STAND THE COST OF BLACK OUT MATERIAL. *AK

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Jan 14, 2005NJ

TWO OF THE VEHICLE'S IGNITION COILS FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HESITATE AND STALL WHILE BEING DRIVEN. *NM *SC *JB

Power Train › Automatic Transmission1 injured
Filed Oct 14, 2004100,000 milesFL

WHILE PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF PARK INTO REVERSE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE VEHICLE TO STOP IT FROM HITTING A CHILD, THE CONSUMER GRABBED THE STEERING WHEEL, THE VEHICLE PICKED UP SPEED AND ROLLED OVER HER RIGHT LEG. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE A INSURANCE SPECIALIST INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION. *JB

Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Filed Feb 12, 200490,000 milesMD

THE MIDDLE AND REAR SEAT BELT ARE NOT RETRACTING. THE DEALER WILL NOT FIX THIS SINCE IT ISN'T UNDER WARRANTLY. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE RETRACTORS ARE DEFECTED. SINCE SEAT BELTS ARE A SAFETY ISSUE, IT SHOULD BE FIXED BY THE MANUFACTURER. I HAVE OWNED MANY CARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH A SEAT BELT. THE DEALER WILL CHARGE $650 TO FIX THIS AND WHO KNOWS WHEN THIS HAPPEN AGAIN.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 15, 2003250,000 milesTX

I HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THAT ACT UP ONLY WHEN THEY WANTED TO AND THE DEALERSHIP IS DECLINING THAT THEY EXIST. I HAVE HAD MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE FOR 3 WEEKS IN THE LAST MONTH AND THEY KEEP COMING UP WITH NOTHING. THEY ALSO CALLED ME IN AND WANTED TO KEEP MY CAR AND HAVE THE SERVICE MANAGER DRIVE IT FOR A FEW DAYS -IN WHICH HE ONLY DROVE 37 MILES, PRIOR TO THAT HE AND I DROVE THE CAR TO SEE IF ANYTHING STRANGE WOULD HAPPEN AND IT DID, WHICH NOW THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETECT CUSTOMER'S CONCERNS. I HAD A MAJOR DISPUTE WITH THEM AND HAD TO CALL THE POLICE. DIMS 11 IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS-----770757. *AK *NLM

Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Filed Dec 3, 2003GA

THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE RETRACTOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. IT WAS LATER NOTICED THAT THE REAR LEFT SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE RETRACTOR WAS DEFECTIVE BUT WOULD ONLY REPLACE THE RETRACTOR AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. *AK THE REAR SEATS WEREN'T HARDLY OCCUPIED. *SCC *JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 23, 2003AL

SERVICE AND REPAIR OF 1998 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL.*MR THE CONSUMER WAS UPSET THAT THE DEALER WAS STILL SERVICING THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS GOING ON THE SIXTH WEEK.*TS *JB

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Jul 25, 200396,500 milesMI

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ON A 1998 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED, WHICH RESULTED IN THE CAR STALLING OUT. THIS MADE STEERING AND BRAKING VERY DIFFICULT BECAUSE THERE WAS NO POWER GOING TO THESE UNITS ON THE CAR. I WAS LUCKY AND THE TRAFFIC WAS VERY LIGHT AT THE TIME. THE SECOND FAILURE HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN A DRIVEWAY.*AK

Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Interior
Filed Jul 22, 200358,000 milesVA

THE AUTOMATIC DIMMING INSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR APEARS FROSTED OVER HALF OF THE GLASS DISTORTING THE VIEW TO THE REAR. THIS MIRROR WAS REPLACED LESS THAN ONE YEAR AGO FOR A SIMILAR PROBLEM. RESEARCH ON THE INTERRNET INDICATES THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH LINCOLN CONTINENTALS OF MULTIPLE YEARS IN THE LATE 1990'S. THERE ARE NUMERIOUS INCIDENTS OF THIS DEFECT IN THE NHTSA COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE. FORD MOTOR CO APARENTLY HAS NO SOLUTION TO THIS DEFECT AS CURRENT REPLACEMENT MIRRORS FAIL AGIN IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR. I BELEIVE THIS DEFECT SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL AS THE DEFECTIVE MIRROR GREATELY DISTORTS REAR VISION.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jun 4, 20032,000 milesNY

AUTO ACCELERATES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP OR WHEN IN DRIVE AND STANDING STILL. I HAVE REPORTED THIS DEFECT FOR SERVICE AND WAS INFORMED THAT NO DEFECT WAS FOUND. PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON MANY OCCASIONS. I WAS ALSO INFORMED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT NO TECHNICAL SUPPORT MEMOS WERE ISSUED ON THIS PROBLEM. *NLM

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jun 3, 200331,195 milesNY

AUTO ACCELERATES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP, OR WHEN IN DRIVE AND STANDING STILL. I HAVE REPORTED THIS DEFECT TO FOR SERVICE AND I WAS INFORMED THAT NO DEFECT WAS FOUND. PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON MANY OCCASIONS. I WAS ALSO INFORMED BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT NO TECHNICAL SUPPORT MEMOS WERE ISSUED ON THIS PROBLEM. *NLM

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
Filed Feb 14, 200345,000 milesIL

THE TIE ROD ON THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL SEPARATED, WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. *JB

Fuel System, Other › Storage
Filed Nov 26, 2002CA

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE GAS FUEL TANK. ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE A FIRE TRUCK MADE HIM STOP AND TOLD HIM HE WAS SPILLING GAS OVER THE STREET. DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS A PLASTIC CLIP THAT HOLD THE FUEL LINE AND IT WAS BROKEN WHICH IT CAUSE THE FUEL TO SPILL OUT. TS

