1999 Lincoln Continental: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 42 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is suspension (29% 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 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 lincoln continental. The contact heard a loud abnormal noise coming from the vehicle while it was parked. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the coil spring fractured and punctured the front driver side tire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2014
“[xxx] vehicle impounded in austin texas was not able to get back. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2014
“Put car into reverse, and tire immediately blew out for no apparent reason. Upon further investigation, front left spring had fractured and broke. Spring had punctured tire sidewall once being put into reverse and busted off plastic stabilizer link. Had this happened while traveling at highway speed, it would have shredded tire. *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 lincoln continental. The contact was driving at 45 mph when the front driver side tire failed. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic and located the failure at the front tie rod and ball joint, the mechanic advised that the components had failed, causing the tire to wear prematurely and split in half. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 135,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Dec 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 lincoln continental. The contact stated that the front coil spring corrosion caused the tie rods to corrode and puncture the tire which made it impossible to drive the vehicle. The dealer advised the contact that there were no related recalls. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000. Updated 11/15/10 *cn updated 11/24/10”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2009
“After pulling into a parking space at pharmacy and with foot still on brake, car lurched forward at high rate of speed, onto sidewalk and into the stone wall of pharmacy. No damage to pharmacy. Airbags deployed and airbag and seat belt injuries. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2009
“I saw fluid on the floor of my garage went to my repair shop he stated the rack and pinion steering unit was leaking not from one of the seals but from a crack in the middle of the unit . He said this is a manufacturer defect . I saw the fluid coming right out of the metal casing. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2008
“My 1999 lincoln continental has a broken front coil spring that snapped while the car was sitting in my car port with no one near it. The broken coil spring also broke some plastic linkage part that is hanging down and punctured a brand new tire and the "air bag" light is also showing on the dashboard now. I know there was a recall for this spring problem #04s17 but ford says that the recall does not include the lincoln. This car only has 43k on it, thank god no one was driving it when this happened, this is obviously a safety defect. I will have to have the vehicle towed and repaired at my own expense according to the lincoln dealer. *jb”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked a loud noise was heard. The contact got out of the vehicle and checked to see where the loud noise was coming from. The tires were inspected, and the contact found the front passenger's side tire was cut completely around. The vehicle was towed to an independent garage where they found the front strut broke and punctured the tire.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2006
“Dt: the contact was pulling into a parking space. The foot was on the brakes, the engine revved, and vehicle lurched forward, crashing into a parked vehicle. The vehicle sustained minor damage. There were no injuries. A police report was taken. She took the car to a certified dealer for inspection, and they could not duplicate the problem. No repairs were made.*ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER HOSE WAS DAMAGED DURING FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL WITH A REVISED FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY.
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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COULD DEPLOY AS A RESULT OF UNDERBODY IMPACTS NEAR THE SENSORS, SUCH AS THOSE OCCURRING FROM PIECES OF GRAVEL OR DEBRIS THROWN FROM THE WHEELS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED AT MODERATE TO HIGH SPEED OR BEING ACCELERATED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE AIR BAG SENSORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 31, 2003. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LINCOLN AT 1-800-521-4140.
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 1999 Lincoln Continental reliable?
NHTSA has 42 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Lincoln Continental. The most complained-about area is suspension (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Lincoln Continental problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 90,000 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Lincoln Continental have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. 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.