1998 Lincoln Continental
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lincoln › Continental › 1998
These records cover every 1998 Lincoln Continental. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1998 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.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the text and/or graphics for the vehicle headlamp aiming instructions provided in the owner guides are not sufficiently clear. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
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 improperly aimed.
Remedy
Owner guides containing revised aiming instructions will be mailed to owners of these vehicles.
Owner complaints
72 complaints8 involved a crash2 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
I am one person among many that have been having many problems with the ford front wheel drive transmission. Bought my 98 lincoln continental with 97000 miles on it, at 109000 miles had to pay 2400 to have the transmission pulled and rebuilt. I'm 65 years old and have never even hit the passing…
I am one person among many that have been having many problems with the ford front wheel drive transmission. Bought my 98 lincoln continental with 97000 miles on it, at 109000 miles had to pay 2400 to have the transmission pulled and rebuilt. I'm 65 years old and have never even hit the passing gear. at 155000 miles it had to get pulled again. 1500 dollars at thst time. now with 175000 miles on it the check transmission signal IS on again. I did not until now do any code checks or internet search, but I do believe that ford knows they built a bad unit. looking to find out if there have been any silent recalls or if your department has any information that could help me. my car IS in mint condition and runs great except for the transmission. I remember reading that this problem was investigated or going to be looked at. Currently I get a p1744 code off the computer. I hope there IS a silent recall or some info you may have that could help me.
- Visibility/wiper
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lincoln continental. The contact stated that the rearview mirror was defective. The mirror had a day night automatic tinting feature. The seals on the mirror failed and the fluids leaked and covered the mirror. The mirror could not longer be used and was not functional.…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lincoln continental. The contact stated that the rearview mirror was defective. The mirror had a day night automatic tinting feature. The seals on the mirror failed and the fluids leaked and covered the mirror. The mirror could not longer be used and was not functional. The contact replaced the mirror himself and the original mirror was taken to dealer. The dealer was unfamiliar with the failure and was unable to diagnose. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue however no assistance was provided to the contact. The current mileage was 104,000. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lincoln continental. The contact stated that the vehicle would lunge forward when the brake pedal was engaged. neither the dealer nor manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 180,000 and the current mileage was 186,000.
- Visibility
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lincoln continental. The contact stated that the rear view and driver side mirrors were tinted with an anti-reflection chemical which melted the plastic inside causing the mirrors to look foggy or darker than they were. He believed it was a safety hazard because his…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lincoln continental. The contact stated that the rear view and driver side mirrors were tinted with an anti-reflection chemical which melted the plastic inside causing the mirrors to look foggy or darker than they were. He believed it was a safety hazard because his visibility was minimal at night. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 122,000.
- Seat belts
The right and left seats belts in the rear of car will no longer retract. I got them unstuck a couple times but it happens again and again. I am afraid because my kids sit back there.
- Seat belts › Rear/other · Structure
1998 lincoln continental. Consumer writes regarding defective rear seat belts *tgw the consumer stated the right and left rear seat belts no longer retract. Also, water entered the front headlights and caused the lens to fogged up. *Jb
- Steering
As I was backing the car up the tie rod/steering assembly disengaged (unscrewed) from the rack&pinyon (passenger side) causing loss of steering. The tie rod I stress again unscrewed from the rack. I was fortunate this took place at a slow speed. I feel that if this occurred at highway speeds it…
As I was backing the car up the tie rod/steering assembly disengaged (unscrewed) from the rack&pinyon (passenger side) causing loss of steering. The tie rod I stress again unscrewed from the rack. I was fortunate this took place at a slow speed. I feel that if this occurred at highway speeds it could have resulted in a serious or fatal crash. My mechanic replaced the tie rods on both sides with new ones and I have the old part on hand. Looks like the safety pin that holds the tie rod to the rack wore and allowed the tie rod to unscrew its self from the rack. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Spontaneous fire in engine compartment. vehicle last driven about 12 hours before, and had been off since that time. during a downpour, and while parked in the driveway, the vehicle ignited shortly after 6AM - 02/06/10. events and remaining evidence closely match those described in the cruise control switch fires for other ford models (including same model-year town cars). *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
I keep getting this message. from: nhtsahotline@telesishq.comnhtsahotlinetelesishq.com date: 3/18/2009 4:02:15 pm to: subject: unknown footprints incoming mail error footprints encountered an error processing an incoming mail message. the error code IS below. if the error IS…
