Model year record

1994 Lincoln Continental

5 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 303 owner complaints on file.

Lincoln Continental, 1988–1994 generation
Pictured: the 1988–1994 generation. IFCAR, Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V323000

Structure: frame and members

Component
Structure: frame and members
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
2,697,000
Reported to NHTSA
1998-12-16
Owners notified
1999-01-18

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V009000

Exterior lighting: headlights: switch

Component
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
506,000
Reported to NHTSA
1998-01-21
Owners notified
1998-04-15

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHTS CAN FLASH INTERMITTENTLY AS A RESULT OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER OPENING. THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS CAN GO OUT FOR BRIEF INTERVALS.

Safety risk

LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION CAN AFFECT A DRIVER'S ABILITY TO NAVIGATE THE ROADWAY AND REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH THAT INCORPORATES A CRICUIT BREAKER OF REVISED DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR AND WIRING, IF NEEDED.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V025000

Vehicle speed control

Component
Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
212,700
Reported to NHTSA
1997-02-26
Owners notified
1997-04-23

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V019000

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan

Component
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
75,200
Reported to NHTSA
1997-02-25
Owners notified
1997-03-31

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.

Recall campaignNHTSA 94V129000

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
2,500
Reported to NHTSA
1994-07-12
Owners notified
1994-08-19

Defect description

THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSH ROD RETAINER (HAIRPIN CLIP) MAY BE MISSING OR NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED ON THE SERVICE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS CAN CAUSE DISENGAGEMENT OF THE BRAKE PUSHROD AND LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY.

Safety risk

LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE RETAINER.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling: engine5792,046 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline18—
Power train: automatic transmission1125,701 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner9—
Structure: frame and members9160,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip8—
Suspension: rear: springs: air suspension system8—
Vehicle speed control8—
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers6—
Engine and engine cooling643,692 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system634,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights6—
Suspension: front: springs: air suspension system6—
Suspension: rear6100,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly5—
Structure: body: door5—
Suspension: front5—
Unknown or other5143,000 mi
Visibility: windshield5—
Air bags: frontal4—
Suspension: front: shock absorber4—
Visibility: power window devices and controls4—
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator325,701 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module3—
Power train343,692 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components3—
Steering3143,000 mi
Suspension: rear: shock absorber3—
Air bags2—
Electrical system: ignition: switch2—
Electrical system: wiring2—
Electrical system: wiring: rear compartment/trunk2—
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood2—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash2—
Engine285,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control2—
Exterior lighting: back up lights2—
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch2—
Fuel system, gasoline2—
Interior lighting2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor2—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar2—
Steering: hydraulic power assist system2—
Suspension: front: control arm2—
Suspension: front: springs: air suspension: springs/bags2—
Tires234,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control2—
Wheels2—
Air bags: side/window1—
Electrical system1—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery1—
Electrical system: ignition1—
Electrical system: starter assembly: solenoid1—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system1—
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.1—
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer: LPG systems: tank valve/gauge1—
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer: LPG systems: water heater1—
Exterior lighting: brake lights1—
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch1—
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch1—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery1—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump1—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1—
Fuel system, other1—
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch1—
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines1—
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter1—
Power train: axle assembly1—
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal1—
Power train: clutch assembly1—
Power train: manual transmission1—
Seat belts: front: webbing1—
Service brakes, air: supply: compressor1—
Service brakes, hydraulic1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages1—
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)1—
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly1—
Structure1—
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments1—
Suspension1—
Suspension: front: macpherson strut1—
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar1—
Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly1—
Tires: bead1—
Unknown168,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal1—
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor1—
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs1—

The 1993 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. The 1995 model has 3 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Other Lincoln Continental model years

All Lincoln Continental recalls by year

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.