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Torque Converter
Filed May 6, 200200

THE VEHICLE BEGAN JERKING AND STALLED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS SLOWING DOWN. THE CONSUMER RESTARTED THE VEHICLE REPEATEDLY, BUT IT STALLED UPON STARTING TO MOVE. THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM, BUT A MECHANIC AT ANOTHER SHOP IDENTIFIED THE CAUSE TO BE A FAILED TORQUE CONVERTER. *YH

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 22, 2002IN

SOON AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE IT BEGAN TO LEAK FROM BEHIND THE DASHBOARD. THEN, SUN ROOF, AND SIDE WINDOWS LEAKED. DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED ALL THE SEALS, BUT IT STILL LEAKS.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Feb 22, 2002VA

VEHICLE WAS LEFT IN IDLE WHILE IT WAS PARKED, BUT THEN IT STARTED TO REV UP UNTIL IT REACHED 1200 RPMS, AND THEN IT GOT STUCK ON 3000 RPMS CONTACTED DEALER.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 30, 2002PA

CONSUMER STATED AT 17,000 MILES, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED AND FAILED TO CONTINUE OPERATING, DEALERSHIP EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND MADE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS TO REMEDY PROBLEM, THEN ON 26-SEP-2001, ENGINE WAS LEAKING OIL FROM THE RIGHT VALVE COVER GASKET WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED, ALSO THE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING, THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT ON DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED AND WOULD NOT GO OUT LEAVING DOORS IN THE OPEN POSITION. *JG *AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Sep 24, 2001NC

WHILE AT A STOP SIGN CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND IT RAN INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD-ON. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HAS NOT CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

Equipment › Electrical
Filed Aug 22, 2001FL

WHEN TRAVELING, ESPECIALLY WITH SUN SHINING BRIGHTLY CANNOT SEE INFORMATION ON PANEL. PANEL IS DIM. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Flasher Unit
Filed Apr 4, 2001GA

INTERMITTENTLY TURN SIGNAL WILL BECOM INOPERABLE. DEALER HAS ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR SIGNALS; BUT, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK

Air Bags
Filed Mar 13, 2001VA

WHILE DRIVING AIR BAG LIGHT WILL FLASH. THEN, WILL COME ON AND STAY FOR LONG TIME.CONSUMER HAD LEARNED THAT VEHICLE HAD BEEN FIXED FOR SAME DEFECT FOUR TIMES BEFORE. *AK

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Jan 15, 2001IN

GLASS WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHILE USING DEFROSTER; WHILE PARKED IN HOME DRIVEWAY. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Dec 30, 2000CT

COOLING SYSTEM FAILED 3 TIMES CONCERNED ABOUT TAKING VEHICLE ON A LONG TRIP. *AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Dec 15, 2000DC

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH, GETTING OFF HIGHWAY, AND THEN TRYING TO SLOW DOWN, A PART ON FRONT SUSPENSION FELL DOWN HARD ON GROUND. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY, AND DEALER COULD NOT TELL WHAT CAUSED PROBLEM. *AK BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED, IT REQUIRD FLAT BED TRUCK TOWING. *YH

Power Train › Manual Transmission
Filed Nov 20, 2000PA

WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND GOING FORWARD, IT SUDDENLY SEEMS TO BE SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL, THE CONSUMER HAS TO SHIFT THE GEAR LEVEL TO LOW TO RE-ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION. *SLC

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Oct 3, 2000FL

PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING 55MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND HEARD A NOISE. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER. TWO FRONT TIRES' TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE RIMS. MICHELIN TIRES. THERE WAS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN FOR THE LINCOLN VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WASN'T AWARE OF THE THIS PROBLEM. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Linkages
Filed Sep 29, 2000NJ

VEHICLE COMMENCED TO ACCELERATE AFTER APPLYING BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN, AND REOCCURRED AGAIN AFTER SHIFTING GEAR INTO REVERSE. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN PUT TO NEUTRAL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE AIR BY PASS VALVE. *YH

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Sep 20, 2000RI

VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND JUST AS THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP THE ENTIRE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAME OFF THE CAR, VEHICLE WAS TOWED WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THE ALL FIVE LUG BOLTS SHEARED OFF THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY. NLM

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump
Filed Sep 5, 2000OH

INTERMITTENTLY POWER STEERING PUMP GOES OUT UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN MAKING A TURN.*AK THE REPLACED PUMP FAILED BEFORE THE CUSTOMER LEFT THE DEALERSHIP. *YH

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed May 18, 2000PA

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION BY HITTING AN EMBANKMENT AND ROLLING OVER.UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Linkages
Filed Apr 11, 2000MO

WHILE EXITING A RAMP INTO TRAFFIC VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 30, 2000FL

INTERMITTENTLY WHEN COMING STOP VEHICLE SURGED, CAUSING IT TO CONTINUE TRAVELING. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT WAS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. *AK *ML

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Sep 30, 1999FL

WHILE TRAVELING NOTICED SMOKE FOR THE HOOD ENGINE COOLANT WAS LEAKING . DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, AND CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISITS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Power Train › Automatic TransmissionCrash
Filed Sep 27, 1999NY

INTERMITTENTLY WHEN HITTING THE BRAKE PEDAL, BRAKES FAILED AND VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL, CAUSING A REAR END CRASH. ON JULY 14TH AFTER BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, DRIVER PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO REVERSE AND HIT A TREE. UPON IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATBACKS COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 72, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1991
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20207200Routine
201933300Routine
201821200Routine
201775400Routine
200233100Routine
200132200Routine
200063430Routine
199942320Routine
1998 — this page72220Routine
199796230Routine
199648302Fatalities reported
199570250Routine
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.