2000 Lincoln Continental

Routine

Owners filed 63 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 4 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
86,500 milesMedian miles at failure

33 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 105,000–120,000 miles.

Most common 2000 Lincoln Continental problems

10 of the 63 complaints (16%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags6
002
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs5
000
Electrical System5
010
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission4
000
Tires › Tread/Belt3
000
Tires3
000
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices2
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration2
000
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler2
011
Seat Belts › Rear/Other2
000

4 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.

Air Bags › Frontal03V144000
Filed Apr 9, 200343,459 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COULD DEPLOY AS A RESULT OF UNDERBODY IMPACTS NEAR THE SENSORS, SUCH AS THOSE OCCURRING FROM PIECES OF GRAVEL OR DEBRIS THROWN FROM THE WHEELS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED AT MODERATE TO HIGH SPEED OR BEING ACCELERATED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE AIR BAG SENSORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 31, 2003. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LINCOLN AT 1-800-521-4140.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor01V258000
Filed Aug 8, 20011,083,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN LOSS OF INTERMITTENT WIPER FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPLETE LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION, OR IGNITION OF THE PLASTIC COVER MATERIAL. SWITCH MALFUNCTION IS MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR WHEN THE INTERMITTENT SETTING OF THE WIPERS IS BEING USED, OR WHEN SNOW OR ICE OBSTRUCTS THE BLADES FROM RETURNING TO THE "PARKED" POSITION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT AT THE FOLLOWING ASSEMBLY PLANTS: ATLANTA PLANT FROM 2/11/00 THROUGH 7/31/00; CHICAGO PLANT FROM 2/14/00 THROUGH 8/4/00; KANSAS CITY PLANT FROM 2/26/00 TO 9/4/00; KENTUCKY TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/18/00 TO 8/31/00; MICHIGAN TRUCK PLANT FROM 2/23/00 THROUGH 8/3/00; NORFOLK PLANT FROM 2/21/00 THROUGH 7/27/00; WAYNE STAMPING AND ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM 2/25/00 THROUGH 8/15/00; AND WIXOM PLANT FROM 2/15/00 THROUGH 8/8/00.

Risk. LOSS OF VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage99V250000
Filed Sep 20, 199925,306 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE A PIN SHAFT IN THE SWITCHABLE ELR/ALR MECHANISM THAT IS INCORRECTLY FORMED. IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SWITCHING MECHANISM COULD BECOME NONFUNCTIONAL, PREVENTING THE SEAT BELT WEBBING FROM BEING EXTRACTED FROM THE RETRACTOR. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT MALFUNCTION OF THE MECHANISM COULD PREVENT THE BELT FROM BEING SWITCHED INTO THE ALR MODE. THE ELR MECHANISM IS NOT AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION.

Risk. IF THE MECHANISM MALFUNCTIONS AND DOES NOT ALLOW THE WEBBING TO BE EXTRACTED, THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT COULD NOT BE WORN BY A VEHICLE OCCUPANT. IN THE EVENT THAT THE MECHANISM DOES NOT ALLOW THE ALR MODE TO BE ENGAGED, THE OPERATOR MAY BE UNABLE TO PROPERLY INSTALL A CHILD SEAT IN THAT SEATING POSITION.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT ASSEMBLIES. ASSEMBLIES WITH JULIAN DATE CODES OF 200 THROUGH 223 ARE SUSPECT AND WILL BE REPLACED.

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 1, 2024137,070 milesOH

The contact owns a 1979 Lincoln Continental. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and turned off, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear end near the driver's side of the vehicle had caught on fire. The vehicle was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed, and a fire report number was provided; however, the cause for the failure was not yet determined. A Police report was not filed. No injuries were sustained. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,070. The VIN was invalid.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 8, 2018OK