I keep getting this message. from: nhtsahotline@telesishq.comnhtsahotlinetelesishq.com date: 3/18/2009 4:02:15 pm to: subject: unknown footprints incoming mail error footprints encountered an error processing an incoming mail message. the error code IS below. if the error IS unclear or if you need help, please contact support. footprints error: 201 [microsoft][odbc sql server driver][tcp/ip sockets]sql server does not exist or access denied. (Sql-08001) [microsoft][odbc sql server driver][tcp/ip sockets]connectionopen (connect()). (Sql-01000)(dbd: db_login/sqlconnect ERR=-1) connection string: dbi:odbc:footprints\ this IS what I have been trying to send to:nhtsa.webmaster@dot.gov from: subject:automatic headlight moduale comments: I got a notice of an error on sending you my message. Hope you do not get two. My 98 lincoln continental has no turnsignal lights,no emergency lights etc. It can not be driven safely. We have called the dealership and was told we need an automatic headlight module. However it has been discontinued by ford motor company and there IS none available in the united states. I called ford motor company(case id#1556870779) and was told to contact you. Was there no recall on this part? I am certain that I am not the only one that has a problem with this car. I was told to get a part from a junk yard although that too would be expensive since they too know this part IS no longer available.. Being female I do not think that IS possible. I also think that a company like ford should be responsilbe for providing parts for their cars. Many cars are on the road a lot longer than ten years. I could go on but for now --what am I to do?? From nhtsa web site. 98 lincoln has no turnsignal no emergency lights etc.it IS unsafe to drive the dealership said it needed an automatic headlight module but no part exists in the us. What now??? *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Vehicle accelerates by itself. I have had the car in the shop approx. Every year for this since 2005 and as recent as june of 08. the dealership usually replaces the idle air control valve but this problem will again service after about one year. I have paid for a complete fuel induction…
Vehicle accelerates by itself. I have had the car in the shop approx. Every year for this since 2005 and as recent as june of 08. the dealership usually replaces the idle air control valve but this problem will again service after about one year. I have paid for a complete fuel induction cleaning (10-05-07). the only thing that works IS replacing the idle control valve but like I said the problem resurfaces. the car will idle at 500 rpm for normal but idle at 1000 rpm in drive when the problem occurs, if I put the car in neutral it will take off at a high rate of speed and I have to turn it off in order for it to reset itself. during normal operation the car will want to take off by itself at a stoplight and jerk when I release the brake. I particularly notice this to occur when I come off the freeway but it also occurs during normal operation. I took my car in june of this month for this problem but they could not get it to accelerate on it's own. it IS now oct. 2008 and the problem IS getting worse meaning this happens now about 4 to 6 times a day. the dealership IS aware of my situation and they have the history on my car but I'm the one stuck with the bill of getting it fixed. the dealership has the last couple of times worked out a discount because this IS a recurring problem but I still have to pay because the warranty has usually run out. they do show me taking it in before the warranty runs out but they can never seem to find the problem until it IS so bad to the point of dangerous and the car IS doing it all the time, usually after the warranty. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module · Power train › Automatic transmission
Security flashes rapidly which prevents the ignition from starting. It rolls ok but will not crank up to run. This problem started almost a year ago, but after a little wait it would finally crank. In the past two months we have driven the car about 4 times because of this problem. On mar , 2008…
Security flashes rapidly which prevents the ignition from starting. It rolls ok but will not crank up to run. This problem started almost a year ago, but after a little wait it would finally crank. In the past two months we have driven the car about 4 times because of this problem. On mar , 2008 we were left stranded in biloxi, ms requiring a tow to the easterbrook dealership from where the automobile was purchased in 2004. At times the security light would flash normally, and on those times we could drive anywhere we liked without worry. From our progressive drive insurance webpage I ran across a nhta item # 619266 covering this complaint in 1998 lincoln continentals which was a technical bulletin. We had never even heard of or received a notice of this. I feel the manufacturer should be responsible for the $369.00 repair of this vehicle not even speaking of the pain and worry it has caused and missed doctor's appointments and such. Our first incident was in 2006 when, at our expense, we also had to replace the transmission, when it failed on interstate 63, leaving us stranded, having to be towed, and without a vehicle for over a week. *tr
- Equipment · Tires
Michelin IS aware that old, unsafe michelin tires outside manufacturer's safety guidelines are being placed on vehicles by their authorized tire dealerships yet claims that they are not "legally culpable" and can do nothing about this practice or the resultant deaths and injuries sustained by end…
