1994 Lincoln Continental
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lincoln › Continental › 1994
These records cover every 1994 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 1994 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.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the headlights can flash intermittently as a result of the circuit breaker opening. the vehicle's headlights can go out for brief intervals.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of headlights during vehicle operation can affect a driver's ability to navigate the roadway and reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a headlight switch that incorporates a cricuit breaker of revised design and installation of a wiring harness connector and wiring, if needed.
Vehicle description: vehicles equipped with 3.8L engines and originally sold or currently registered in the following states: alaska, colorado, iowa, idaho, illinois, indiana, kansas, massachusetts, maine, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, north dakota, nebraska, new hampshire, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Driver control of vehicle speed using the speed control system or the accelerator control system would be diminished increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will add a boot to the speed control cable.
These vehicles are originally sold or currently registered in the following states: alaska, iowa, minnesota, nebraska, north dakota, and south dakota. the vehicles involved are 1992-1994 tempo/topaz vehicles with 3.0L engines; 1994 tempo/topaz with 2.3L engines; 1992-1995 taurus/sable with 3.8L engines; 1994-1995 taurus/sable with 3.0L engines and…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause smoke or flames from the fan and/or shroud, the fan electrical wiring, or the fan motor resulting in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install an electrical jumper harness containing an automatic resetting circuit breaker to protect the fan motor low speed circuitry from overheating.
The brake pedal push rod retainer (hairpin clip) may be missing or not properly installed on the service brake pedal. This can cause disengagement of the brake pushrod and loss of braking ability.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Loss of braking ability can result in a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the retainer.
Owner complaints
190 complaints12 involved a crash2 involved a fire9 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train
Transmission failure while driving into work on interstate highway. Total rebuild required at 87456 miles on car, cost $1800.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1994 lincoln continental. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the oil pressure gauge suddenly decreased and a chime sounded inside the vehicle. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and they were unable to locate the issue. The vin was unavailable. The manufacturer had not been notified. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
- Steering · Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1994 lincoln continental. The contact stated while driving in reverse and turning the steering wheel to the left, a sudden popping noise was present on the front driver side of the vehicle. Suddenly, the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel to the left. After…
TL* the contact owns a 1994 lincoln continental. The contact stated while driving in reverse and turning the steering wheel to the left, a sudden popping noise was present on the front driver side of the vehicle. Suddenly, the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel to the left. After inspecting the vehicle the contact noticed that the sub frame bolts had separated from the vehicle. The failure was not diagnosed nor was the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The failure mileage was 147,000.
- Engine · Steering · Unknown or other
The car always beeps overheats and loses steering. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 1994 lincoln continental. the contact stated that the steering wheel would shake violently and the vehicle would pull to the right. The contact also heard a loud clunking noise. a local mechanic diagnosed that the subframe was cracked but the vehicle was not repaired. the…
TL* the contact owns a 1994 lincoln continental. the contact stated that the steering wheel would shake violently and the vehicle would pull to the right. The contact also heard a loud clunking noise. a local mechanic diagnosed that the subframe was cracked but the vehicle was not repaired. the dealer and manufacturer were contacted and made the contact aware that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number: 98v323000 (structure:frame and members). the failure mileage was 179,500 and the current mileage was 180,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
Continuation of previous complaint. Response from letter to pres. Of ford on 3.8L V6 engine head gasket failure on lincoln continental with 54,436 miles on it: ford basically said "tough luck". dealer saying $1,700 to $3,000 plus to fix. my independent mechanic informs me there IS another…
Continuation of previous complaint. Response from letter to pres. Of ford on 3.8L V6 engine head gasket failure on lincoln continental with 54,436 miles on it: ford basically said "tough luck". dealer saying $1,700 to $3,000 plus to fix. my independent mechanic informs me there IS another alternative. there are several product available to fix the head gasket in the car. one he has used, and works, IS "steel seal". cost about $70 for product, plus a new thermostat, and new coolant. I figure worst case around $400 for everything. it's worth the gamble. As it IS now the car IS junk or the repair from ford IS more that the value of the car.