TAKATA RECALL

Electrical System
Filed Mar 31, 2014105,000 milesSC

A NEIGHBOR POINTED OUT THAT THE AUTOMOBILE WAS SITTING SEVERAL INCHES LOWER THAN NORMAL CLOSER TO GROUND WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. I BEGAN TO CHECK ON THIS EVERY TIME I WENT TO USE THE CAR. SOMETIMES VEHICLE WAS NORMAL HEIGHT, SOMETIMES LOWER. I NOTICED THAT, SOMETIMES, WHEN I TURNED THE IGNITION KEY THERE WAS SOUND HEARD LIKE A FAN OPERATING. I ASKED QUESTIONS OF PEOPLE WHO HAD OWNED SIMILAR MODELS AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL SHOWING UP 4 TO 8 YEARS AFTER MANUFACTURE. THIS MODEL HAS A RIDE CONTROL WHICH INVOLVES THREE "RIDE CONTROL" SETTINGS. AS CARS AGE THERE ARE AIR BAGS UNDER THE CAR WHICH CONTROL THE FEEL OF CAR (PLUSH, NORMAL, FIRM) AND THEY ADJUST ACCORDINGLY. BEFORE I START THE CAR, IF IT SITS LOW, TURNING THE IGNITION KEY CAUSES THE RIDE MECHANISM TO RAISE THE CAR FRAME A FEW INCHES ABOVE THE TIRES. SOMETIMES IN COLD WEATHER THIS DOES NOT SEEM TO OPERATE AND A MESSAGE SHOWS "CHECK RIDE CONTROL". THE STORE THAT DOES ROUTINE SERVICE REGULARLY TELLS ME THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM IN LINCOLN/FORDS AND THAT REPAIRS OFTEN COST $2000 OR MORE. THE CAR NOW HAS ABOUT 114,000 MILES ON IT AND THIS PROBLEM OCCURS MORE OFTEN. I BELIEVE THIS HAS BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE, AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY OWNER HAVING THIS PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED FROM ANOTHER OWNER, WHOM I KNOW, IN ABOUT 2008. HE HAD PURCHASED IT FROM A FORD DEALER AS A "PROGRAM CAR" I BELIEVE IN 2001. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 20, 201450,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 165,000.

EngineFire
Filed Apr 26, 2013106,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE HOOD TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO ASSIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,000.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 13, 2012ND

I WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEN THE AIRBAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPOLOYED, STRIKING ME IN THE FACE & ARM. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator PedalCrash1 injured
Filed May 1, 2012106,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE TO 90 MPH. THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT A HIGHWAY OFF-RAMP BUT WAS UNABLE TO SLOW THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS UNRESPONSIVE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECALL THE DETAILS OF THE CRASH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BACK AND RECEIVED BURNS TO THE FACE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,000. UPDATED 07/05/12*LJ

Suspension
Filed Mar 29, 201290,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER COIL SPRING FRACTURED AND HAD PUNCTURED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Filed Oct 14, 2011137,100 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MIDDLE REAR SEAT BELT FAILED TO UNLOCK AND REMAINED IN THE LOCKED POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN DID NOT QUALIFY FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:99V250000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 137,100. UPDATED 11/10/11*LJ

Equipment
Filed Aug 11, 201142,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS MALFUNCTIONING AND HE WAS UNABLE TO ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE WHEN THE BLOWER WAS SET TO HIGH. WHENEVER THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS TURNED OFF, HOT AIR WOULD BLOW FROM THE VENTS, MAKING IT UNBEARABLE TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BLENDING GATE IN THE AIR CONDITIONER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 17, 2010136,000 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE ON IT,S OWN AND WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THEY WOULDN'T WORK. I HAD TO GET OFF THE NEXT EXIT BECAUSE I DIDN'T WANT ANYONE TO GET IN FRONT OF ME BECAUSE IT WENT ALL THE WAY UP TO 90 MPH.ONCE I GOT OFF IT STILL WAS ACCELERATING SO I DROVE UP ON THE SIDEWALK TO KEEP FROM HITTING TRAFFIC AT THE LIGHT AND GOT INTO THE GRASS AND IT STILL WAS GOING FAST AND THE BRAKES STILL NOT WORKING I PRAYED AND PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL OR I WOULD HAVE WENT RIGHT BACK INTO THE TRAFFIC. ONCE I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL IT STOPPED AND THEN I PUT IT IN PARK AND TURNED IT OFF. I THEN TURNED IT BACK ON AND IT WAS IDLING SO HIGH AND LOUD I TURNED IT BACK OFF AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. ONCE THEY ARRIVED HE STATED THAT THE LINKAGE TO THE ACCELERATOR WAS STUCK AND THAT'S IS WHY THE BRAKES WEREN'T RESPONDING. HE THEN CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHO STATED HE WASN'T SURE IF THE COULD LOOK AT THE CAR OR IF HE DID WHEN HE WOULD BE ABLE TO WORK ON IT. SINCE THEN IT HAS BEEN SITTING AND I FOUND OUT ABOUT ALL THESE OTHER RECALLS AND COMPLAINTS FOR THE VERY OTHER THINGS WE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ON THIS CAR. THE TOWER ALSO STATED THAT HE THOUGHT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ACCELERATION IF SO I NEED TO KNOW THIS BECAUSE THIS CAR NEEDS TO BE FIXED ON THE OTHER RECALLS. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IT DID THE ACCELERATION BUT THE FOGGY WINSHIELD,THE SEATBELTS LOCKING UP ON USING THE FRONT SEATS, THE SUSPENSION AND BRAKES HAVE BEEN LIKE THIS FOR A WHILE AND WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED ABO

