RoadVitals

1995 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.
70
Latest Sep 3, 2010
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.
2
Latest Apr 1, 2016
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.
2
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.
10
13 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 70 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1995 Lincoln Continental, most frequently naming the exterior lighting, suspension and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 151 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

2 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
16E026000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

Apr 1, 2016
49,635 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Robert Bosch LLCView on NHTSA.gov
96V009000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Jan 23, 1996
40,000 units potentially affected
The defect: A DEFECTIVE CONTROL MODULE IN THE "AUTOLAMP" SYSTEM CAN MALFUNCTION. IF THE "AUTOLAMP" SYSTEM IS BEING USED TO ACTIVATE THE EXTERIOR LIGHT (INCLUDING HEADLAMPS), THE HEADLAMPS COULD SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THIS WILL NOT OCCUR IF THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING IS TURNED ON MANUALLY BY THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.
The risk: IF THE HEADLAMPS SHUT OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE IMPAIRED INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE "AUTOLAMP" CONTROL MODULE. OWNERS ARE INSTRUCTED TO USE THE MANUAL HEADLAMP SWITCH UNTIL THE CONTROL MODULE CAN BE REPLACED.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYView 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

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 70
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical+5 more
Filed Sep 3, 2010

I BOUGHT THE CAR ON 08/28/2010 AND ONLY DROVE IT THAT DAY. SINCE IT WAS A SATURDAY AND THEY CLOSED EARLY, I HAD TO WAIT UNTIL MONDAY TO CONTACT THEM. ON MONDAY, A REP FROM THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THEY SOLD THE CAR TO ME FROM SOMEONE WHO DIDN'T HAVE A DEALERSHIP OR TITLE FOR THE CAR AND HE WAS USING THEIR DEALERSHIP TO SELL AND TO RETRIEVE THE TITLE ONCE THE SELL WAS FINAL. THE CAR WAS OK WHEN I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP, BUT AFTER A COUPLE HOURS IT DIED ON ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING ALMOST CAUSING A ACCIDENT. ON THE DASH IT KEEP SAYING, "CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM". I KNOW A LIL ABOUT CARS AND I REALLY NEED THE TRANSPORTATION BECAUSE I'M A COLLEGE STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE, I DECIDED TO TRY TO GET IT FIXED TO MY KNOWLEDGE, BUT IT SEEMS AS IF IT'S SOMETHING MORE TO THIS "LEMON" AUCTION AUTO SOLD ME. I REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR, VOLTAGE REGULATOR AND BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY AND NOTHING HAS CHANGED. IT'LL DRIVE FOR A HOUR OR TWO THEN DIE WHILE I'M DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10353697
Incident
Aug 28, 2010
Mileage
60 mi
Transmission
Filed Nov 23, 2009

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT 10 MPH THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE PLACE OF RESIDENCE. THE FORD MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

NHTSA ID
10293211
Incident
Nov 16, 2009
Mileage
131,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed May 27, 2009

MY LEFT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING AT APPROX 69 MPH ON I-85. THE TIRE HAD PROPER AIR PRESSURE AND NOTHING WAS RUN OVER TO MAKE A PUNCTURE. I THINK THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE BODY DUE TO POOR ADHESION TO THE STEEL CORD AND THEN THE BODY EXPLODED WITHIN A REVOLUTION OR 2. I BASE THIS ON THE SOUND AND THE FACT THAT BARE TIRE CORD IS SHOWING ON THE CARCASS. MICHELIN REFUSED TO OFFER ANYTHING MORE THAN CREDIT FOR TREADWEAR, WHICH WAS ABOUT 40% (60% LEFT). I ESTIMATE THE TIRE AGE AT 2 TO 3 YEARS, BUT CANNOT FIND A RECEIPT. THE TIRE WAS TOO DAMAGED TO FIND A SERIAL NUMBER. SOME DAMAGE OCCURRED DURING APPROX 0.2 MILE REQUIRED FOR CHANGING LANES AND MOVING OFF THE EXPRESSWAY (RUSH HOUR). THE LEFT FRONT FENDER, WHEEL WELL (PLASTIC), AND WHEEL WERE REPLACED IN ADDITION TO THE TIRE AND AN ALIGNMENT. TOTAL COST ABOUT $1550. THE TIRE WAS A MICHELIN HARMONY 225R60X16. THE CAR ALSO HAD TO BE TOWED, DUE TO A MISSING KEY TO A LUGNUT ON EACH WHEEL. *TR

