Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Continental. The contact stated while at various speeds, the contact noticed that there was an abnormal burning oil odor coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound, unexpectedly bounced and stalled. The message "4WD Off" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to different independent mechanics, and the transfer case was replaced twice; however, the failure persisted while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired; however, the contact expressed safety concerns that the repair might only be temporary. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
My car has had 1 or all 4 of the outside door latches fail for 3-4 times now over its lifetime. Only under warranty for 10 years or 100k miles. Very expensive repair, at $1500 for 1 latch, or $5500 for all 4. This is almost the value of the whole car now. This happens to ALL Lincoln Continentals and is very infamous & common for them & should be a lifetime recall warranty item for safety. Also, both Catalytic convertor show to be failing within 150k-165k miles which is way too soon. And another very expensive fix.
Engine compartment emits loud noise and 'steam' when in slow traffic or when idling. Trouble traced to faulty air conditioning compressor which has been replaced twice. This was the third occurance in 1 month. This time the engine overheated and left us stuck in traffic.
Vehicle suffered sudden acceleration when shifting from park into drive. Vehicle collides with a wall causing damage on the passenger side fender and head light. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information. Ph
When the consumer applied the brakes, the brake pedal became hard, and consequently the consumer hit another vehicle. The vehicle pulled to the left which happened when the brakes were applied, the engine had run rough, the driver window has become inoperative, the windshield wipers left too many streaks, the left rear window had become inoperative, the rear brakes would grind when applied at 50 MPH, the steering felt loose at 30 MPH and the consumer had to constantly adjust, the brakes would not work at times(2 accidents occurred as a result), and the air bag did not deploy upon impact.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Lincoln Continental. The contact stated that smoke emitted from under the hood while the vehicle was parked. The contact attempted to open the hood to inspect the vehicle and found that the engine was on fire. The fire department was called to assist. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not inspected to determine the cause of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure and current mileage was 106,000.
While driving at 50 MPH vehicle stalled. Vehicle wouldn't stay running and consumer had to floor it to back out of a parking space. Once out, she had to restart it approx. Five times to get to another parking space. All the vehicle power went out.
Consumer stated at 17,000 miles, the engine overheated and failed to continue operating, dealership examined the vehicle and made the necessary repairs to remedy problem, then on 26-sep-2001, engine was leaking oil from the right valve cover gasket which had to be replaced, also the water pump was leaking, the door ajar light on dashboard illuminated and would not go out leaving doors in the open position.
NHTSA investigations
Engine cooling fan fires
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.
Engine cooling fan fires
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Lincoln Continental years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (14), 1995 (11), 1997 (7), 2000 (5) and 2002 (5) model years. Engine complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Lincoln Continental engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Lincoln Continental model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Lincoln Continental engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles; 35% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (15 mentions), followed by the engine (13).
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.