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1996 Lincoln ContinentalProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 48 owner complaints about the 1996 Lincoln Continental, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

64
CarFlaw IndexSolid year44% below the Continental median · #14 of 19 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints484 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage98kSuspension, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through February 20, 2009. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1996 Lincoln Continental has problems

48 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Suspension130
Visibility80
Power train71
Steering60
Engine and engine cooling40
Service brakes, hydraulic31
Structure30
Vehicle speed control31
Electrical system30
8 other systems112

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1996 Lincoln Continental recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Power train: automatic transmission

Recall 96V-176 · Sep 18, 1996 · 340,000 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AS IF IN NEUTRAL WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE PARK POSITION.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Exterior lighting

Recall 96V-009 · Jan 23, 1996 · 40,000 vehicles

Risk. IF THE HEADLAMPS SHUT OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE IMPAIRED INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lincoln.

Best & worst years

1996 vs. every other Continental year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Continental median. How we score

'69'74'75'77'78'79'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'17'18'19'20
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Continental owners report

Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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.…
Complaint 10196008 · Jul 10, 2007 · 100,000 miles
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…
Complaint 10181149 · Jan 30, 2007 · 96,683 miles
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
Complaint 8021485 · Oct 23, 2002

Own a 1996 Continental?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.