NHTSA ID
10270044
Incident
May 12, 2009
Mileage
125,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lightingVisibility
Filed Jan 30, 2007

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT RECALL #96V009000 DID NOT APPLY TO THIS VEHICLE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS MORE THAN 10 YEARS OLD. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURES AS MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED THE VEHICLE IN 1998 WHEN THE RECALL NOTICE WAS ISSUED AND HAS EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE SINCE 1995. THE CONTACT REPORTED THE FAILURE TO THE LOCAL MERCURY DEALER AT THAT TIME, AND THE RECALL WAS NOT HONORED. THE CONTACT REQUESTED THAT THE RECALL BE HONORED DUE TO THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DASH GIVES OFF A POOR ILLUMINATION. THE LEFT FRONT WINDOW REGULATOR WAS REPLACD. UPDATED 03/02/07. *JB UPDATED *JB

NHTSA ID
10181158
Incident
Jan 1, 2007
Mileage
36,645 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 20, 2006
Fire reported

1995 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL COOLING FAN FIRE. I EXTINGUISHED IT WITH H20 BEFORE FPD ARRIVED. *NM

NHTSA ID
10173856
Incident
Nov 10, 2006
Mileage
108,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Aug 23, 2005

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN RECALL 98V323000. VEHICLE MANIFESTED THE SAME PROBLEM AS LISTED IN THE RECALL CONCERNING REAR LOWER SUB FRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT THAT COULD 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 SUB FRAME WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP. IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE'S CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. THIS RECALL DID NOT INCLUDE THE YEAR O VEHICLE BUT SHE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. *AK *TT

NHTSA ID
10129582
Incident
Jul 14, 2005
Mileage
102,073 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Jan 11, 2005

JANUARY 10TH THE 'DOOR AJAR' SENSOR CAME ON AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE ON. I CHECKED ALL 4 DOORS, THEY WERE ALL CLOSED AND THE LIGHTS REMAINED ON. I THEN PUSHED THE 'RESET' BUTTON FOR THE SENSOR AND THE LIGHTS THEN WOULD GO OFF FOR A BRIEF TIME AND COME BACK ON. THEN, TODAY JANUARY 11TH THE SAME THING OCCURRED BUT AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS THE PROBLEM INCREASED. I STARTED THE CAR, THE 'DOOR AJAR' SENSOR CAME ON ALONG WITH THE LIGHTS. AGAIN THE DOORS WERE CHECKED, THEY WERE ALL SHUT. AS I STARTED TO DRIVE THE LIGHTS WENT OFF, THEN WHEN I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE LIGHTS WOULD TURN ON, AND WHEN I PUSHED THE GAS THE LIGHTS FADED AWAY AND TURNED OFF. WHEN I TURNED MY CAR OFF AND LOCKED THE DOORS THE LIGHTS STAYED ON FOR OVER 10-15 MINUTES. I'VE HAD NUMEROUS PEOPLE LOOK AT IT, AND THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED IT. BUT THERE BEING A SHORT OR TOUCHING WIRES. I HAVE NOT YET DONE ANYTHING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IM HAVING SOMEONE ELSE LOOK AT THE WIRING JANUARY 12TH.*AK

NHTSA ID
10106161
Incident
Jan 10, 2005
Brakes
Filed Apr 29, 2004

1995 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL BRAKE PROBLEMS. (NAR) *MR THE VEHICLE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED SEVERAL TIMES. EACH TIME IT WAS REPLACED IT FAILED AGAIN. THE DEALER(S) HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO PERMANENTLY FIX THE BRAKE PROBLEM. *NM *CB

NHTSA ID
10073332
Incident
Jan 1, 1901

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
1995Viewing702257.4
19941905258.0
19931214556.8
19921263859.2
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.