Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
The moon roof was replaced because the motor did not work, the air bags were replaced several times, and the light did not illuminate. When the vehicle was returned to the consumer, the horn did not work, there was a chiming noise every 30 minutes, and also the air bags did not deploy when the vehicle was involved in an accident. The fuel pump was replaced twice, the driver side window was off track, the speakers did not work, the vehicle vibrated when a stop was made.
The automatic dimming inside rearview mirror apears frosted over half of the glass distorting the view to the rear. This mirror was replaced less than one year ago for a similar problem. Research on the interrnet indicates this to be a common problem with Lincoln continentals of multiple years in the late 1990's. There are numerious incidents of this defect in the NHTSA complaints on this site. Ford motor co aparently has no solution to this defect as current replacement mirrors fail agin in less than one year. I beleive this defect should be a safety recall as the defective mirror greately distorts rear vision.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Lincoln Continental. The contact stated that the rear view and driver side mirrors were tinted with an anti-reflection chemical which melted the plastic inside causing the mirrors to look foggy or darker than they were. He believed it was a safety hazard because his visibility was minimal at night. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 122,000.
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 -
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
Related recalls (1)
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Vehicle description: passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, or…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built with the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced. Owner notification began August 20, 2001.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lincoln Continental years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (14), 2000 (11), 1995 (9), 1996 (8) and 1998 (6) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 15% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Lincoln Continental window & wiper problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 01V-258 (motor, Aug 8, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Lincoln Continental window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rearview mirrors/devices › interior (16 mentions), followed by the rearview mirrors/devices (12).
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.