2002 Lincoln Continental
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lincoln › Continental › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Lincoln Continental. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2002 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.
Owner complaints
33 complaints4 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
Oil pressure switch light came on changed oil pressure switch but light still flickers on happens when car IS idleing at stop lights on city street
- Seat belts
Seat belts in rear are all locking up and will not allow for passengers in back to be buckled properly
- Vehicle speed control
The vehicle was being driven at approximately 40 mph, was being accelerated to enter a highway. due to traffic, there was a let off on the accelerator pedal to allow another driver to merge, and the vehicle did not respond, instead it continued to accelerate without having any driver input.…
The vehicle was being driven at approximately 40 mph, was being accelerated to enter a highway. due to traffic, there was a let off on the accelerator pedal to allow another driver to merge, and the vehicle did not respond, instead it continued to accelerate without having any driver input. brakes were applied, and the vehicle remained at near full power, and the driver had to apply breaks hard to slow, and pull off highway. Attempts to shift the vehicle into neutral resulted in the transmission wanting to go into reverse instead of neutral. once off the road, the engine was shut down. when restarted, it was still stuck at wide open throttle. several attempts to unstick failed. after it remained off a short time, and the accelerator pedal operated, it returned to normal. A short time later while testing in the parking lot, the problem recurred. further investigation leads me to believe it may be related to the cruise control, as the issue appeared to be electronic in nature, as the operation of the throttle cable with the vehicle off showed no evidence of any sort of stickiness or unusual resistance. cruise control unit was unplugged, and the vehicle tested. the problem did not recur at this time. I drove it home later that night in light traffic. the vehicle will be taken to a shop to evaluate damage caused when trying to shift into neutral to avoid accident, and see if a root cause can be determined. as there are several other similar incidents of this type I beleive it may be a manufacturers defect. this IS a low mileage vehicle with approximately 75,000 miles. this IS an extremely dangerous condition that should be thoroughly investigated and a recall issued, regardless of age, as this could cause additional injuries or fatalities.
- Power train
The accelerator was stuck and riving up and brakes etc. Did not work. Ran into a sidewalk so iwould not hit the person in front of me.a city street going straight.
- Service brakes · Suspension
After turning on the ignition and putting the car in gear, my 2002 lincoln continental made an extremely loud noise. I turned the car off for a few minutes and after starting it again everything seemed fine. After about a half hour of driving, the car became noisy. I took it to a mechanic who…
After turning on the ignition and putting the car in gear, my 2002 lincoln continental made an extremely loud noise. I turned the car off for a few minutes and after starting it again everything seemed fine. After about a half hour of driving, the car became noisy. I took it to a mechanic who informed me that the right front coil was broken. the mechanic could not locate a used spring and had to purchase a new coil for $530.45 which seems excessive. this ended up being a $733.00 repair. *tr
- Suspension · Wheels
Driver's side front coil spring broke, and punctured the front tire. I was just beginning to back out of my drive-way. I had to have the car towed to the shop. had both front springs and the tire replaced. luckily it did not happen while driving down the highway at 70 mph. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lincoln continental. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle accelerated independently and without warning. The contact attempted to decelerate however, the vehicle would not respond. The contact then crashed into a wall and sustained injuries to her…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lincoln continental. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle accelerated independently and without warning. The contact attempted to decelerate however, the vehicle would not respond. The contact then crashed into a wall and sustained injuries to her knee and back. There was a police report filed for the incident. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection where they stated that they could not determine the cause of failure. The vehicle was not destroyed but the air bag warning light illuminated a few days after the crash. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there were no recalls for the vehicle. The failure mileage was 110,000.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lincoln continental. The contact was driving approximately 65 mph when the accelerator pedal abruptly traveled to the floorboard upon engaging and remained in a stuck position. There were numerous attempts to release the accelerator pedal which failed. The vehicle would…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lincoln continental. The contact was driving approximately 65 mph when the accelerator pedal abruptly traveled to the floorboard upon engaging and remained in a stuck position. There were numerous attempts to release the accelerator pedal which failed. The vehicle would not stop when pressure was applied to the brakes. Once the gear selector was shifted into neutral, the speed began to reduce. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and the engine was turned off. The contact was able to release the stuck accelerator pedal and resumed normally for a brief moment and the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. The technician was unable to locate the problem. The manufacturer was not made aware of the unintended acceleration. The failure mileage was 66,000. updated 08/31/11*lj the consumer was informed the throttle body cable was no longer being manufactured. Updated 09/09/11