Michelin IS aware that old, unsafe michelin tires outside manufacturer's safety guidelines are being placed on vehicles by their authorized tire dealerships yet claims that they are not "legally culpable" and can do nothing about this practice or the resultant deaths and injuries sustained by end users. my situation IS as follows: while driving 70 mph my right rear tire blew out almost slamming me into another car and guard rail. subsequently I learned that the "new" michelin symmetry tires I had purchased at an authorized michelin dealership 2-1/2 years ago were five years old when they were placed on my car according to the d.o.t. Date on them. moreover the old michelin symmetry tires that were placed on my vehicle were not "h" or "v" rated for safety as ford/lincoln manufacturer specifies. I called michelin and talked with multiple individuals including their u.s. Manager of consumer relations. she admitted that michelin IS aware that unscrupulous michelin dealerships sell old, outdated tires and tires not properly safety rated for vehicles but claims that there IS "absolutely nothing" that michelin can do about this practice. apparently michelin believes there IS an "acceptable" number of consumer deaths and injuries that will occur yearly from faulty, defective michelin tires. michelin disclaims any responsibility for safety breaches at their dealerships, preferring to meet sales goals and net profit margins, looking the other way and winking at fraud and dangerous practices by their dealerships, and hiding behind "legalities" to shield them from ultimate responsibility. I believe that the rico statute clearly applies to them and should vigorously be pursued. michelin knows that unsafe practices are constantly occurring, but chooses to do nothing to stop the injuries or the deaths or to sanction or police their dealerships. how many more deaths and injuries will occur if nothing IS done?????*jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Dt: the consumer states that 1998 lincoln continental had one headlight that became unaligned and was shining the beam straightened up in the air. This was the driver's side left headlight. was having water leakage and around the light was turning black. The warning light on the dash board was…
Dt: the consumer states that 1998 lincoln continental had one headlight that became unaligned and was shining the beam straightened up in the air. This was the driver's side left headlight. was having water leakage and around the light was turning black. The warning light on the dash board was saying check brake lamp, but the brake lamps were both working. the owner thought that the headlight shorted out, causing that inside light on the dashboard to come on. This started in the past couple of months. The owner has not had the car checked yet, but was going to take it to dealer. The owner could not afford to pay $400.00 for a headlight. The owner has not contacted ford. *Ak
- Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust
The driver side power seat will not retract back. The seat height adjustment and seat back work fine. The motor clicks to engage, but the seat will not move back.*ak
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs · Tires
#1-While leaving work the left front coil spring fractured in half punturing (tearing) the tire causing immediate deflation of left front tire affecting steering control and braking.(i had no advance notice -noise or bounce-before failure). #2-failure occured in a parking lot at low speed -…
#1-While leaving work the left front coil spring fractured in half punturing (tearing) the tire causing immediate deflation of left front tire affecting steering control and braking.(i had no advance notice -noise or bounce-before failure). #2-failure occured in a parking lot at low speed - thankfully. #3-THE left front strut/spring assembly #1f3z*5w311*aa was replaced as well as the right strut/spring #1f3z*5w310*aa assembly due to inspection revieled a crack in the right front spring.the left front tire was replaced. this could easily have caused major damage or a fatality at driving speeds. I have old parts for inspection - they remind me how lucky I was in a parking lot at time of failure.
- Visibility › Windshield
The 1998 lincoln continental IS an accident waiting to happen, the slanted windshield above a grey dashboard, causing a reflection in the bright sunlight that makes some objects invisible to the driver. too many car designs have this fault and should be outlawed for safety reasons. also the…
The 1998 lincoln continental IS an accident waiting to happen, the slanted windshield above a grey dashboard, causing a reflection in the bright sunlight that makes some objects invisible to the driver. too many car designs have this fault and should be outlawed for safety reasons. also the continental instrument panel cannot be read in certain angles of sun on the panel. you cannot seed the needle on the speedometer and I wonder how many speeding tickets result from this defect. I have added a black cover to my dashboard at my cost to try to correct this problem. if autos are made like this the manufacturer should stand the cost of black out material. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
Two of the vehicle's ignition coils failed which caused the vehicle to hesitate and stall while being driven. *nm *sc *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While parked on a slight incline, with the engine running, the transmission slipped out of park into reverse. while attempting to enter the vehicle to stop it from hitting a child, the consumer grabbed the steering wheel, the vehicle picked up speed and rolled over her right leg. The vehicle was…
While parked on a slight incline, with the engine running, the transmission slipped out of park into reverse. while attempting to enter the vehicle to stop it from hitting a child, the consumer grabbed the steering wheel, the vehicle picked up speed and rolled over her right leg. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where a insurance specialist inspected the vehicle and determined there was a manufacturer defect in the transmission. *jb
- Seat belts › Rear/other
The middle and rear seat belt are not retracting. the dealer will not fix this since it isn't under warrantly. the dealer said that the retractors are defected. since seat belts are a safety issue, it should be fixed by the manufacturer. I have owned many cars and have never had this problem with a seat belt. the dealer will charge $650 to fix this and who knows when this happen again.
