Most common 1997 Lincoln Continental problems
Share of the 96 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 →
1997 Lincoln Continental recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the park pawl abutment bracket.
What 1997 Lincoln Continental owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
1997 Lincoln Continental rear view mirror is defective. While the vehicle was sitting on a sunny day the self dimming rearview mirror exploded and spattered a corrosive liquid onto the dash, center console and both front seats. The dealer replaced all damaged components. About two years later the mirror failed again (31000 miles). This time the liquid in the mirror gathered at the bottom which made it impossible to see. The mirror failed for a third time. This time the liquid leaked from the bottom right hand corner. The dealer refused to repair the vehicle at no cost because he vehicle was no longer under warranty. The manufacturer refused to provide any assistance (the daughter wrote in on behalf of her mother).
Dt*: the contact stated the rear view mirror failed to dim automatically. The mirror is supposed to prevent glare from the other vehicles' lights. The mirror failed due to unknown circumstances the first time. The dealership replaced the rear view mirror. The second mirror failed because the liquid in the mirror leaked out. The rear view mirror was replaced again. The problem occurred a third time and the mirror was replaced. Although the problem had occurred a fourth time the mirror has not been replaced. Updated 2/21/2006 -
Steering
While driving a noise came from the steering wheel when making a right turn. Also, vehicle had to be started several times before power assist pump would operate. Consumer stated that vehicle had been repaired on two separate occasions under TSB 6092661. Dealer refused to repair the vehicle again because the warranty expired.
Tie rod ends replaced, front end realigned, steering making noise and dealer claimed that steering rack needs replaced to cost $500.00, dealer claimed repairs not subject to warrantly nor recall. Upon research, I find that Lincoln has issued service bulletins for both defects. I paid for the work to replace the tie rod ends and have not have had the steering work done as I think it should be Lincoln's responsibility. These failures were at low miles 51,408 and because of the service bulletins, Lincoln is aware of these problems.
Transmission & drivetrain
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Lincoln Continental. The contact started the vehicle and the vehicle lunged forward abnormally, while still in park. The check engine lamp was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the pressure regulator solenoid and the neutral safety switch were defective. As a result, the park pawl abutment bracket needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 96V166000 (power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (PRNDL). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 172,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Lincoln Continental. The contact stated that the transmission failed at 40,000 miles and had to be replace. Also, the contact mentioned that while driving 35 MPH the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnose that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 130,000.
1997 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 1997 Lincoln Continental a good car?
Based on 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Continental rates use caution: 1.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the Continental at the same age. It is one of the Continental years we suggest avoiding. 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 1997 Lincoln Continental?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 14 complaints, 15% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rearview mirrors/devices › interior. Next are the steering (12) and transmission & drivetrain (10).
How many recalls does the 1997 Lincoln Continental have?
There is 1 recall for the 1997 Lincoln Continental, the most recent from September 5, 1996 (gear position indication (prndl)). 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 1997 Lincoln Continental problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 59,000 miles; 24% 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.