1996 Lincoln Continental
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lincoln › Continental › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Lincoln Continental. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1996 Lincoln Continental. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
The automatic transmission park pawl shaft may not be free to rotate as intended. if the park pawl shaft does not rotate, it would prevent the park pawl from engaging the park gear when the shift lever IS in the park position.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could result in the vehicle rolling as if in neutral with the shift lever in the park position.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the park pawl shaft rotation and those shafts with restricted rotation will be replaced with a shorter shaft that will not restrict rotation.
A defective control module in the "autolamp" system can malfunction. If the "autolamp" system IS being used to activate the exterior light (including headlamps), the headlamps could shut off without warning. This will not occur if the exterior lighting IS turned on manually by the headlight switch.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the headlamps shut off while the vehicle IS driven, driver visibility would be impaired increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the "autolamp" control module. Owners are instructed to use the manual headlamp switch until the control module can be replaced.
Owner complaints
48 complaints3 involved a crash1 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting
Low beam head light on driver's side went out. *Tr
- Suspension
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…
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. he stated that the vehicle has gone into air shock, forcing him to lose control and drive off the road. the current mileage IS 160,000 and failure mileage was 100,000.
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Air suspension system
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…
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 back. head lights shine into the sky and now into the ground. driving vehicle extremely unsafe especially at night. 3 yrs of complaining to ford/lincoln - they won't acknowledge the problem! get these vehicles off the road before they cause major road accidents. mn state attorney general notified - file # rjm/2006/322030/c. *nm
- Tires › Tread/belt
TL* - the contact IS calling regarding nhtsa campaign ID number: 06t023000. the contact states that he took his tires to pep boys they refuse to provide him with free tires and told him he would have to pay for the tires at a pro-rated rate. the contact feels that due to the recall he should have not been charge. the contact can provide a copy of the invoice if needed.
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Interior
Automobile dimming rearview mirror IS not clear,melting effect.*ak
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices · Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
The rear view mirror and side view mirror contained film which resulted in poor visibility.*jb
- Unknown or other · Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices
I have contacted lincoln about the paint and mirrors and they will not do anything about it. the mirror IS on the driver's side IS discolored and distored. I have to take the car to an autobody shop per dealer and was told that it was a defected paint job from the lincoln. they will not do anything about it. dt
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Power train › Manual transmission
Consumer took car to the dealer where purchased complaining about an odor emmiting from the air conditioning smelling like mildew. *jg
- Suspension
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Consumer IS having problems with transmission at 30-40 mph. *tt
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
The gear shift will not shift. it will slide up and down intermittenly without prior warning and will not move. the dealership IS aware of the problem. nlm
- Exterior lighting
Headlights and instrument panel lights went out while driving at night without warning. Dealer and the manufacturer have been notified, and informed that this vehicle was not covered under recall 96v009000 due to vin. feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Wheels
Wheel presure sensors in two tires broke apart and destroyed two tire from the inside. I also need to get problem corrected in remaining tieres but the repair shop will not fix this as it IS a safty issue and they are not allowed. my rtemaing wheels sensors could come apart and destroy my tires causing a blow out.
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
When headlamps are in use radio switches stations without being touched. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide further details.*ak
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
While driving and upon depressing accelerator pedal it went straight to the floorboard, causing unwanted acceleration. After depressing brake pedal vehicle continued to gain speed, also, after turning vehicle off, rpms continued to race. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer determined that throttle cable broke completley in half.*ak
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Inside rearview automatic day/night mirror in my 1996 continental has stopped dimming. There IS a spot approximately in the upper right middle of the mirror that does dim as it should. As such, when a car comes up from behind (especially when they have brights on), it blinds me and decreases my…
Inside rearview automatic day/night mirror in my 1996 continental has stopped dimming. There IS a spot approximately in the upper right middle of the mirror that does dim as it should. As such, when a car comes up from behind (especially when they have brights on), it blinds me and decreases my "night vision." not only IS this an annoyance, but it IS also a safety issue. I have contacted the dealership and they said there IS not a tsb or warranty on it. It does cost $500.00. I have e-mailed the company that makes the mirror (donnelly corp.) but they have not returned my request for additional information on repair, warranty or replacement. I further understand that this may be a "common" problem with 1996 and 1997 conti.. Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.. *Ak
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices
Both mirrors are discolored and distorted, presenting a safety hazard. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Brakes pulsate and the ABS light comes on. when brakes are applied they fade out and come back in. consumer hit brakes, and they faded. ABS light came on after. Vehicle has been to the same dealer 4 times. dealer has checked the codes, and the problem still exists. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Power windows/ rear defroster and horn wern't working caused by electrical system. The mlp sensor was replaced, helped windows to go up and down correctly. horn still doesn't work. The dealer has replaced many sensors,tyring to find a remedy. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