- Engine and engine cooling
1) sudden rough running engine 2) blown head gasket with gray/white smoke from both exhaust pipes 3) no correction done so far. parked car and trying to determine proper step to correct the problem. *nm
- Structure › Frame and members
While driving 20 mph engine and transmission fell out of the vehicle. As a result the steering failed. Dealer stated sub frame corroded. recall 98v323000 was issued for the lower cradle bolts. However, a different part of the cradle bolts failed so the consumer has to pay for the repairs. *ak
My 1994 lincoln conitental has only 68,000 miles. the head gasket blew last friday. in searching the internet, ford knew of the head gasket design defect in 1988 yet continued to emplace this defective engine in their motor vehicles. as a result of their wilfull neglect, I will have to pay an estimated $1200-1800 to have the heads repaired. one website tallied 2,114 similar engine complaints by 1998.
- Engine and engine cooling
Vehicle takes awhile to heat, coolent okay, no external leaks, removed plugs and found signs of coolent in #4 cyl. Replaced head gaskets and sent heads out to machine shop. Appears to be okay now. on 06/01/99 at call back for leaking head gasket they found it leaking and replaced gaskets at no…
Vehicle takes awhile to heat, coolent okay, no external leaks, removed plugs and found signs of coolent in #4 cyl. Replaced head gaskets and sent heads out to machine shop. Appears to be okay now. on 06/01/99 at call back for leaking head gasket they found it leaking and replaced gaskets at no charge, them on 08/11/99 they found my engine banging and said gaskets leaked and damaged lower bearings and they replaced the engine at no charge. On 04/02/02 the gaskets leaked agoain and I had to pay for the replacement.
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
Car currently has a cover on it and doesn't run because of a bad transmission.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Headlights remained on while vehicle was turned off. Consumer unhooked the battery to keep the battery charged and a buzzing noise was heard coming from underneath the dashboard. Consumer drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that a headlight switch needed to be replaced. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The owner drove the vehicle into the dealership for repairs. work was done to the gaskets. The dealer said that the cost would be 1200.00 for further gasket repair work. the owner refused, and felt that he was being taken advantage off. *ak *scc *jb
- Structure › Frame and members
Recall 98v323000 concerning sub frame corrosion. Defect occurred after recall repairs were performed. replacement parts didn't correct the problem.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline
Stong gas odor inside of car when gas tank IS near empty. odor does not occur everytime gas tank in close to empty, and never occurs when tank IS full. have taken car into dealership twice, and they can smell the gas, but had trouble locating the problem. they found something in their technical…
Stong gas odor inside of car when gas tank IS near empty. odor does not occur everytime gas tank in close to empty, and never occurs when tank IS full. have taken car into dealership twice, and they can smell the gas, but had trouble locating the problem. they found something in their technical service bulletin from 1997 that had to do with a vapor vent hose that runs under the back seat of vehicle and when reaches temps of 90 degrees or more, fuel fumes were coming into vehicle when the max a/c IS on. This IS very similar to my problem. the kit unfortunately IS no longer manufactured and they could not locate one, but are going to try to create their own kit.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Steering · Suspension › Rear
While driving at 55 mph vehicle shut down, and the back suspension went out, driver also had problem with steering.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer › Lpg systems › Tank valve/gauge · Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer › Lpg systems › Water heater
After car inspected and several repairs completed on my 1994 lincoln continental, executive series in good condition, the engine was blown and the dealership stated to trade-in the vehicle. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The head gasket was defective and the engine block cracked.*ak *jb vechile stalled out and the engine overheated. consumer learned of extended warranty for 100,000 miles/7 year extended warranty. however dealer would not authorize repairs because vehicle IS older than 7 years. vehicle IS just under mileage with 92,046 miles. *tt
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Power train › Automatic transmission
The transmission and engine needed to be replaced and the alternator burned out.*scc *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I never was notified about the engine head gasket problems on the 94 lincoln cont. After paying for the repair I researched info. In alldata & there was a general recall (tsb00m09). I contacted the dealers & it was still open under my vin #. I've taken the car to various dealers but not one of them had the integrity to let me know about this lingering problem.
