1996 Lincoln Continental: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 48 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (23% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* - the contact is calling regarding NHTSA campaign id number: 06t023000. The contact states that he took his tires to pep boys they refuse to provide him with free tires and told him he would have to pay for the tires at a pro-rated rate. The contact feels that due to the recall he should have not been charge. The contact can provide a copy of the invoice if needed.”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2006
“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. *nm”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2003
“While traveling on the highway the air suspension went out the vehicle air shocks and the vehicle in unable to steer. The dealership is aware of the problem. Mr”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“Headlights and instrument panel lights went out while driving at night without warning. Dealer and the manufacturer have been notified, and informed that this vehicle was not covered under recall 96v009000 due to VIN. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jul 2002
“Tl*the 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.”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2002
“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”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2002
“Wheel presure sensors in two tires broke apart and destroyed two tire from the inside. I also need to get problem corrected in remaining tieres but the repair shop will not fix this as it is a safty issue and they are not allowed. My rtemaing wheels sensors could come apart and destroy my tires causing a blow out.”Owner report · Wheels · Dec 2001
“While driving and upon depressing accelerator pedal it went straight to the floorboard, causing unwanted acceleration. After depressing brake pedal vehicle continued to gain speed, also, after turning vehicle off, rpms continued to race. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer determined that throttle cable broke completley in half.*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 2001
“When headlamps are in use radio switches stations without being touched. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide further details.*ak”Owner report · Equipment · Nov 2001
“Brakes pulsate and the ABS light comes on. When brakes are applied they fade out and come back in. Consumer hit brakes, and they faded. ABS light came on after. Vehicle has been to the same dealer 4 times. Dealer has checked the codes, and the problem still exists. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.
Remedy: Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1996 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Continental by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Lincoln Continental reliable?
NHTSA has 48 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Lincoln Continental. The most complained-about area is suspension (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Lincoln Continental problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 96,683 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Lincoln Continental have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.