1994 Lincoln Continental Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1994 Lincoln Continental, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine8733.1%
- Suspension2911.0%
- Brakes207.6%
- Body & structure166.1%
- Transmission155.7%
- Electrical145.3%
- Driver assistance114.2%
- Visibility103.8%
- Exterior lighting103.8%
- Steering93.4%
- Airbags72.7%
- Fuel system62.3%
- Interior & seats51.9%
- Powertrain (other)51.9%
- Other / unspecified41.5%
- Tires & wheels31.1%
- Seat belts10.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE SUDDENLY DECREASED AND A CHIME SOUNDED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
THE CAR ALWAYS BEEPS OVERHEATS AND LOSES STEERING. *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH VEHICLE SHUT DOWN, AND THE BACK SUSPENSION WENT OUT, DRIVER ALSO HAD PROBLEM WITH STEERING.*AK
THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING: RECALL HEAD MOUNT , SUBFRAME, AIR BAG SUSPENSION SYSTEM, AIR SHOCK, REAR STABILIZER AND REAR SHOCK SENSORS-BOUNCING/BOBBING IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, RIGHT REAR TIRE, LEFT REAR AIR STRUT-WAS BLOWN AND WAS DRAGGING DOWN IN BACK, A CONVERSION OF SUSPENSION WAS DONE TO CONVERT TO COIL SPRINGS AND REPLACE ALL 4 STRUTS AND HARDWARE, RECALL BRAKE & MOTOR MOUNT-BRAKE GRINDING, HEAD GASKET, AND INNER TIE ROD. (RECALL #'S 94V129000 & 97V019000) SCC
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING: RECALL HEAD MOUNT , SUBFRAME, AIR BAG SUSPENSION SYSTEM, AIR SHOCK, REAR STABILIZER AND REAR SHOCK SENSORS-BOUNCING/BOBBING IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, RIGHT REAR TIRE, LEFT REAR AIR STRUT-WAS BLOWN AND WAS DRAGGING DOWN IN BACK, A CONVERSION OF SUSPENSION WAS DONE TO CONVERT TO COIL SPRINGS AND REPLACE ALL 4 STRUTS AND HARDWARE, RECALL BRAKE & MOTOR MOUNT-BRAKE GRINDING, HEAD GASKET, AND INNER TIE ROD. (RECALL #'S 94V129000 & 97V019000) SCC
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, A SUDDEN POPPING NOISE WAS PRESENT ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUB FRAME BOLTS HAD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CRACKED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND MADE THE CONTACT AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE ALTERNATOR BURNED OUT.*SCC *JB
THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS POORLY DESIGNED SINCE IT FAILED AT ONLY 56000 MILES, THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE (AXOD-E TRANSMISSION). NLM
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE ALTERNATOR BURNED OUT.*SCC *JB
ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, TRUNK WILL NOT GO UP NOR DOWN. CAR WOULDN'T CUT OFF EVEN WHEN THE KEY WAS TAKEN OUT OF THE IGNITION SHOCKS AND SUSPENSION-SHOCKS ARE CONSISTENTLY BEING REPLACED FOR UNKNOWN PURPOSES. INCLUDING THE AIR SUSPENSION. SY OVER HEATING- RADIATOR AND THERMOSTATS WAS REPLACED AND HAS GONE BAD WITHIN 1 WEEK. TS
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WITH INVESTIGATION SEEMS TO BE COMMON PROBLEM, CAN BE DANGEROUS COULD COAST INTO INTERSECTION AND BE UNABLE TO MOVE. WITH PRACTICE CAN BE OVERCOME BY REVING ENGINE WHILE COMING TO A STOP. WHY NO RECALL WAS MADE WHEN FORD KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM STILL A MYSTERY. *AK
VEHICLE DECELERATES WHILE TRAVELING CAUSING DRIVER TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF COMPLETELY. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WILL START, BUT WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE / FORWARD. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *YC
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER CAR INSPECTED AND SEVERAL REPAIRS COMPLETED ON MY 1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL, EXECUTIVE SERIES IN GOOD CONDITION, THE ENGINE WAS BLOWN AND THE DEALERSHIP STATED TO TRADE-IN THE VEHICLE. *JB
REAR AIR SHOCK ASSEMBLY SYSTEM IS CAUSING BACK END OF VEHICLE TO SAG. *SLC
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS CAR HAS SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH I HAVE PAID TO GET FIXED SUCH AS THE AIR RIDE CONTROL COMPRESSOR, THE ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, ALL FUSES, WIRING UNDER THE SEAT, LIGHTS ACROSS THE DASH, THE EMERGENCY FLASHER WOULD NOT TURN OFF. OTHER THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED TO THIS CAR WITHIN DAYS OF PURCHASE RADIATOR, TIMING CHAIN AND ALL OIL SEALS,DOOR HANDLES MECHINAM. I CAN NOW FEEL A RATTLE BENEATH MY FEET AS I DRIVE. HAS THERE EVER BEEN A RECALL ON THIS CAR? MY MOTHER HAS ONE LIKE IT AND HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WHICH HAS EXTENDED TO THE TRANSMISSION.