- Engine and engine cooling · Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly · Structure › Frame and members · Suspension
The consumer has experienced the following: recall head mount , subframe, air bag suspension system, air shock, rear stabilizer and rear shock sensors-bouncing/bobbing in the front of the vehicle, right rear tire, left rear air strut-was blown and was dragging down in back, a conversion of…
The consumer has experienced the following: recall head mount , subframe, air bag suspension system, air shock, rear stabilizer and rear shock sensors-bouncing/bobbing in the front of the vehicle, right rear tire, left rear air strut-was blown and was dragging down in back, a conversion of suspension was done to convert to coil springs and replace all 4 struts and hardware, recall brake & motor mount-brake grinding, head gasket, and inner tie rod. (recall #'s 94v129000 & 97v019000) scc
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Tires
Engine head gasket failure. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood · Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Electrical system › Wiring › Rear compartment/trunk · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly · Suspension › Front › Control arm · Suspension › Front › Springs › Air suspension › Springs/bags
Electrical problem- windows, trunk will not go up nor down.car wouldn't cut off even when the key was taken out of the egnition shocks and suspension-shocks are consistantly being replaced for unknowed purposes. Including the air suspension. over heating- radiator and termostate was replaced and has gone bad within 1 week.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
This veh. Has previous safety and general recalls on the above problems. tsb95s22 and tsb97s66 re eng cooling fan and general recalls tsb 98m01 and tsb00m00 head gasket recalls. the ford motor co as well as the dealership refuse to honor the recalls stating their 7 yr or 100,000 extended warranty…
This veh. Has previous safety and general recalls on the above problems. tsb95s22 and tsb97s66 re eng cooling fan and general recalls tsb 98m01 and tsb00m00 head gasket recalls. the ford motor co as well as the dealership refuse to honor the recalls stating their 7 yr or 100,000 extended warranty period. there IS a previous customer complaint filed against this mfg on 01/10/2002, odiid: 757852. I feel that if this mfg. Can not honor a safety or general (related) recall for the life of the vehice and the safety of the motoring public they should be required to recall the vehicles from the highway and dismantle them for the non recallable parts. this vehicle and others like it are being operated in areas of heavy fog conditions. emmissions from crankcase head gaskets blowing along with heavy fog condtions can and will continue to cause traffic accidents and fatalities. my vehicle IS operated in mobile/baldwin counties heavy fog along the I-10 bayway (mobile/baldwin co.) has already had several traffic fatalities that are fog and emmission conditions . as alabama has no emission controls in place the nhtsa should insist on this mfg honoring the safety and general recalls to protect the motoring public. dt
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
The vehicle stalled on the road while the consumer was traveling due to faulty head gasket and possible cracked head or block. *yh
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine cooling fan fires
There is no summary currently available
- Engine cooling fan fires
In december 1995, ford recalled 119,313 vehicles in canada to remedy the subject condition in certain 1992-95 taurus, sable, tempo, topaz and continental vehicles.ford IS aware of similar incidents occurring in northern regions of the united states, but maintains that the frequencies do not warrant a finding of an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.
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.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 636080Transfer service tips for the front wiper motor mount bracket and depressed park output arm.
- 630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area.
- 625888Information regarding engine replacements warranty extension program.
- 625878Information regarding engine replacements warranty extension program.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 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.
- 619293Information on additional parts required when replacing transfer case on vehicles equippped with AX4S transaxle.
- 618535Information regarding premature failure of head gaskets.
- 613867Subject regarding customers with prior after warranty adjustment (awa) head gasket repair.
- 613563Important recall information regarding vehicles that experience premature failure of the head gasket.
- 613327Experiencing a squeal noise coming from the rear brakes on some vehicles when braking.
- 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
- 612897Some vehicles may experience premature head gasket(s) failure, which may result in engine coolant leakage, which if not detected, can cause engine overheating. *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.
- 606508Conditions with the brake lamps inadvertently disabling the brake shift interlock.
- 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.
- 605562Subject regarding the availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment.
- 605465Premature failure of engine head gaskets may occur. This condition may result in engine coolant leakage, which, if not detected or if ignored, will cause engine overheating, or in extreme cases, could cause engine failure if overheat condition IS ignored.
- 605338Information on transaxle service case replacement with oss (output shaft speed sensor) hole.
- 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.
- 603724Mass air flow (maf)- sensor contamination- service tip.
- 603695Experiencing a " buzzing " or " rattling " noise from the exhaust system.
- 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.
- 601343A new silicone gasket and sealant.
- 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.
Every Lincoln Continental model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.