Tires
Filed Jul 16, 2009123,446 milesOH

2 TIRE VALVE FAILURE, BOTH AT HIGHWAY SPEED. TIRES MOUNTED 02/08 AT A GOODYEAR SHOP IN MARYSVILLE, OHIO 1ST FAILURE 06/12/09, AND THE 2ND 06/28/09. I WENT BACK TO THE SHOP, AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE "I DROVE ON THE FLAT TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD" I RUINED THE TIRE. I WAS NOT INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A BUNCH OF BAD CHINESE MADE VALVES. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Mar 11, 2009117,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. SINCE MARCH OF 2009, THE DOORS HAVE FAILED TO LOCK AND SET THE ALARM OFF ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED ONCE, BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE CONTACT FEELS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE DOORS NEED TO BE LOCKED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 117,000.

Suspension › Front › Springs › Air Suspension › Springs/Bags
Filed Aug 18, 2008100,626 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE IN REVERSE, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE. HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND A TECHNICIAN REPAIRED THE DRIVER'S SIDE STRUT, SPRING, AND TIRE. ONE YEAR LATER, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION SYSTEM FAILED WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SWAY BAR, SPRING, STRUT, AND TIRE WERE REPAIRED AT THE COST OF OVER $1,000. THE CONTACT HAS SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION OF THE VEHICLE'S REPAIR HISTORY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,881. UPDATED 09/23/08 *BF THE LEFT AIR BAG AIR SUSPENSION HAD BLOWN. THE SECOND TIME THE FAILURE HAPPENED, THE CONSUMER WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND HEARD A NOISE. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING HAD BROKEN JUST LIKE THE FIRST FAILURE. UPDATED 09/25/08. *JB

Tires
Filed Jul 18, 200868,701 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT THE TIRE BECOMING FLAT. SHE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE STATION AND THEY REPLACED THE TIRE WITH HER DONUT. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEARS AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VALVE STEM FAILED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,701.

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Mar 12, 2008166,000 milesCT

I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN THE LEFT FRONT SPRING BROKE WHICH WAS LIKE AN EXPLOSION. THIS CAUSED LOTS OF OTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR AS WELL AS THE TIRE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 29, 200890,000 milesGA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. WHILE APPROACHING A STOP AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE, AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 04/16/08 *BF UPDATED 04/16/08 *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Feb 8, 200893,000 milesCO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE POWER DOOR LOCKS ENGAGE AND UNLOCK ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE DOORS NORMALLY LOCK AUTOMATICALLY WHEN SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS ALSO ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, WHICH PREVENTED THE ALARM SYSTEM FROM ENGAGING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FEBRUARY 5, 2008. THE DOOR IS AJAR WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT INDICATED HAD ILLUMINATED; HOWEVER, THE DOOR WAS SECURE. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED THE WEEK OF JANUARY 28, 2008 WHEN THERE WAS SNOW PRESENT AND DIMMED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CONTACT REACHED HIS DESTINATION. THE DEALER HAD NOT YET DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 93,000.

