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1991 Lincoln Continental

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Continental years

Owner complaints for the 1991 Lincoln Continental are substantially higher than the model-year median of 32.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 4 of 203 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 56 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports19 fire reports5 injury reports

Structure complaints

23 reports
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156,000 miles · Feb 15, 2005
Structure

AS I STARTED OFF FROM A STOP SIGN ON 7/21/04. I HEARD A LOUD SOUND FROM UNDER MY CAR. I GOT AND LOOKED UNDER THE CAR BUT COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING WRONG, SINCE IT WAS DARK, SO I GOT BACK IN AND STARTED OUT AGAIN BUT I DIDN'T HAVE ANY POWER STEERING. I REASONED SOMETHING HAD BROKEN IN THE POWER STEERING UNIT. SINCE I WAS ONLY TW…

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AS I STARTED OFF FROM A STOP SIGN ON 7/21/04. I HEARD A LOUD SOUND FROM UNDER MY CAR. I GOT AND LOOKED UNDER THE CAR BUT COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING WRONG, SINCE IT WAS DARK, SO I GOT BACK IN AND STARTED OUT AGAIN BUT I DIDN'T HAVE ANY POWER STEERING. I REASONED SOMETHING HAD BROKEN IN THE POWER STEERING UNIT. SINCE I WAS ONLY TWO BLOCKS FROM HOME I DECIDED TO TRY TO LIMP THE CAR HOME. I GOT A FLASH LIGHT AND LOOKED UNDER THE CAR. I FOUND THE REAR OF THE SUB FRAME HAD BROKEN AWAY FROM THE BODY, AND WAS ONLY A COUPLE OF INCHES OFF THE GROUND. THE FRAME APPEARED TO BE HELD UP BY THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. I CALLED THE LINCOLN DEALER AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE SUBFRAME OF MY CAR BUT IT WAS ONLY GOOD IN 25 STATES AND UTAH WAS NOT INCLUDED. I TALKED TO TWO PEOPLE AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND SAID THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING FOR ME EITHER. THE RECALL WAS 98S36. I FEEL THAT THE FACT THAT MY SUBFRAME BROKE LOOSE AND I LOST MY STEERING SHOULD BE ENOUGH EVIDENCE OF A SAFETY ISSUE REGARDLESS OF WHEN OR WHERE IT OCCURRED. *AK THE LEFT MOUNTING BOLT PULLED THROUGH THE LOWER WASHER. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10088975

Mileage unknown · Jan 10, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainStructure

1991 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MOTOR MOUNTS FAILED.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***.*MR RECALL FOR MOTOR MOUNTS, SUB-FRAME SUPPORT PLATE, TRANSMISSION CABLE, AND MOUNT CORROSION. DEALERSHIP WILLING TO FIX SUB-FRAME PLATE AND CABLE, BUT WILL NOT FIX MOTOR MOUNTS, STATING THAT THE 6 YEAR OR 60,000 MILES HAS EXPIRED AND THAT THE CAR IS TOO OLD…

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1991 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MOTOR MOUNTS FAILED.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***.*MR RECALL FOR MOTOR MOUNTS, SUB-FRAME SUPPORT PLATE, TRANSMISSION CABLE, AND MOUNT CORROSION. DEALERSHIP WILLING TO FIX SUB-FRAME PLATE AND CABLE, BUT WILL NOT FIX MOTOR MOUNTS, STATING THAT THE 6 YEAR OR 60,000 MILES HAS EXPIRED AND THAT THE CAR IS TOO OLD. PLEASE HELP INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER. *TT *NM

NHTSA ODI #10128098

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

I HAD JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A PRIVATE OWNER FOR MY SISTER TO DRIVE TO WORK. WELL NOT EVEN BEFORE WE GOT HOME THE MAIN EEC IV COMPUTER DIED SO THE CAR WOULD NOT RUN. ONCE WE FIGURED OUT IT WAS THE MAIN COMPUTER AND REPLACED IT IT RAN FINE. BUT WE STILL HAD TWO BAD FRONT AIR STRUTS TO FIX. AFTER ALL THAT SHE FINALLY GOT TO DRI…

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I HAD JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A PRIVATE OWNER FOR MY SISTER TO DRIVE TO WORK. WELL NOT EVEN BEFORE WE GOT HOME THE MAIN EEC IV COMPUTER DIED SO THE CAR WOULD NOT RUN. ONCE WE FIGURED OUT IT WAS THE MAIN COMPUTER AND REPLACED IT IT RAN FINE. BUT WE STILL HAD TWO BAD FRONT AIR STRUTS TO FIX. AFTER ALL THAT SHE FINALLY GOT TO DRIVE IT TO WORK AND THE FIRST DAY SHE DROVE THE CAR SHE DID NOT EVEN MAKE IT HOME BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION JUST STOPPED WORKING. SO SHE IS OUT A CAR AND WE DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX IT. BECAUSE OF ALL THE OTHER CARS MY POOR SISTER HAS OWNED DRAINED US.

