RoadVitals

1992 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.
126
Latest Jun 9, 2015
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.
3
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.
9
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 126 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1992 Lincoln Continental, most frequently naming the engine, suspension and brakes categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 8 NHTSA investigations name it; and 66 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

3 campaigns cover this model year

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
97V025000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Feb 26, 1997
212,700 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 97S65View on NHTSA.gov
97V019000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

Feb 25, 1997
75,200 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 97S66View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

EA96024ClosedEngineering Analysis

ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES

Opened Sep 30, 1996
Closed Apr 15, 1997

There is no summary currently available

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGLed to recall 97V019000
PE96033ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES

Opened May 2, 1996
Closed Sep 30, 1996

IN DECEMBER 1995, FORD RECALLED 119,313 VEHICLES IN CANADA TO REMEDY THE SUBJECT CONDITION IN CERTAIN 1992-95 TAURUS, SABLE, TEMPO, TOPAZ AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES.FORD IS AWARE OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN NORTHERN REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES, BUT MAINTAINS THAT THE FREQUENCIES DO NOT WARRANT A FINDING OF AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGLed to recall 97V019000
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

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 126
SteeringSuspension
Filed Jun 9, 2015

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.

NHTSA ID
10724397
Incident
Jun 9, 2015
Mileage
130,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Jul 2, 2009

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

NHTSA ID
10275688
Incident
Jul 2, 2009
Mileage
140,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 11, 2004
Fire reported

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

NHTSA ID
10076120
Incident
May 16, 2004
Engine
Filed Jan 15, 2004

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!

NHTSA ID
10069997
Incident
Feb 15, 2003
Mileage
61,774 mi
BrakesElectricalEngine+3 more
Filed Jan 15, 2004

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. THIS CAR HAS GOT TO BE THE REASON FOR THE NYS LEMON LAW

NHTSA ID
10069694
Incident
Jul 15, 2003
Transmission
Filed Nov 16, 2003

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

NHTSA ID
10046995
Incident
Nov 13, 2003
Mileage
72,100 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 10, 2003

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

NHTSA ID
10039649
Incident
Sep 10, 2003
Brakes
Filed Jan 14, 2003

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

NHTSA ID
10003759
Incident
Jan 13, 2003

Manufacturer communications

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

03181

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT

03148

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT

02208

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH

02176

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ

02107

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

TRANSFER SERVICE TIPS FOR THE FRONT WIPER MOTOR MOUNT BRACKET AND DEPRESSED PARK OUTPUT ARM. *TT

0214

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *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
1992Viewing1263859.2
19912033764.2
19901585665.1
19891585866.7
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.