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
TL* the contact owns a 2002 lincoln continental. The contact stated that the front passenger side coil springs fractured and punctured the front passenger tire. the vehicle was towed to the dealer were they confirmed the failure but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 72,000. updated 04/07/11*lj
- Wheels
I own a 2002 lincoln continental which has oem chrome wheels. The chrome plating on the inside of the wheels IS delaminating and curling inward toward the brake area where the rubber lines are located. Normally a driver would not even notice this plating failure and it could result in a slicing of…
I own a 2002 lincoln continental which has oem chrome wheels. The chrome plating on the inside of the wheels IS delaminating and curling inward toward the brake area where the rubber lines are located. Normally a driver would not even notice this plating failure and it could result in a slicing of the rubber brake lines. The ford dealer said there IS no remedy from ford motor co. This delaminting process has been going on for some time. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Seat belts
The center seat belt IS locked against the seat and cannot be utilized. the climate control sticks and cannot be set to different temperatures. the transmission surges in, it seems in second and third gear. I saw these problems on the web site as recalls for the 2000 to 2001 year models of this auto. well the one I have IS 2002 but was manufactured in 2001. *Tr
- Exterior lighting
While driving in the late evening hours, the headlights were not able to be turned on because of a broken switch knob. The 2002 lincoln continental was taken to stivers automotive of columbia, sc to replace the lighting switch knob. A complete diagnostic was performed on the car and the dealership…
While driving in the late evening hours, the headlights were not able to be turned on because of a broken switch knob. The 2002 lincoln continental was taken to stivers automotive of columbia, sc to replace the lighting switch knob. A complete diagnostic was performed on the car and the dealership decided to replace the entire lighting switch processor at a cost of $1213.73 plus labor of $134.65. The headlight knob broke into two pieces and prevented the switch from being turned on and by not coming on created a safety hazard for my family was were extremely dangerous to other drivers on the freeway. I requested the processor that was removed to see if it really was broken and hope to have the part tested by a lab. *Tr
- Suspension
2002 lincoln continental broken steering/control arm. Consumer states that manufacturer does not make these parts anymore and want the consumer to get it fixed with junk parts. Consumer states that IS against their warranty. *kb the consumer believed the problem he experienced was due to some bad…
2002 lincoln continental broken steering/control arm. Consumer states that manufacturer does not make these parts anymore and want the consumer to get it fixed with junk parts. Consumer states that IS against their warranty. *kb the consumer believed the problem he experienced was due to some bad repairs. When the dealer installed a front right axle and rotated the tires, those repairs caused the tires/wheels to tilt inward, which caused the tires to wear. *Jb updated *jb
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil springs
02 ford lincoln continental right front spring broke causing tire blowout & loss of control may 11,06 left spring broke while parked garage. *Jb
- Air bags › Frontal
Dt: the contact stated both frontal airbags failed to deploy during a low speed frontal crash. the roads were dry when the vehicle crashed into a concrete road divider. the vehicle IS currently at the dealership being repaired. *ak
- Unknown or other
No summary. Information on odi #768869.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Vehicle stalled and cut off while vehicle was being driven. vehicle was taken to dealer on three occasions, and the air fuel module was replaced. the vehicle continued to stall and cut off.*ak
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Service brakes, hydraulic
Pieces of vehicle's rotors were found on the garage floor.*mr the consumer experienced extended stopping distance while braking. the rotors were replaced. when the consumer backed out of his driveway he noticed carbon like pieces on the garage floor that apparently came off the rotors or pads. while on vacation the a/c failed. *nm
- Air bags · Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering
My vehicle IS a lincoln LS. Leased new in april 2002 with 6ML. On it. Has been in for numerous repairs, the car has been gutted and put back together. Dealership claims that the airbag module was replaced. it took approx. 7 months to get ford to buy back the car. they were undoubtedly aware…
My vehicle IS a lincoln LS. Leased new in april 2002 with 6ML. On it. Has been in for numerous repairs, the car has been gutted and put back together. Dealership claims that the airbag module was replaced. it took approx. 7 months to get ford to buy back the car. they were undoubtedly aware they could count on my caving after making premium payments and insurance for almost a year on a car that was not fit to drive. as soon as I hired an attorney they dug their heels in farther. I settled just to get the lemon out of my driveway, and to free up my funds to get another car. ford motor company handled my situation very unprofessionally and with no regard to my safety. at this point I would only hope that they will have to register this vehicle for resale with a record of the defects and not simply a buy back with no explanation.