Tires › SidewallCrash
Filed Jan 16, 2007FL

2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL'S LEFT TIRE FAILED WHILE DRIVING. *TS WHEN THE TIRE FAILED THE VEHICLE DROVE OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STRUCK A CEMENT DIVIDER. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE LEFT FRONT TIRE, LEFT FRONT BUMPER, LEFT FRONT FENDER, AND LEFT FRONT RIM. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. *NM B.F. GOODRICH CONTROL PLUS TIRES. *NM

Seat Belts › Rear/Other
Filed Jan 2, 200766,000 milesMI

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR SEAT BELTS DIDN'T RETRACT. THE CONTACT FOUND RECALL 99S26, BUT THE DEALER WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL FOR THE REAR SEATS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGERS USED THE SEAT BELTS, AND WHEN THEY TRIED TO REUSE THEM ONE FAILED TO RETRACT AND THE OTHER WOULD NOT RELEASE. *AK

Air Bags › Side/Window1 injured
Filed Aug 9, 2006113,247 milesNY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH IN A DRIVEWAY THE PASSENGER SIDE SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE ARM. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED.

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed May 17, 200686,500 milesPA

LTR FM (PA) REPORTING COIL SPRING BROKE IN HIS MODEL YEAR 2000 FORD LINCOLN CONTINENTAL DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. *TS *NM

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Apr 24, 200686,500 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 10 MPH I HEARD A LOUD BANG ON THE MORNING OF 4-24-06. I CAME TO A STOP THINKING I HAD HIT SOMETHING IN THE ROAD. I LOOKED AROUND THE BACK OF THE CAR AND NOTICED PART OF THE COIL SPRING ON THE GROUND. I KNEW EXACTLY WHAT IT WAS BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SIDE BROKE ON 4-6-06. IF AT EITHER TIME I WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING AT ANY SUBSTANTIAL SPEED IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. *NM

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Apr 6, 200686,400 milesPA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PUTTING AIR IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE, IT WAS NOTICED, THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS HAD BROKEN AND PUNCTURED THE TIRE. ALTHOUGH THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED, NO APPOINTMENT FOR INSPECTION WAS MADE. UPDATED 5/2/2006 - *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Feb 13, 200643,700 milesCA

RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS CAR(2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL) USED, ME AND A FRIEND DECIDED TO GO TO THE BEACH, ON THE WAY, ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 45-65 MPH WHILE THE ACCELERATOR WAS CONSTANT THE GEAR SHIFTING BECAME SPORADIC/SHUDDERING BETWEEN THE GEARS, ALMOST EVERY SINGLE TIME AFTER THE SHUDDER STOPPED THE RPM ON THE TACHOMETER WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY DROP AND SPEED WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY DROP AS WELL AND EVEN WHEN APPLYING FULL ACCELERATION TO THE PEDAL THE CAR ACTED AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL BUT THE ENGINE WAS NOT REVVING UP EITHER, IF THIS HAPPENED WHILE TRYING TO SWITCH LANES ON THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC WITH A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN SPEED AND CONTROL OVER THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE AN ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED. SEVERAL SERVICE BULLETINS ON THE NHTSA WEB SITE INDICATE THIS SIMILAR DEFECTS IN THE TRANSMISSION FOR THIS VEHICLE. *JB

Steering › Column
Filed Dec 26, 200559,500 milesDE

COMPLETED A TURN USING THE SIGNAL LIGHT(UNKNOWN IF RELATED) AND SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. A ODOR OF BURNING WIRING INSULATION WAS DETECTED AT THE SAME TIME. DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE AND NO CORRECTIVE ACTION WAS TAKEN. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Aug 12, 2005NE

DT: CONTACT STATES THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DEALER REPAIRED THE PROBLEM NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME BACK ON. *AK SMOKE EMMITTED FORM THE VEHICLE'S STEERING COLUMN AT THE FLASHER SWITCH. *NM

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Mar 13, 200555,351 milesOH

THE SPRING ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE BROKE, CAUSING THE BROKEN END TO CATCH THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE RIPPING THE ENTIRE SIDE AND INHIBITING STEERING. HAD THIS HAPPENED AT ANY SPEED WHILE DRIVING AN TERRIBLE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED. THERE WAS NO PRIOR INCIDENT WHICH COULD HAVE LED TO THE SPRING BREAKING AND THERE IS NO OBVIOUS SUPERFICIAL DEFECT IN THE SPRING. *AK

