Model year record

1997 Lincoln Continental

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 109 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 96V166000

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)

Component
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
40,000
Reported to NHTSA
1996-09-05
Owners notified
1996-09-23

Defect description

THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK.

Safety risk

UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET.

Owner complaints

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

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior1142,800 mi
Tires6
Vehicle speed control6
Power train540,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission573,100 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip555,100 mi
Suspension: front5
Air bags: frontal3
Steering: hydraulic power assist system3
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly359,075 mi
Tires: tread/belt3
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices3
Engine and engine cooling: engine2
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components240,286 mi
Steering: rack and pinion2
Suspension2
Unknown or other2
Air bags11,280,000 mi
Electrical system175,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery: cables1
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator1
Electrical system: horn1
Electrical system: ignition1
Electrical system: ignition: switch1
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood1
Electronic stability control: automatic (ASC)170,000 mi
Engine140,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling158,635 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system1
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1
Equipment: mechanical: accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift1
Exterior lighting: headlights1
Fuel system, gasoline1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1
Fuel system, other1
Interior lighting1
Seat belts: front: anchorage1
Seats: front assembly: power adjust1
Service brakes, hydraulic170,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper140,286 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Steering1
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device1
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump154,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion: rack1
Structure: body: door1
Suspension: front: macpherson strut1103,000 mi
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs1103,000 mi
Suspension: rear1
Suspension: rear: shock absorber1
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal1
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1
Vehicle speed control: linkages1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system1
Visibility: power window devices and controls153,000 mi

The 1996 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. The 1998 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

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.