After about 10 minutes of driving dashlights and gauges stopped working. Shortly thereafter she restarted vehicle, and gauges worked fine. Vehicle not taken to dealer yet.*ak
- Electrical system › Horn · Electrical system › Ignition · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys · Power train › Manual transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor · Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion) · Steering › Rack and pinion · Structure · Suspension › Rear · Suspension › Rear › Shock absorber · Vehicle speed control
Valve body pump shaft and filter. nlm
- Unknown or other
Forf spec. Serv. Message # 08873 states do not fix this condition. No safety defec tmentioned. *ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices
My car was factory equipped with a donnelly electronics electrochromic inside rearview mirror. This mirror darkens when it sences the light from a car behind you. Since 1996 when I bought this car new, this mirror has failed 4 times. When it fales half the mirror will darken and the other half will…
My car was factory equipped with a donnelly electronics electrochromic inside rearview mirror. This mirror darkens when it sences the light from a car behind you. Since 1996 when I bought this car new, this mirror has failed 4 times. When it fales half the mirror will darken and the other half will not. This IS extremely hard on the eyes at night, since the mirror has no manual adjustment. It's put up with that or nothing. Every 1995 and newer lincoln continental I have seen has a bad mirror. Mine has been replaced for times now, and now not only this time did it do the same thing again, it made a popping sound while I was driving home from work, cracked and then blew fluid all over the inside of my car. I have done some research into this and there are 2 companys that make such a mirror. However, donnelly's are the only ones that fail. I have 2 other car with such mirror systems and after 10 years there are still on there orginal mirrors. I would think that it would be my car except for the fact that every lincoln continentall 1995 and newer has a bad mirror. 1995 IS when ford motor co. Switched from the other brand to donnelly corp. On the continental's only. This IS a real saftey hazzard driving with a mirror with 2 different reflective surfaces, and now with the mirror cracking and blowing fluid all over my car I do think that this matter must be looked into. I do think that donnelly has a quality control issue but refuses to address it. I have contacted jules roman from there company and told him of this and they pretty much told me tough luck, and did not feel that there was any safety concern. I was also told that I am the only one with this problem. However the parts manager at my local lincoln mercury dealer says different. I think that if you looked at ford's warranty clames on these cars you might find a different story. Or better yet pick 5 of these cars at random, I garantee that the donnelly mirror will be bad. I thank you for you help....mike. *ak
- Interior lighting
Everytime consumer starts vehicle instrument lights will not come on for about 7-10 minutes depending how cold weather IS, causing poor visibility. Manufacturer sent out service notice for this defect, indicating they were aware of defect.*ak the consumer stated the delay in instrument lighting up was unsafe. *yh
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.
- 10008183Groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector IS in park with the vehicle parked on an incline. This bulletin updates previous bulletin 17358, dated 11/01/2003 to include 2005 models.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10002684Torque converter clutch not engaging when commanded and/or diagnostic trouble codes p0741 or p1744 stored in memory. Models from 1996 to 2003.
- 6092661Some vehicles may exhibit a grunt or groan noise when the steering wheel IS returned to center after a full right hand turn.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090085Service information for musty and mildew type odors coming from the air conditioning / heating system.
- 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.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 630356Some vehicles may exhibit a park pullout clunk noise when shifting from park to another gear position.
- 630351Some vehicles may exhibit a groan/buzz/vibration when the gear selector IS in park.
- 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.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 619424Subject regarding engine oil recommendations for use in 2001 vehicles - sae 5W-20 motor oil.
- 615497Some vehicles may exhibit a no-start condition when parked on an steep incline with less than 1/4 tank of fuel.
- 615491All vehicles with antilock brake module concerns that require a module replacement, the technician must call for approval before removing and / or replacing the module.
- 615487For all vehicles with remote keyless entry concerns that require a module and / or transmitter (keyfob) replacement, the technician must call for approval before removing and / or replacing the module or keyfob.
- 615485For all vehicles with drivers seat module concerns that require a module replacement, the technician must call for approval before removing and / or replacing the module.
- 615484For all vehicles with drivers door module concerns that require a module replacement, the technician must call for approval before removing and / or replacing.
- 615480For all vehicles with lighting control module concerns that require a module replacement, the technican must call for approval before removing and / or replacing the module.
- 615405On some vehicles, with less than 1/4 tank of fuel, a no-start condition may exist when parked on an steep incline.
- 615345Information on installing a new fuel pump on certain vehicles.
- 615280Some vehicles may exhibit a concern where the reverse-down feature of the exterior mirrors may appear to be inoperative at times.
- 615273Subject regarding service evaporator assemblies.
- 615255Some vehicles built prior to june 16, 1998 may exhibit noise from the front brakes, ususally at low speeds just prior to coming to a complete stop.
- 615199Some vehicles may exhibit a concern where the reverse-down feature of the exterior mirrors may appear to be inoperative at times.
- 615191Information on the service evaporator assemblies.
- 613251Some vehicles may exhibit an intermittent hard start or no start due to flooding.
- 613242Information on installation a new fuel pump , ensure that the pump has plastic sheathing over the wires. *Mjs
- 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
- 613173Some vehicles equipped with pats (securilock) except certain models now have availability of fleet keys through rotunda. *Mjs
- 613054Vehicles may exhibit an intermittent hard start or no start due to flooding. *Mjs
- 612411Some vehicles may exhibit a rattling or clunking noise from the front end (front stabilizer link) under normal driving conditions.
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
Every Lincoln Continental model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.