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1994 Lincoln Continental

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Continental years

Owner complaints for the 1994 Lincoln Continental are substantially higher than the model-year median of 32.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 17 of 190 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 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

12 crash reports2 fire reports6 injury reports

Structure complaints

15 reports
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147,000 miles · Jul 3, 2014
SteeringStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, A SUDDEN POPPING NOISE WAS PRESENT ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT, A SUDDEN POPPING NOISE WAS PRESENT ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SUDDENLY, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SUB FRAME BOLTS HAD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

NHTSA ODI #10608126

179,500 miles · Jun 14, 2011
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CRACKED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CRACKED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND MADE THE CONTACT AWARE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V323000 (STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

NHTSA ODI #10406818

223,000 miles · Sep 28, 2004
Structure

WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT THE STEERING FAILED. DEALER STATED SUB FRAME CORRODED. RECALL 98V323000 WAS ISSUED FOR THE LOWER CRADLE BOLTS. HOWEVER, A DIFFERENT PART OF THE CRADLE BOLTS FAILED SO THE CONSUMER HAS TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10094466

160,000 miles · Sep 30, 2003
Structure

RECALL 98V323000 CONCERNING SUB FRAME CORROSION. DEFECT OCCURRED AFTER RECALL REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. REPLACEMENT PARTS DIDN'T CORRECT THE PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10042011

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSteering

THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING: RECALL HEAD MOUNT , SUBFRAME, AIR BAG SUSPENSION SYSTEM, AIR SHOCK, REAR STABILIZER AND REAR SHOCK SENSORS-BOUNCING/BOBBING IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, RIGHT REAR TIRE, LEFT REAR AIR STRUT-WAS BLOWN AND WAS DRAGGING DOWN IN BACK, A CONVERSION OF SUSPENSION WAS DONE TO CONVERT TO COIL…

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THE CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING: RECALL HEAD MOUNT , SUBFRAME, AIR BAG SUSPENSION SYSTEM, AIR SHOCK, REAR STABILIZER AND REAR SHOCK SENSORS-BOUNCING/BOBBING IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, RIGHT REAR TIRE, LEFT REAR AIR STRUT-WAS BLOWN AND WAS DRAGGING DOWN IN BACK, A CONVERSION OF SUSPENSION WAS DONE TO CONVERT TO COIL SPRINGS AND REPLACE ALL 4 STRUTS AND HARDWARE, RECALL BRAKE & MOTOR MOUNT-BRAKE GRINDING, HEAD GASKET, AND INNER TIE ROD. (RECALL #'S 94V129000 & 97V019000) SCC

NHTSA ODI #10004669

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2001
Structure

CONSUMER STATED INTERMITTENTLY THE VEHICLE WILL LOCKED UP, WHILE DRIVING ON A OFF RAMP AT 30-35MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN, MANUFACTURER REFERRED CONSUMER TO A DEALER THAT WOULD DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM.*AK. CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND THE ORIGNIAL OWNER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS NOT, THERFORE T…

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CONSUMER STATED INTERMITTENTLY THE VEHICLE WILL LOCKED UP, WHILE DRIVING ON A OFF RAMP AT 30-35MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN, MANUFACTURER REFERRED CONSUMER TO A DEALER THAT WOULD DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM.*AK. CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND THE ORIGNIAL OWNER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS NOT, THERFORE THE PROBLEM WILL NOT BE COVERED.*YH

NHTSA ODI #8001188

Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2001
Electrical SystemStructureVisibility

WHEN THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS GOT WET IN A FLOOD, SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. VEHICLE HAS POWER WINDOWS AND DOORS. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO EXIT VEHICLE FROM INSIDE, AND DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM OUTSIDE. *AK ONCE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILES, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN DOORS AND WINDOWS WITH KEYS FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE V…

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WHEN THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS GOT WET IN A FLOOD, SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. VEHICLE HAS POWER WINDOWS AND DOORS. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO EXIT VEHICLE FROM INSIDE, AND DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM OUTSIDE. *AK ONCE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILES, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN DOORS AND WINDOWS WITH KEYS FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. *YH

NHTSA ODI #890888

Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2000
Structure

THE WELDED WASHER TO THE FRAME FOR THE STRUT BAR MOUNTING FAILED. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #558109

Mileage unknown · May 24, 2000
SteeringStructure

WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 5-10 MPH AND COMING OUT A PARKING LOT STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. ALSO, RECALL 98V323000/ MANUFACTURER'S 98S36/ SUBFRAME CORROSION WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #862485

Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2000
Structure

RECEIVED A LIST OF MANUFACTURER'S RECALLS THAT WERE NOT DONE BEFORE PURCHASE OR RESALE OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT HIS RECOURSE IS IN THIS MATTER. ONE OF THE RECALLS INVOLVED REAR SUBFRAME MOUNTS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #859801

Official recalls

5

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.

98V009000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights:switch

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.

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.

97V019000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan

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.

94V129000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages

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

2

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.