1990 Lincoln Continental
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lincoln › Continental › 1990
These records cover every 1990 Lincoln Continental. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1990 Lincoln Continental. Newest first.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virgnia, and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If both rear corners drop, steering would become suddenly very difficult, affecting vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install subframe rear mount bolts, reinforcement plates, and plate nuts.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation 573. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. ford IS initiating an owner notification program that will provide an extended warranty, 12 years and unlimited mileage, for all seat belt buckles with functional concerns.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a collision, the occupant of the seat may not be properly restrained and personal injury could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assembly, for 12 years and unlimited mileage.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the front outboard seating position seat belt buckles may not latch or unlatch.
Risk and remedy
Risk
These conditions could reduce seat belt usage increasing the risk of personal injury in the event of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front outboard seat belt buckle assemblies.
Front disc brake rotors of the subject vehicles may experience severe corrosion if operated in areas where calcium chloride and sodium chloride are used extensively.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Severely corroded rotors may fracture or separate nearthe inner edges of the brake discs resulting in reduced braking effectiveness,higher than normal pedal efforts, loud grinding noises, and moderate pulls whenthe brakes are applied. Reduced braking effectiveness may increase minimumstopping distances, possibly resulting in an accident.
Remedy
Replace front brake rotors with full cast front brake rotors.
Threaded inflator components may have been damaged during assembly which may allow components to separate when inflator receives a signal to deploy the air bag.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Inflator component separation allows hot combustion gases to escape into the passenger compartment which could result in injuries to vehicle occupants.
Remedy
Replace air bag modules containing potentially defective inflators.
Owner complaints
158 complaints5 involved a crash15 involved a fire9 injuries3 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Not working. no summary. *Ak
- Air bags
While driving under normal driving conditions driver's side air bag deployed without the vehicle being impacted. When the air bag deployed it shattered the driver's glasses, reducing his visibility. As a result, vehicle swerved to the right, went up and embankment 20 feet, and landed 70 feet down…
While driving under normal driving conditions driver's side air bag deployed without the vehicle being impacted. When the air bag deployed it shattered the driver's glasses, reducing his visibility. As a result, vehicle swerved to the right, went up and embankment 20 feet, and landed 70 feet down the road. driver sustained serious burns to back, neck and hand. The emergency medical service (ems) had to peel the air bag off the driver's face, neck, and hand. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
I purchased a 1990 lincoln continental in december 2002, and noticed that driving on the highway, the engine revs very high and the transmission does not engage the overdrive. I also noticed that shifting from reverse to drive or drive to rverse, there IS a delay in the transmission engaging the…
I purchased a 1990 lincoln continental in december 2002, and noticed that driving on the highway, the engine revs very high and the transmission does not engage the overdrive. I also noticed that shifting from reverse to drive or drive to rverse, there IS a delay in the transmission engaging the appropriate gear. Before I decided to take my car to a dealer to get the transmission repaired, I checked the fluid to ensure that the level was correct, and to check the color of the transmission fluid. Both were found to be in good order. Then I checked www.alldata.com and found that ford was aware of the transmission problems through a check of the following service bulletins: atratb331; atratb267; 94247; atratb029; and 89225. Because of the service bulletins mentioned above, ford was aware of the problems and failed to take corrective actions. As a consumer, I would like ford to correct the problem with the transmission at no cost to myself. The other problem IS the engine cooling fan. On 12 december 2002 while sitting in traffic, I noticed smoke coming from under the hood and smelled wires burning. I pulled over in a parking lot of a shopping center right when the computer signaled that the engine temperature was higher than normal. I turned the engine off and open the hood to look for the burned wired. The electric engine fan had seized up and started to melt the wires. The fuse had failed to blow, and I had to unplug the fan from the wiring harness to keep the wires from burning more.
