RoadVitals

1989 Lincoln Continental

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
158
Latest Apr 15, 2008
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Dec 16, 1998
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
8
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
24
11 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 158 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1989 Lincoln Continental, most frequently naming the seat belts, brakes and engine categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 8 NHTSA investigations name it; and 46 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
98V323000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Dec 16, 1998
2,697,000 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 98S36View on NHTSA.gov
97V174000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Oct 7, 1997
63,400 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEATING POSITION SEAT BELT BUCKLES MAY NOT LATCH OR UNLATCH.
The risk: THESE CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE SEAT BELT USAGE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov
97I003000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Oct 7, 1997
299,600 units potentially affected
The defect: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. FORD IS INITIATING AN OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM THAT WILL PROVIDE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, 12 YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILEAGE, FOR ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES WITH FUNCTIONAL CONCERNS.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THE OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, FOR 12 YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILEAGE.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA95033ClosedEngineering Analysis

FAULTY SEAT BELT BUCKLES

Opened Oct 31, 1995
Closed Oct 22, 1997

COMPLAINTS ALLEGE AN INABILITY TO LATCH SEAT BELT BUCKLES, AND INADVERTENT UNLATCHING OF THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE.

SEAT BELTSLed to recall 97V174000
DP95004ClosedDefect Petition

ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS

Opened Aug 8, 1995
Closed Aug 30, 1995

ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
EA94008ClosedEngineering Analysis

BROKEN TIE RODS

Opened Feb 16, 1994
Closed Feb 27, 1995

There is no summary currently available

STEERING
PE93058ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

BROKEN TIE RODS

Opened Jun 15, 1993
Closed Feb 16, 1994

There is no summary currently available

STEERING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 158
Body & structure
Filed Apr 15, 2008

THE SUBFRAME ON OUR 1989 CONTINENTAL RUSTED THROUGH WHICH ALLOWS THE ENGINE TO FALL ONTO THE STEERING GEAR AND PREVENTS STEERING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10224542
Incident
Mar 24, 2008
Mileage
230,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 15, 2004

THE HEAD GASKET IS BLOWN. I AM LOSING COOLENT AND THICK WHITE SMOKE IS COMING OUT AT THE TAILPIPE. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO THE MECHANIC YET BUT I AM CONVICED FROM THE COLOR OF THE SMOKE AND SMELL OF THE SMOKE.

NHTSA ID
10069812
Incident
Dec 15, 2002
Seat belts
Filed Nov 13, 2003

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT KEEPS RELEASING ON ITSW OWN WHILE DRIVING. *AK

NHTSA ID
10047944
Mileage
37,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Apr 30, 2003

ALL FOUR AIR SPRING SUSPENSION LEAKED IN DIFFERENT TIMES THAT CAUSE FRONT PART OR REAR PART OF THE VEHICLE LOWER TO GROUND WHICH CAN NOT DRIVE. THE REAR AIR STRUTS PARTS EACH COST MORE THAN FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS AND THE FRONT ONES COST MORE THAN $350 EACH FROM LINCOLN DEALER. THE REASON OF LEAK IS THAT SOME SAND WILL GET BETWEEN AIR THE SPRING RUBBER SURFACE AND STRUT BODY WHICH CAUSE AIR BAG SPRING RUBBER TO GRIND AND CUT. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THAT ONE OF A FRONT SUSPENSION HEIGHT SENSOR LINK LOOSEN CAUSED ONE FRONT AIR SUSPENSION BAG BLOWED UP. IF THIS HAPPENED AT REAR WILL CAUSE BOTH REAR AIR SUSPENSION SPRING BLOW UP SINCE ONLY ONE HEIGHT SENSOR AT REAR FOR BOTH AIR SPRINGS. *JB

NHTSA ID
10016801
Incident
Jan 1, 2002
Tires & wheels
Filed Apr 17, 2003

THE TREAD ON TIRE HAD SHIFTED AND THERE WAS METAL SHOWING. THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACED ANOTHER TIRE PREVIOUSLY FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB

NHTSA ID
10016052
Engine
Filed Oct 9, 2002
Fire reported

CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE VEHICLE WHICH STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. CONTACTED DEALER. MR FUEL RAIL EXPLODED 3 INCH HOLE. INSTANT FIRE IN BACK OF ENGINE.

NHTSA ID
8020475
Incident
Aug 16, 2002
Driver assistance
Filed Aug 29, 2002
Crash reported

WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING, WHEN TRYING TO APPLY BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND IT WAS HARD FOR VEHICLE TO STOP, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK CONSUMER STATED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK WHILE DRIVING ON THE FRREWAY, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PULL OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE, CONSUMER HIT SOME DEBRIS THAT WAS IN THE LANE WHICH CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.*JB

NHTSA ID
8017572
Incident
Aug 23, 2002
Electrical
Filed Aug 22, 2002

IGNITION SWITCH FAILED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY, OFTEN LOOSING CONTROL CENTER INFORMATION AND SOMETIMES PREVENTING THE CAR FROM OPERATING. CAR WAS TAKEN TO REPAIR STATION WHERE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND HARNESS WERE REPLACED. THE TWO COMPONENTS (BURNED AND FUSED) ARE AVAILABLE FOR ANALYSIS.

NHTSA ID
766039

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

01156

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC

01157

INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC

0015

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS

99222

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT

99196

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT

99152

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Lincoln Continental by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2020720—
2019323054.7
2018182053.5
2017744055.9
2002331042.1
2001322044.0
2000634261.9
1999423260.9
1998722052.5
1997962047.3
1996483048.2
1995702257.4
19941905258.0
19931214556.8
19921263859.2
19912033764.2
19901585665.1
1989Viewing1585866.7
19888491168.2
1987916—
1986854—
1985152370.0
1984622—
1983231—
1982121—
1981100—
1980010—
1979220—
1978100—
1977111—
1976010—
1975130—
1974010—
1969010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.