WHEN THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS GOT WET IN A FLOOD, SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. VEHICLE HAS POWER WINDOWS AND DOORS. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO EXIT VEHICLE FROM INSIDE, AND DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM OUTSIDE. *AK ONCE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILES, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN DOORS AND WINDOWS WITH KEYS FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. *YH
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHTS REMAINED ON WHILE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. CONSUMER UNHOOKED THE BATTERY TO KEEP THE BATTERY CHARGED AND A BUZZING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD. CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT A HEADLIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
STARTED OFF WITH LIGHTS GOING OFF INTERMITTENTLY, NOW GO OFF AND STAY OFF, IN ORDER TO HAVE HEADLIGHTS, I HAVE TO "HOLD" THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS ON, I HAVE SUBMITTED THIS COMPLAINT SEVERAL TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!PLEASE HELP. *AK
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, A SUDDEN POPPING NOISE WAS PRESENT ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUB FRAME BOLTS HAD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.
THE CAR ALWAYS BEEPS OVERHEATS AND LOSES STEERING. *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON 4/12/01 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHILE TRAVELING ON I-75N AT APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH IN THE CENTER LANE. TRAFFIC BEING HEAVY IN ALL LANES.. ANOTHER VEHICLE GOING NORTH IN THE RIGHT HAND LANE AT A SLOWER SPEED PULLED OVER INTO MY LANE WITHOUT WARNING. I WAS UNABLE TO AVOID COLLISION WITH THIS VEHECLE. AS A RESULT OF THE IMPACT MY DRIVERSIDE AIRBAG PARTIALLY DEPLOYED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL BUT DIDN'T FULLY INFLATE.ON IMPACT TO THE LEFT REAR AND SIDE PANEL OF THE OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED. AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE EVEN THOUGH I WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT I WAS THROWN FORWAED ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL. I FEEL THAT BECAUSE THIS AIRBAG DIDN'T INFLATE ALTHOUGH IT WAS TRIGGERED BY THE SENSERS TO DEPLOY, CAUSED ME TO RECEIVE MY INJURIES. HAVE REPORTED THIS TO THE FORD MOTER CONSUMER DIVISION TO WHICH THEIR REPLY WAS I WOULD HAVE TO GET MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO LITIGATE ANY COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES. AFTER TALKING WITH THEM, AND AFTER THE STATE HIGHWAY PATROL FORMALLY RECORDED EVERYTHING! INCLUDING TAKING PHOTOGRAPH OF THE COLLISION AND ALSO THE FAILED AIRBAG! I FIND MYSELF POSSIBLY LOSING THE SIGHT OF AN EYE AS A RESULT OF TRUAMA TO THE HEAD THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF THIS AIRBAG HAD FULLY DEPLOYED. INTERESTINGLY ENOUGH IS THE FACT THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG FULLY DEPLOYED AND INFLATED ALL THE WAY TO THE BACK OF THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT. PLEASE ADVISE ME OF MY RIGHTS TO ANY LIABILITY REGARDING THE FAILURE OF THIS AIRBAG . WHAT RECOURSE CAN I TAKE AND WHO CAN YOU ADVISE I CONTACT AT FORD MOTER LINCOLN DIVISION? I SPOKE TO A GOOD FRIEND WHO GAVE ME AN ADDRESS FOR FORD MOTOR COMPANY LITIGATION PRESENTATION P.O. BOX 43358 DETROIT, MICH 48243 . I AM UNABLE TO GET ANY COOPERATION FROM FORD CONSUMER AS TO HOW THIS DEPARTMENT CAN BE CONTACTED BY PHONE OR EMAIL. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS PROBLEM OF THE FAILED AIRBAG MIGHT CAUSE ME TO LOSE THE SIGHT OF MY RIGHT EYE. I AM EVEN MORE CONCERNED FOR OTHER CONSUMER'S WHO MIGHT NOT BE AS LUCKY AS I AM. PLEASE ADVISE !*AK
WHILE TRAVELING NOTICED AIR BAG INDICATION LIGHT ON. AFTER TRAVELING FOR A WHILE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE STERRING WHEEL. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
STONG GAS ODOR INSIDE OF CAR WHEN GAS TANK IS NEAR EMPTY. ODOR DOES NOT OCCUR EVERYTIME GAS TANK IN CLOSE TO EMPTY, AND NEVER OCCURS WHEN TANK IS FULL. HAVE TAKEN CAR INTO DEALERSHIP TWICE, AND THEY CAN SMELL THE GAS, BUT HAD TROUBLE LOCATING THE PROBLEM. THEY FOUND SOMETHING IN THEIR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FROM 1997 THAT HAD TO DO WITH A VAPOR VENT HOSE THAT RUNS UNDER THE BACK SEAT OF VEHICLE AND WHEN REACHES TEMPS OF 90 DEGREES OR MORE, FUEL FUMES WERE COMING INTO VEHICLE WHEN THE MAX A/C IS ON. THIS IS VERY SIMILAR TO MY PROBLEM. THE KIT UNFORTUNATELY IS NO LONGER MANUFACTURED AND THEY COULD NOT LOCATE ONE, BUT ARE GOING TO TRY TO CREATE THEIR OWN KIT.