- Structure › Frame and members
This vehicle IS experiencing the same defect as stated in recall 98/v/323/000 for subframe corrosion. however, since vehicle was purchased in arkansas it was not included in recall.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Suspension › Rear › Springs › Air suspension system
On the internet it stated ford had callbacks for all3.8 engines for headgasket problems but only recalled a few vin numbers. How could they get away with that? You and I and every mecchanic knows the problem with the 3.8 engine by ford why cant some thing be done. I wasnt told of anything about…
On the internet it stated ford had callbacks for all3.8 engines for headgasket problems but only recalled a few vin numbers. How could they get away with that? You and I and every mecchanic knows the problem with the 3.8 engine by ford why cant some thing be done. I wasnt told of anything about this. Lucky I was driving not my daughter. She would have diven till it burned the motor up. And the air shocks at $ 4,000 for the 4 of them thats another farce. Cant you make them at least install at cost ? My engine overheated as I was driving on the pa. Turnpike lucky I pulled over and got towed with a $350 bill.*ak
- Air bags
Airbag light has been flashing off and on. *ak the consumer states that according to information on the web the 1990 models had recalled for bad modules. *yh
- Structure › Body › Trunk lid
Tired pressure IS a mess. The vehicle goes up and down whenever it feels like it. *Ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Recall 98 v 323 000/subframe corrosion: while being serviced for an oil change noticed subframe failure; dealer and manufacturer were notified, and informed consumer that vehicle was not covered under a recall. *ak the vehicle's body and under carriage were free of rust, but the exhaust system had rust. *Yh
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Air suspension system › Springs/bags
Rear air springs have blowen out, causing rear end to bounce and has dropped low to ground. consumer has contacted dealer. Please provide any further details.*ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Headights have an inserted bulb, and lens cover deteriorate in color/dirt, and other debris would get inside. also, caused a problem with lighting. This has happened over a period of time, and not readily noticeable. *ak moisture collects inside of the lens cover, further limiting the hed light illumination. *yh
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
While driving under 40 mph accelerator will go down to floor, and engine will increase. brakes will not work. Consumer has to turn off tignition switch. After a while will start, and work as normal.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
While traveling heater would not work. Also, notice white smoke from tail pipe. Technician stated head gasket needed to be replaced. *ak the blown up gasket caused the engine to faile and the manufacturer IS unwilling to issue recall. *yh
- Vehicle speed control
The vehicle IS experiencing sudden acceleration, the vehicle was once in reverse and twice it accelerated from 55 mph to 90 mph, the dealer IS unable to remedy the problem. *slc
- Electrical system › Ignition
I also have a stalling problem that a dealer said he can not find. *ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Seat belt buckle would not release, consumer had to break the buckle to release occupant, recall #97v-174 was denied to consumer. *mjs
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Engine was taken in for overheating and failure to cool. dealer checked out and rleased the car. immediately after leaving the dealer (within 5 miles) I noticed the engine was heating way above normal. I stopped at a gas station and raised the hood. I noticed there was no coolantin the…
Engine was taken in for overheating and failure to cool. dealer checked out and rleased the car. immediately after leaving the dealer (within 5 miles) I noticed the engine was heating way above normal. I stopped at a gas station and raised the hood. I noticed there was no coolantin the reservoir. I bought a gallon of antifreeze and poured over half of the gallon into the tank. I continued home about 5 miles and noticed that it was still overheating. I raised the hood and put over a gallon of water into the radiator. the next day my wife and I drove the car to check it out assuming that the ford dealer garage had simply failed to check out coolant and water and it would be okay. the car heat gage would rise and fall depending upon pressure on the engine. we took it back to the garage and left it for moring repair. we got a call that the engine had locked up and the block was cracked. the gaskets had failed and leaked coolant into the engine.*ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Alternater went out 6 times, and consumer can hear chimes. Then, lights come on the dash board, and everything goes dead. Consumer has always heard a chiming noise, indicating that alternater had charging problems.*ak
- Air bags › Side/window · Suspension › Front › Springs › Air suspension system
My son at the time of purchase was and IS a college student from a single parent household and I am disabled. the dealer did not at any time advise my son that the vehicle had any recalls or problems. we have spent well over $2000.00 in repairs, the car has been towed 7-8 times. the air bag…
My son at the time of purchase was and IS a college student from a single parent household and I am disabled. the dealer did not at any time advise my son that the vehicle had any recalls or problems. we have spent well over $2000.00 in repairs, the car has been towed 7-8 times. the air bag light comes on continuously, thee ride control alarm comes on continuously, the suspension has been repaired twice, passenger air bag light comes on continuously as well as the charge system, we have had it in and out of dealership. I will never buy another vehicle from ford and I feel that this car or make should ot have been rel3ased to the consumer with this many defects. I feel the car IS unsafe and that the number of repairs proves it over and over. I wo0uld like to know how to vile a loss of value claim to recover the money we continue to spend on a vehicle that cannot be traded in or sold . the dealer ship bears a large part of the responsible because they did not disclose any recall or other possible components problems with the car at the time my son purchased the car. the dealership had the car back to repair the suspension, the brakes, a severe leak with the brake fluid coming out. the break job did not last long enough for my son to drive home. it has also caused me a great deal of stress and has contributed to my depression and strokes trying to keep it runing and getting to and from various points including doctors appoints. I believe that the fod motore company bears some responsibility and to this date we have never been notified of ay recalls on this particular model. please contact myself or my son at your earliest convience. lincoln mercury replaced the air syspension just two months ago and it IS going out again as well as athe right rear rotor. we have replaced the starte5r, cylionoid, the wires, switch, the brakes three times. the air bag depolyment mal functions constantly. I will never buy another ford.
