NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
85 reportsClear category filter54,432 miles · Nov 9, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
CONTINUATION OF PREVIOUS COMPLAINT. RESPONSE FROM LETTER TO PRES. OF FORD ON 3.8L V6 ENGINE HEAD GASKET FAILURE ON LINCOLN CONTINENTAL WITH 54,436 MILES ON IT: FORD BASICALLY SAID "TOUGH LUCK". DEALER SAYING $1,700 TO $3,000 PLUS TO FIX. MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMS ME THERE IS ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE. THERE ARE SEVERAL PRODU…
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CONTINUATION OF PREVIOUS COMPLAINT. RESPONSE FROM LETTER TO PRES. OF FORD ON 3.8L V6 ENGINE HEAD GASKET FAILURE ON LINCOLN CONTINENTAL WITH 54,436 MILES ON IT: FORD BASICALLY SAID "TOUGH LUCK". DEALER SAYING $1,700 TO $3,000 PLUS TO FIX. MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMS ME THERE IS ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE. THERE ARE SEVERAL PRODUCT AVAILABLE TO FIX THE HEAD GASKET IN THE CAR. ONE HE HAS USED, AND WORKS, IS "STEEL SEAL". COST ABOUT $70 FOR PRODUCT, PLUS A NEW THERMOSTAT, AND NEW COOLANT. I FIGURE WORST CASE AROUND $400 FOR EVERYTHING. IT'S WORTH THE GAMBLE. AS IT IS NOW THE CAR IS JUNK OR THE REPAIR FROM FORD IS MORE THAT THE VALUE OF THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10142338
54,344 miles · Oct 24, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
1) SUDDEN ROUGH RUNNING ENGINE 2) BLOWN HEAD GASKET WITH GRAY/WHITE SMOKE FROM BOTH EXHAUST PIPES 3) NO CORRECTION DONE SO FAR. PARKED CAR AND TRYING TO DETERMINE PROPER STEP TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10140677
40,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE TAKES AWHILE TO HEAT, COOLENT OKAY, NO EXTERNAL LEAKS, REMOVED PLUGS AND FOUND SIGNS OF COOLENT IN #4 CYL. REPLACED HEAD GASKETS AND SENT HEADS OUT TO MACHINE SHOP. APPEARS TO BE OKAY NOW. ON 06/01/99 AT CALL BACK FOR LEAKING HEAD GASKET THEY FOUND IT LEAKING AND REPLACED GASKETS AT NO CHARGE, THEM ON 08/11/99 THEY FOUN…
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VEHICLE TAKES AWHILE TO HEAT, COOLENT OKAY, NO EXTERNAL LEAKS, REMOVED PLUGS AND FOUND SIGNS OF COOLENT IN #4 CYL. REPLACED HEAD GASKETS AND SENT HEADS OUT TO MACHINE SHOP. APPEARS TO BE OKAY NOW. ON 06/01/99 AT CALL BACK FOR LEAKING HEAD GASKET THEY FOUND IT LEAKING AND REPLACED GASKETS AT NO CHARGE, THEM ON 08/11/99 THEY FOUND MY ENGINE BANGING AND SAID GASKETS LEAKED AND DAMAGED LOWER BEARINGS AND THEY REPLACED THE ENGINE AT NO CHARGE. ON 04/02/02 THE GASKETS LEAKED AGOAIN AND I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA ODI #10070216
43,692 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
CAR CURRENTLY HAS A COVER ON IT AND DOESN'T RUN BECAUSE OF A BAD TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA ODI #10068956
96,809 miles · Dec 3, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE OWNER DROVE THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. WORK WAS DONE TO THE GASKETS. THE DEALER SAID THAT THE COST WOULD BE 1200.00 FOR FURTHER GASKET REPAIR WORK. THE OWNER REFUSED, AND FELT THAT HE WAS BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OFF. *AK *SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10044311
100,000 miles · Aug 4, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringSuspension
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH VEHICLE SHUT DOWN, AND THE BACK SUSPENSION WENT OUT, DRIVER ALSO HAD PROBLEM WITH STEERING.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10031950
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment
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
NHTSA ODI #10028548
92,046 miles · Mar 13, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE HEAD GASKET WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE ENGINE BLOCK CRACKED.*AK *JB VECHILE STALLED OUT AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. CONSUMER LEARNED OF EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 100,000 MILES/7 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEVER DEALER WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE REPAIRS BECAUSE VEHICLE IS OLDER THAN 7 YEARS. VEHICLE IS JUST UNDER MILEAGE WITH 92,046 MILES…
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THE HEAD GASKET WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE ENGINE BLOCK CRACKED.*AK *JB VECHILE STALLED OUT AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. CONSUMER LEARNED OF EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 100,000 MILES/7 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEVER DEALER WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE REPAIRS BECAUSE VEHICLE IS OLDER THAN 7 YEARS. VEHICLE IS JUST UNDER MILEAGE WITH 92,046 MILES. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10009708
25,701 miles · Feb 11, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE ALTERNATOR BURNED OUT.*SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10006080
Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
I NEVER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS ON THE 94 LINCOLN CONT. AFTER PAYING FOR THE REPAIR I RESEARCHED INFO. IN ALLDATA & THERE WAS A GENERAL RECALL (TSB00M09). I CONTACTED THE DEALERS & IT WAS STILL OPEN UNDER MY VIN #. I'VE TAKEN THE CAR TO VARIOUS DEALERS BUT NOT ONE OF THEM HAD THE INTEGRITY TO LET ME KN…
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I NEVER WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT THE ENGINE HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS ON THE 94 LINCOLN CONT. AFTER PAYING FOR THE REPAIR I RESEARCHED INFO. IN ALLDATA & THERE WAS A GENERAL RECALL (TSB00M09). I CONTACTED THE DEALERS & IT WAS STILL OPEN UNDER MY VIN #. I'VE TAKEN THE CAR TO VARIOUS DEALERS BUT NOT ONE OF THEM HAD THE INTEGRITY TO LET ME KNOW ABOUT THIS LINGERING PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10005242
Official recalls
5Dec 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.
Jan 21, 1998
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
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.
Feb 25, 1997
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.
Jul 12, 1994
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE RETAINER.
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
2EA96024 · 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.
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