Most common 1996 Lincoln Continental problems
Share of the 48 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lincoln Continental complaints by model year
Best Continental years: 2020, 2018, 2019. Years to avoid: 2017, 1997. Compare all years →
1996 Lincoln Continental recalls (2)
Power train › Automatic transmission
The automatic transmission park pawl shaft May not be free to rotate as intended. If the park pawl shaft does not rotate, it would prevent the park pawl from engaging the park gear when the shift lever is in the park position.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the park pawl shaft rotation and those shafts with restricted rotation will be replaced with a shorter shaft that will not restrict rotation.
Exterior lighting
A defective control module in the "autolamp" system can malfunction. If the "autolamp" system is being used to activate the exterior light (including headlamps), the headlamps could shut off without warning. This will not occur if the exterior lighting is turned on manually by the headlight switch.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the "autolamp" control module. Owners are instructed to use the manual headlamp switch until the control module can be replaced.
What 1996 Lincoln Continental owners say
Suspension
Defective air suspension system in Lincoln Continental results in extremely unstable and unsafe driving. Blown air bag while driving vehicle resulted in rear end crashing down and leaving car inoperable. Faulty compressor leaves the car 12 inches difference between left and right and front and back. Head lights shine into the sky and now into the ground. Driving vehicle extremely unsafe especially at night. 3 yrs of complaining to Ford/Lincoln - they won't acknowledge the problem! Get these vehicles off the road before they cause major road accidents. Mn state attorney general notified - file # rjm/2006/322030/c.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Lincoln Continental. The contact stated that the air suspension system is defective. The vehicle rests 12 inches higher on one side than the other, from the front end to the rear. As a result, the headlights illuminate upwards towards the sky or downwards into the ground. He stated that the vehicle has gone into air shock, forcing him to lose control and drive off the road. The current mileage is 160,000 and failure mileage was 100,000.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Inside rearview automatic day/night mirror in my 1996 Continental has stopped dimming. There is a spot approximately in the upper right middle of the mirror that does dim as it should. As such, when a car comes up from behind (especially when they have brights on), it blinds me and decreases my "night vision." not only is this an annoyance, but it is also a safety issue. I have contacted the dealership and they said there is not a TSB or warranty on it. It does cost $500.00. I have e-mailed the company that makes the mirror (donnelly corp.) but they have not returned my request for additional information on repair, warranty or replacement. I further understand that this May be a "common" problem with 1996 and 1997 conti.. Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you..
I have contacted Lincoln about the paint and mirrors and they will not do anything about it. The mirror is on the driver's side is discolored and distored. I have to take the car to an autobody shop per dealer and was told that it was a defected paint job from the Lincoln. They will not do anything about it. Dt
Transmission & drivetrain
Vehicle was parked and suddenly jumped out of park and rolled foward into another vehicle. Consumer was not in vehicle. Dealer has been contacted, said that there are no open recalls standing, repairs have to be made at owner's expense. Minor damage to other vehicle.
Consumer called to set an appointment at bob dusseau Lincoln Mercury over two months ago, dealer said that he would call when the parts came in, no call yet. At time consumer responded, recall repair was still pending.
1996 Lincoln Continental engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Large car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Lincoln Continental a good car?
Based on 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Continental rates average: 20% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Continental at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Lincoln Continental?
The suspension — 13 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about front. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (8) and transmission & drivetrain (7).
How many recalls does the 1996 Lincoln Continental have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1996 Lincoln Continental, the most recent from September 18, 1996 (automatic transmission). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lincoln Continental?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2018 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2017 and 1997. See the full Lincoln Continental years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Lincoln Continental problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 97,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.