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
The temperature and system check system on my dashboard gave me no indication that the car was overheating. The mechanic who worked on at the madison tn bp service station said my car said that he was having several lincoln having the same type problem one was in right next to mine at the time it…
The temperature and system check system on my dashboard gave me no indication that the car was overheating. The mechanic who worked on at the madison tn bp service station said my car said that he was having several lincoln having the same type problem one was in right next to mine at the time it was working acording to his computer my gauges worked they just didnt sense any overheating I have spent two thousand dollars to correct a blown head gasket two fuel injectors and a thermostat waterpump and two spark plugs and two oxygen sensors all due to the car overheating I constantly ran a system check with my on dash system check and had all system normal now due to the car overheating with no notice the gauge on the dash read temperature was in the center not hot nor too cold even with the new parts the car IS now hesitating and cutting off the gauges show check engine charge system bad and the car cuts off constantly and the mechanic can't seem to fix it each time it cuts off he keeps finding something else wrong and IS associating each with the original problem of the car overheating leading me to believe that there IS a major cooling system problem also it has a new radiator so it seems that the problem IS due to the original manufacturers design for the cooling system not to mention the minor braking and steeering problems I seem to have here lately help please I am at the end of my rope here. Thanks. *ak
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Air suspension system
Air suspension system - I have had problems with it (danger). *ak
- Air bags › Frontal · Suspension › Front › Springs › Air suspension system
Air suspension system-air bags- doesn't always work properly. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
When driving on a busy highway consumer noticed steam coming from the engine compartment. managed to get off to the side of the road, and contacted the dealer. dealer determined the cause to be a blown engine head gasket. please provide any further details. 8AK
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Positon of power steering lines IS such that when they fail they can cause a fire to occur. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The ford 3.8L V6 has known high incidence of premature failure with this component -- the head gasket. my expenses to repair this component were 1371.77 since the car was out of warranty for 9000 miles at the time of the incident. they have extended warranty coverage and/or sales incentives to…
The ford 3.8L V6 has known high incidence of premature failure with this component -- the head gasket. my expenses to repair this component were 1371.77 since the car was out of warranty for 9000 miles at the time of the incident. they have extended warranty coverage and/or sales incentives to 1994/1995 owners, but will not extend the same consideration or compensation to owners of older vehicles experiencing the same condition. I am seeking the same inclusion of my model year under the same settlement. I do not believe that ford denies the existence of the problem, but rather feels that the purpose of this cmpensation IS to influence future purchases, and that consideration made on any vehicle purchased before 1994 no longer represents a significant owner retension / marketing opportunity. *ak
- Suspension
While driving about 30 mph vehicle will start vibrating. when passing 30 mph there will be less vibration. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Faulty seat belt buckles
Complaints allege an inability to latch seat belt buckles, and inadvertent unlatching of the seat belt buckle.
- Alleged defective tie rods
Alleged defective tie rods
- Broken tie rods
There is no summary currently available
- Broken tie rods
There is no summary currently available
- Sub-frm/unibody absor.fail
There is no summary currently available
- Engine mount failure
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3020102Unknown
- 636080Transfer service tips for the front wiper motor mount bracket and depressed park output arm.
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 622660This information IS a supplement to the wiper system service information provided in the workshop manuals. This service information IS intended as an aid to assist in diagnosis and repair of erratic wiper system conditions.
- 613234Information regarding tsb 98-5a-12 (transaxle/transmission/transfer case-vehicles towed behind recreational vehicles-recommended guidelines) does not list towing information for certain model vehicles. *Mjs
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 607497Information regarding the the availability of the revised headgasket for coolant loss conditions on some engines.
- 606460Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on vehicles with an in-tank electric fuel pump.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 605294Concerns with reverse clutch that could become sheared or torn in extremely cold temperatures.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 603573A revised forward clutch inner seal for the axod, axode, AX4S & AX4N transaxle IS available with improved sealing and reduced chance of the seal rolling during installation.
- 601341Experiencing a whining / buzzing noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601270Concerns with coolant may leak from the head gaskets and / or the vehicle may overheat.
- 601269Announcing the ford oem air conditioning retrofit kit availability.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 601004Some vehicles may cycle when brakes are applied on rough roads or on an incline while making a sharp turn.
- 53660Vehicles exhibiting a "squeaking" or "chirping" from the blower motor at low blower motor speeds.
- 51990Blower motor- "chirping" or "squeaking" from blower motor at low speeds.
- 51987Fuel economy- customer expectations versus vehicle usage.
- 51945Fluid- transmission fluid usage charts.
- 51682Blower motor- "chirp" or "squeak" from blower motor at low speeds.
- 51361Some power steering hoses have been replaced with a revised design and should no longer be used for service.
- 51184Verify the transaxle installed in the vehicle IS the correct model and model year for the vehicle.
- 50997Transaxle - torque converter replacement guidelines and torque converter/transaxle cooling system cleaning procedures - service tip.
- 50940Windshield and interior glass - fog/film.
- 50908Torque converter - leak test procedure - service tip.
- 50905Wiring - electrical diode identification and service replacements.
- 46478The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. If petroleum-based grease IS used to lubricate any part of the disc brake system, it could cause rubber parts to swell if lubricant contacts the rubber material.
- 46461The power steering system may have a 'grunt' and/or 'groan' noise. This may be caused by hydraulic fluid movement within the power steering rack.
- 45949Suspension-rear-availability of camber kit to improve inner edge wear on rear rear tires. Tires-rear-inner edge wear-availability of camber kit to improve wear.
- 45937The torque converter identification codes have been revised as of 3/1/95.
- 42077Unknown
- 41025A revised service windshield wiper motor IS now available.
- 39903Chirp or squeak noise from blower motor at low speeds.
Every Lincoln Continental model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.