- Unknown or other
Have been to the dsb board they requested the repaint that looked awfull, they have now requested a second repaint and I want reiembursed for any loss of trade in value related to a vehicle poorly repainted and repainted my new 42K $$ LS has been out of service for 56 days last repaint and not given a replacement vehicle except for 5 days which was a focus!! Can you imagine??
- Unknown or other
When going down a hill with the cruise control on the car keeps picking up speed.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Engine compartment emits loud noise and 'steam' when in slow traffic or when idling. trouble traced to faulty air conditioning compressor which has been replaced twice. this was the third occurance in 1 month. this time the engine overheated and left us stuck in traffic.*ak
- Equipment · Unknown or other
The nhtsa web site won't let me look up my car (http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/). my car IS a 2002 lincoln continental. within the 2002 lincoln, the only model on which the system permits inquiries IS the town car. what about the 2002 continental? what about the 2002 LS? regards, chuck kirkpatrick. *jb
- Vehicle speed control
During bright day light hours speedometer needle IS almost impossible to see due to the color of the needle and the dial's background. the needle IS dull red, and the background IS black. The brightness of the sun makes the needle fade away. the panel and needles function properly on days it's…
During bright day light hours speedometer needle IS almost impossible to see due to the color of the needle and the dial's background. the needle IS dull red, and the background IS black. The brightness of the sun makes the needle fade away. the panel and needles function properly on days it's not so bright. the consumer had the dealer paint the dial needle white but that did not fix the problem due to the tinted plastic cover. the manufacturer was notified. *ak *nlm
- Unknown or other
2002 lincoln continental. front air dam made of brittle plastic and breaks if it touches anything. this vehicle has 8500 miles and two air dams have broken. lincoln/merc dealer replaced one but refuses to replace another. customer service says the damage IS due to "driver carelessness" and…
2002 lincoln continental. front air dam made of brittle plastic and breaks if it touches anything. this vehicle has 8500 miles and two air dams have broken. lincoln/merc dealer replaced one but refuses to replace another. customer service says the damage IS due to "driver carelessness" and refuses to replace. this item IS extremely fragile and has no "give". the dealer at first stated that "this IS a known problem" with the continental but now states it IS the "customers fault". the dealer also states that damage to the engine could occur of it IS not replaced because it directs the air through the engine compartment. we have personally inspected other lincoln vehicles and numerous have the either completely missing or damage air dams. it appears this IS a quick $ 80.00 profit for the company that could be easily fixed using softer material. *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.
- 10014138Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013321Am/fm and cellular phone reception interference - service tip.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10012964Am fm and cellular phone reception interference .
- 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.
- 10011159Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10009321Inoperative electric rear window defroster (heated backlite) grid lines, integral antenna concerns.
- 10008581Cooling system-motorcraft premium gold engine coolant-serivce tips.
- 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.
- 10003184Rattling or clunking noise from the front suspension under normal driving conditions.
- 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.
- 10001950Rattling or clunking noise from the front suspension under normal driving conditions.
- 637852Information on removing brake anti-corrosion disc fitted inside the front wheels during pre-delivery inspection.
- 637556Some vehicles equipped with an ax4n/4f50n transaxle may exhibit a shudder during a 3-4 shift.
- 636375Exhbiting a surge / trailer hitch condition under moderate acceleration between 35-55 mph.
- 636065Information regarding discharged battery charging service tips and guidelines.
- 636049This bulletin involves proper procedures for preparation of service sheet metal parts coated with electro deposition primer (e-coat).
- 635992Hesitation, buck or surge during a steady state operation at 40-60 mph (64-96 km/h).
- 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
Every Lincoln Continental model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.