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1998 Lincoln ContinentalProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 72 owner complaints about the 1998 Lincoln Continental, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

50
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.0× the Continental median · #9 of 19 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints7214 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem14Engine and engine cooling

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 9, 2014. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1998 Lincoln Continental has problems

72 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
Engine and engine cooling143
Vehicle speed control135
Electrical system70
Power train72
Visibility60
Structure50
Seat belts51
Air bags43
Equipment30
10 other systems202

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

1 recall

1998 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

Exterior lighting: headlights

Recall 98V-028 · Feb 10, 1998 · 571,800 vehicles

Risk. IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE…

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

1998 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 engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

I WAS DRIVING AROUND 50 MPH WHEN THE SPARK PLUG BLOW OUT OF THE HEAD OF THE MOTOR. IT CAUSED THE PISTON TO SMOKE AND IT HAD A RATTLE. *TR
Complaint 10290155 · Oct 28, 2009
VEHICLE WAS LEFT IN IDLE WHILE IT WAS PARKED, BUT THEN IT STARTED TO REV UP UNTIL IT REACHED 1200 RPMS, AND THEN IT GOT STUCK ON 3000 RPMS CONTACTED DEALER.*AK
Complaint 8004409 · Feb 22, 2002
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…
Complaint 8003184 · Jan 30, 2002

Own a 1998 Continental?

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