- Seat belts › Rear/other
The rear middle seat belt would not retract. the dealer determined that the retractor was defective and was replaced under warranty. it was later noticed that the rear left seat belt would not retract. the dealer determined that the retractor was defective but would only replace the retractor at the owners expense. *ak the rear seats weren't hardly occupied. *scc *jb
- Unknown or other
Service and repair of 1998 lincoln continental.*mr the consumer was upset that the dealer was still servicing the vehicle which was going on the sixth week.*ts *jb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
Instrument cluster on a 1998 lincoln continental. The instrument cluster failed, which resulted in the car stalling out. This made steering and braking very difficult because there was no power going to these units on the car. I was lucky and the traffic was very light at the time. The second failure happened while the vehicle was in a driveway.*ak
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Interior
The automatic dimming inside rearview mirror apears frosted over half of the glass distorting the view to the rear. this mirror was replaced less than one year ago for a similar problem. Research on the interrnet indicates this to be a common problem with lincoln continentals of multiple years in…
The automatic dimming inside rearview mirror apears frosted over half of the glass distorting the view to the rear. this mirror was replaced less than one year ago for a similar problem. Research on the interrnet indicates this to be a common problem with lincoln continentals of multiple years in the late 1990's. there are numerious incidents of this defect in the nhtsa complaints on this site. ford motor co aparently has no solution to this defect as current replacement mirrors fail agin in less than one year. I beleive this defect should be a safety recall as the defective mirror greately distorts rear vision.
- Vehicle speed control
Auto accelerates when attempting to stop or when in drive and standing still. I have reported this defect for service and was informed that no defect was found. problem has occurred on many occasions. I was also informed by the service department that no technical support memos were issued on this problem. *nlm
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.
- 10018745Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10011162Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008314Erratic operation of the cool/warm function of the temperature control system - repair procedure for stratification (secondary) temperature blend door.
- 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.
- 10004886Malfunction indicator lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457 or p1442 or a check fuel cap lamp illuminated with dtc p0457 for the evaporative emission system.
- 10004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10003744Engine misfire or rough running condition with coil on plug (cop) ignition systems may be more accurately diagnosed using the optional worldwide diagnostic system (wds) coil on plug (cop) kit. 2003 super duty f series included.
- 10002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457.
- 10002684Torque converter clutch not engaging when commanded and/or diagnostic trouble codes p0741 or p1744 stored in memory. Models from 1996 to 2003.
- 6092160Information regarding a/c peanut o-ring color.
- 6091933Subject pertaining to white spots on window runs and belt.
- 6091852Concerns with cellular phones not ringing when receiving calls.
- 6091676Subject regarding all vehicles requires a parameter reset to be performed on the passive anti-theft system module (pats / vic / hec) when the powertrain control module (pcm) IS replaced.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090834Information on using peanut style a/c fittings.
- 6090184Information on replacing and / or repairing malfunctioning (door, ignition and decklid) locks.
- 6090131Information on diagnosing a vehicle with malfunction indicator lamp illuminated and diagnostic trouble codes p0442 and p0455 stored in continuous memory.
- 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.
- 637765Some vehicles equipped with the electronic automatic temperature control (eatc) will not cycle the ai conditioner compressor when the floor mode IS selected.
- 637556Some vehicles equipped with an ax4n/4f50n transaxle may exhibit a shudder during a 3-4 shift.
- 636065Information regarding discharged battery charging service tips and guidelines.
- 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.
- 627927Some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and or p0174.
- 627774Some ignition switch lock cylinder assemblies may exhibit rougness and / or excess effort in turning, key does not fully return from start, a malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate with p0500, p1502 and u1039 stored in powertrian control module (pcm).
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 621059Concerns with vehicles equipped with a AX4N / 4f50n transaxle exhibiting a shudder during a 3-4 shift.
- 620183This bulletin states that on some vehicles (including 2002 blackwood) a battery disconnect or parameter reset IS required during powertrain control module (pcm) or instrument cluster (vic / hec / icm) replacement.
Every Lincoln Continental model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.