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler1 injured
Filed Sep 9, 200458,000 milesWI

CONSUMER RECEIVED BURNS FROM THE HEATER LOCATED IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK INCIDENT OCCURRED DURING A ROAD TRIP FROM MILWAUKEE TO NEW YORK. INITIALLY, CONSUMER JUST WANTED HIS HOSPITAL BILLS PAID AND THE SEAT REPAIRED/REPLACED. FORD DENIED THE CLAIM ON THE BASIS THAT THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO VERIFY A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. CONSUMER THEN TOOK HIS CLAIM TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT. *PH

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Apr 5, 200430,000 milesCA

THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *NM

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 15, 200439,000 milesFL

MY VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING INTERNALLY WHEN I REACH 70 MILES PER HOUR. IF FEELS AS THOUGH THE SEAT HAS VIBRATOR IN IT. SIMILAR TO THE FEEL OF A VIBRATING PAGER. THIS HAPPENS DURING ACCELERATION. I DO NOT FEEL ANYTHING AT 60MPH. WHEN I REACH 70 I CAN FEEL IT THE SEAT AND GAS PEDAL. THE VIBRATION CONTINUES UNITL I REACH 85MPH. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE DIFFERENTIAL AND HAS TRIED A NUMBER OF THINGS. THEY SAID THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE REAR END BECAUSE THE GEARS THAT THEY WERE GETTING WOULD NOT HELP AND WOULD PROBABLY CAUSE MORE VIBRATION. THEY HAD A FORD ENGINEER COME IN DRIVE THE VEHICLE. HIS RESPONCE THE THE VEHICLE WAS VIBRATING WITHIN ACCEPTABLE LIMITS. I ASKED WHAT THOSE LIMITS WERE AND HE SAID THAT LIMIT HE DETERMINED WHEN HE DROVE THE VEHICLE. I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP ON THAT COMMENT.

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Jan 6, 200470,000 milesTN

BOTH REAR WINDOWS HAVE FAILED AND NOW DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW HAS ISSUES. FRONT BRAKES HAD BE REPLACED AND NOW GRIND WHEN STOPPING AT HIGH SPEED. REAR VIEW MIRROR HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO ELECTRICAL FALURE. BOTH OUTER TYE ROD ENDS HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER RUINING BOTH FRONT TIRES AND ALINEMENT WAS NOT COVERED BY EXTENDED WARRENTY. THE CARS RIDE AND HANDLING IS POOR AND THE INTERIOUR NOISE LEVEL IS HIGH FOR A LUXERY CAR.*AK

Power Train › Manual Transmission › Column Shift Assembly
Filed Aug 28, 2003WV

CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE SHIFT PARKING GEAR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO BE NON DRIVABLE. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 27, 200323,000 milesGA

WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN TAKEN OUT SEVERAL TIME TO FIND THE PROBLEM. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED IN REVERSE. THE DEALER DID FIND THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT WAS DENIED. *PH. ALSO THE CLOCK SPRING WAS REPLACED. *JB

Structure
Filed Jun 27, 2003CA

THE INSTRUMENT PANEL COULD NOT BE SEEN BY THE DRIVER BECAUSE OF THE SUNS REFLECTION ON THE DASHBOARD. PH *NLM THE CONSUMER NOTIFIED THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES IN A LETTER ABOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO READ THE SPEEDOMETER IN THE SUN LIGHT. SINCE OCTOBER 2002 THEY HAVE 3669 MILES ON THE SPEEDOMETER. THE CONSUMER FEELS UNSAFE IN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND FORD NEEDS TO LET THE CONSUMERS KNOW THAT THIS PROBLEM CAN'T BE FIXED BEFORE SERIOUS DAMAGES OCCURS. *CB THE CONSUMER WAS REQUIRED TO WEAR SUNGLASSES THAT WILL SHIELD HIS EYES FROM GLARE, SO WHEN HE WORE THEM HE AS UNABLE TO READ THE SPEEDOMETER. *JB

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jun 18, 2003NJ

WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 40MPH ON THE HIGHWAY HEARD A THUMPING AND VIBRATING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR. LEFT FRONT TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE WHEEL. *AK

Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
Filed Apr 24, 20031,214 milesTX

WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME HARD, AND CONSEQUENTLY THE CONSUMER HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. *JB THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT WHICH HAPPENED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE ENGINE HAD RUN ROUGH, THE DRIVER WINDOW HAS BECOME INOPERATIVE, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS LEFT TOO MANY STREAKS, THE LEFT REAR WINDOW HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE, THE REAR BRAKES WOULD GRIND WHEN APPLIED AT 50 MPH, THE STEERING FELT LOOSE AT 30 MPH AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO CONSTANTLY ADJUST, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK AT TIMES(2 ACCIDENTS OCCURRED AS A RESULT), AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. *SCC

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/CoolerFire
Filed Apr 11, 2003120,000 milesIL

THE HEATED SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB SCC

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel PumpCrash
Filed Mar 26, 2003SC

THE MOON ROOF WAS REPLACED BECAUSE THE MOTOR DID NOT WORK, THE AIR BAGS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES, AND THE LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER, THE HORN DID NOT WORK, THERE WAS A CHIMING NOISE EVERY 30 MINUTES, AND ALSO THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED TWICE, THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS OFF TRACK, THE SPEAKERS DID NOT WORK, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED WHEN A STOP WAS MADE. *AK *JB

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Mar 5, 2003CA

THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION.*JB

Air Bags
Filed Jan 21, 2003NE

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FROM THE REAR SEAT WITHOUT PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. PLEASE FILL IN ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PH

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module1 injured
Filed Dec 18, 2002IL

DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH STATES THE CONSUMER. TOOK TO DEALER AND DEALER STATED A ROCK IN THE ROAD MUST HAVE HIT A SENSOR, CAUSING THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineCrash
Filed Dec 4, 200226,000 milesMD

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FLIP OVER, THE ENGINE REMAINED ON. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO CRAWL IN AND TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. TS VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *TT

Air Bags
Filed Nov 14, 200210,955 milesSC

AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND DEALER STATED THAT AIRBAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT OR MAY DEPLOY ON THEIR OWN. LIGHT HAS ILLUMINATED FIVE TIMES IN THE LAST TWO YEARS. CONSUMER NOTED THAT WHEN VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY, DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIX PROBLEM, HOWEVER NOW THAT VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY A FIX IS NOW AVAILABLE. *TT *JB. *AK

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Oct 15, 2002CA

THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM - CANT SEE DASHBOARD COMPONENTS WHEN SUNNY. MR

Air Bags › Side/Window
Filed Oct 8, 2002LA

CONSUMER STATES AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINS LIT. VEHICLE REPAIRED BY DLR WHO REPLACED THE ENTIRE HARNESS ASSEMBLY. LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. DLR ADVISED CONSUMER THAT AIR BAG WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY IF LIGHT IS ON. DLR CAN NOT DETERMINE ROOT OF PROBLEM. *MR

Tires
Filed Oct 8, 2002LA

VEHICLE SUFFERING FROM EXCESSIVE TIRE WEAR. *MR

Fuel System, Other
Filed May 1, 2002FL

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FUEL GAUGE IS ERRATIC AT TIMES, ON ONE OCCASION THE CONSUMER FILLED UP THE TANK AND THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED HALF FULL, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND THE MOTOR TURNED OFF, THE GAUGE WOULD SHOW HALF FULL AND THEN GO TO FULL. *SLC

Electrical System
Filed Dec 14, 2001FL

CONSUMER COMPLAINS OF AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE CAUSING THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT, AIR BAG LIGHT,CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT, AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. DEALER REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH AND SENSOR, BUT CONDITIONS STILL EXIST INTERMITTENTLY. *TT

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Nov 7, 2001MI

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATION 01V258000 CONCERNING WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR COVER. UPON CONTACTING LOCAL LINCOLN DEALERSHIP,CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT SERVICE WOULD NOT BE PERFORMED BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS NOT PURCHASED FROM THEIR LOCATION. *AK CONSUMER STATES RECALL REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED AT ANOTHER DEALER. *JB

Complaints 1-50 of 63, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1991
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20207200Routine
201933300Routine
201821200Routine
201775400Routine
200233100Routine
200132200Routine
2000 — this page63430Routine
199942320Routine
199872220Routine
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.