NHTSA ODI #10070664

107,000 miles · Apr 2, 2003
Structure

THE SUB FRAME DROPPED, WHICH CAUSED IMPROPER STEERING. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRABLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10015037

Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2001
Structure

VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 98V323000. SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT HAS CRACKED DUE TO CORROSION, CAUSING REAR CORNERS OF VEHICLE TO DROP. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #898283

Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2001
SteeringStructure

STEERING WHEEL CONTINUED TURNING LEFT, UNASSISTED, INSTEAD OF RETURNING TO TDC WHEN GRIP PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL IS RELAXED. EXAMINATION DETERMINED CORROSION HAD CREATED A HOLE IN THE LEFT REAR CORNER COWEL PANEL IN SPIT OF RUST UNDERCOATING. ADDITIONAL RUST COVERED AN AREA OF THE UNDERBODY. ADVISE THAT THE REASON THE …

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STEERING WHEEL CONTINUED TURNING LEFT, UNASSISTED, INSTEAD OF RETURNING TO TDC WHEN GRIP PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL IS RELAXED. EXAMINATION DETERMINED CORROSION HAD CREATED A HOLE IN THE LEFT REAR CORNER COWEL PANEL IN SPIT OF RUST UNDERCOATING. ADDITIONAL RUST COVERED AN AREA OF THE UNDERBODY. ADVISE THAT THE REASON THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WAS ATTRIBUTED TO THE CORROSION DAMAGED LEFT REAR CORNER COWELL PANEL CAUSING THE ENGINE TO LURCH TO THE LEFT WHEN MAKING A 90 DEGREE LEFT TURN.

NHTSA ODI #9002935

Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2000
EquipmentPower TrainStructure

A/C COMPRESSOR FAILED. *MJS

NHTSA ODI #551275

Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2000
Power TrainStructure

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #716737

Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 1999
EquipmentExterior LightingStructure

THE HYDRAULIC SHOCKS, FRONT AND BACK ALL BEFORE 110,000 MILES. (ABOUT $2000 TO FIX) THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE DCL LIGHT KEEPS GOING OFF. THE OIL LIGHT KEEPS GOING OFF. NO OIL IS NEEDED. THE FRONT END SHAKES VERY BADLY. THE REAR SUB MOUNTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE HEADLINER IN THE CAR IS DISENTERGRATING. THE TRUNK MOTOR WAS REPLA…

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THE HYDRAULIC SHOCKS, FRONT AND BACK ALL BEFORE 110,000 MILES. (ABOUT $2000 TO FIX) THE AIR CONDITIONER. THE DCL LIGHT KEEPS GOING OFF. THE OIL LIGHT KEEPS GOING OFF. NO OIL IS NEEDED. THE FRONT END SHAKES VERY BADLY. THE REAR SUB MOUNTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE HEADLINER IN THE CAR IS DISENTERGRATING. THE TRUNK MOTOR WAS REPLACED AND IS DYING AGAIN. THE RADIO IS DEAD. MANY THINGS ARE WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT WAS ORIGINALLY FROM PENN.

NHTSA ODI #714958

Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure

CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT DEALER REPAIRED REAR SURFAME CORROSION, BUT REFUSED TO CORRECT THE SAME PROBLEM TO FRONT MOTOR MOUNTS. CAN NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER.*AK

NHTSA ODI #843864

Official recalls

3

98V323000 · Structure:frame And Members

Dec 16, 1998

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.

Consequence & remedy

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

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

97V025000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Feb 26, 1997

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.

91V134000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor

Aug 6, 1991

FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: SEVERELY CORRODED ROTORS MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE NEARTHE INNER EDGES OF THE BRAKE DISCS RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS,HIGHER THAN NORMAL PEDAL EFFORTS, LOUD GRINDING NOISES, AND MODERATE PULLS WHENTHE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS MAY INCREASE MINIMUMSTOPPING DISTANCES, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: REPLACE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH FULL CAST FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

7

EA96024 · Engine Cooling Fan Fires

Opened Sep 30, 1996 · Closed Apr 15, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

There is no summary currently available

PE96033 · Engine Cooling Fan Fires

Opened May 2, 1996 · Closed Sep 30, 1996

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

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.

DP95004 · Alleged Defective Tie Rods

Opened Aug 8, 1995 · Closed Aug 30, 1995

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Unknown Or Other

ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS

EA94008 · Broken Tie Rods

Opened Feb 16, 1994 · Closed Feb 27, 1995

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering

There is no summary currently available

PE93070 · Failure Of Wheel Studs

Opened Jul 27, 1993 · Closed Nov 22, 1993

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension

There is no summary currently available

PE93058 · Broken Tie Rods

Opened Jun 15, 1993 · Closed Feb 16, 1994

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering

There is no summary currently available

EA92040 · SUB-FRM/UNIBODY Absor.fail

Opened Nov 30, 1992 · Closed Jun 30, 1993

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure

There is no summary currently available

Structure

There is no summary currently available