VEHICLE WAS PARK ON THE OUTSIDE OF CONSUMER'S HOUSE, AND HE HAD JUST GOTTEN OUT OF VEHICLE. A FEW MINUTES LATER, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALL OUT. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE FUEL INJECTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS CAR HAS SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH I HAVE PAID TO GET FIXED SUCH AS THE AIR RIDE CONTROL COMPRESSOR, THE ALTERNATOR, BATTERY, ALL FUSES, WIRING UNDER THE SEAT, LIGHTS ACROSS THE DASH, THE EMERGENCY FLASHER WOULD NOT TURN OFF. OTHER THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED TO THIS CAR WITHIN DAYS OF PURCHASE RADIATOR, TIMING CHAIN AND ALL OIL SEALS,DOOR HANDLES MECHINAM. I CAN NOW FEEL A RATTLE BENEATH MY FEET AS I DRIVE. HAS THERE EVER BEEN A RECALL ON THIS CAR? MY MOTHER HAS ONE LIKE IT AND HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WHICH HAS EXTENDED TO THE TRANSMISSION.
A/C COMPRESSOR SEIZED. NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING INTO WORK ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. TOTAL REBUILD REQUIRED AT 87456 MILES ON CAR, COST $1800.
CAR CURRENTLY HAS A COVER ON IT AND DOESN'T RUN BECAUSE OF A BAD TRANSMISSION.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER CAR INSPECTED AND SEVERAL REPAIRS COMPLETED ON MY 1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL, EXECUTIVE SERIES IN GOOD CONDITION, THE ENGINE WAS BLOWN AND THE DEALERSHIP STATED TO TRADE-IN THE VEHICLE. *JB
WHILE TRAVELING THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF WITHOUT INDICAITON. PLEASE PROVIDE FUTHER INFORMATON. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
ENGINE HEAD GASKET FAILURE. *AK
WE PURCHASED CAR AS A COMPANY PROGRAM AND FOUND THINGS WRONG AT THAT TIME WHICH INDICATED CAR HAD BEEN IN SOME SORT OF ACCIDENT WHICH WE WERE NOT INFORMED OF TILL WE DISCOVERED THINGS LATER, SUCH AS INSIDE OF BACK RIM BENT, PIECES OF GLASS INSIDE BACK PAKAGE TRAY, RUBBER BUMPER MISSING ON 2 LEFT DOORS, AND AIR BAG WARNING WIRES UNHOOKED INSIDE STEERING WHEEL. AT 35000 MILES THE HEAD GASKET BLEW ON MOTOR(COVERED BY WARRANTY) THEN RIGHT AFTER WARRANTY RAN OUT AT 50000 MILES WE HAD 2 MASS AIR SENSORS FAIL, THEN THE IDLE CONTROL AND AT 56000 MILES FOUND LOW KNOCK IN ENGINE AND WHEN OPENED FOUND MANY WORN AND BAD PARTS IN ENGINE TO THE POINT WE HAD TO PUT NEW ENGINE IN CAR AT OUR OWN EXPENSE. DEALERS OR FORD MOTOR CO. WOULD NOT PAY ANY. CAR HAD ALWAYS BEEN SERVICED AT 2000 MILES SINCE WE'VE HAD IT AND DIDN'T USE ANY OIL. WE BELIEVE THIS FAILURE UNCALLED FOR AT THIS MILEAGE WITH THIS HIGH PRICED OF A CAR. THE LOCAL DEALER SHIP HAD 4 CARS IN THEIR SHOP AT THE SAME TIME WITH THIS 3.8 V6 ENGINE BEING REPLACED. ALSO FOUND A FORD VAN IN THE COMMUNITY AT A DIFERANT DEALER WITH SAME MOTOR OUT AT JUST UNDER 50000 MILE. SEEMS TO ME WITH THE CARE WE GAVE CAR AND THE DAMAGE FOUND TO THE CRANKSHAFT. PISTONS AND CAMSHAFT OF OUR ENGINE, THESE ENGINES MUST BE FAULTY FROM START.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOTH FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SHOULDER BELTS EXTEND ACROSS NECKS, EVEN AFTER ADJUSTING BELTS. TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .