1996 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

3 recalls — 50 complaints

16E026000 Apr 1, 2016
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
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, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.
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.
49,635 vehicles affected
96V176000 Sep 18, 1996
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
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.
340,000 vehicles affected
96V009000 Jan 23, 1996
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE "AUTOLAMP" CONTROL MODULE. OWNERS ARE INSTRUCTED TO USE THE MANUAL HEADLAMP SWITCH UNTIL THE CONTROL MODULE CAN BE REPLACED.
40,000 vehicles affected
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Feb 20, 2009
LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHT ON DRIVER'S SIDE WENT OUT. *TR
SUSPENSION Jul 10, 2007
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 Jan 30, 2007
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 Dec 21, 2006
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 Jul 9, 2004
AUTOMOBILE DIMMING REARVIEW MIRROR IS NOT CLEAR,MELTING EFFECT.*AK
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES Feb 25, 2003
THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SIDE VIEW MIRROR CONTAINED FILM WHICH RESULTED IN POOR VISIBILITY.*JB
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR Feb 25, 2003
THE REAR VIEW MIRROR AND SIDE VIEW MIRROR CONTAINED FILM WHICH RESULTED IN POOR VISIBILITY.*JB
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES Dec 11, 2002
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
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Dec 11, 2002
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 Nov 13, 2002
CONSUMER TOOK CAR TO THE DEALER WHERE PURCHASED COMPLAINING ABOUT AN ODOR EMMITING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING SMELLING LIKE MILDEW. *JG
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION Nov 13, 2002
CONSUMER STARTED NOTICING THAT WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND THEN TRYING TO CONTINUE, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT GO, OR IT WILL JERK ABOUT A FOOT. THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE PUT INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN IN DRIVE TO RESUME. *JG
SUSPENSION Oct 23, 2002
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 Oct 1, 2002
CONSUMER IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION AT 30-40 MPH. *TT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT Sep 30, 2002
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 Sep 17, 2002
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 Jan 9, 2002
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.
2 deaths
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC. Nov 27, 2001
WHEN HEADLAMPS ARE IN USE RADIO SWITCHES STATIONS WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES Nov 7, 2001
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 Oct 18, 2001
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 Sep 14, 2001
BOTH MIRRORS ARE DISCOLORED AND DISTORTED, PRESENTING A SAFETY HAZARD. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Aug 6, 2001
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 Jun 20, 2001
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
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Jun 20, 2001
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
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE Jun 20, 2001
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 Jun 12, 2001
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
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) Feb 6, 2001
POWER STEERING GEAR FAILED. NLM
SUSPENSION:REAR Feb 6, 2001
FRONT SWAY BAR END LINKS AND R/R SWAY BAR END LINKS FAILED. NLM
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION Feb 6, 2001
VALVE BODY PUMP SHAFT AND FILTER. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN Feb 6, 2001
HORN ASSEMBLY FAILED. NLM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Feb 6, 2001
THROTTLE AIR BYPASS FAILED. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Feb 6, 2001
IGNITION CYLINDER SENSOR WIRE FAILED. NLM
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER Feb 6, 2001
REAR SHOCKS FAILED. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR Feb 6, 2001
BRAKE PADS AND FRONT ROTORS FAILED. NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS Feb 6, 2001
BRAKE PADS AND FRONT ROTORS FAILED. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS Feb 6, 2001
FAN BELT FAILED. NLM
STEERING:RACK AND PINION Feb 6, 2001
RACK AND PINION FAILED. NLM
STRUCTURE Feb 6, 2001
SUB FRAME BOLTS BROKE CAUSING FAULTY FRONT SUSPENSION. NLM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jan 18, 2001
FORF SPEC. SERV. MESSAGE # 08873 STATES DO NOT FIX THIS CONDITION. NO SAFETY DEFEC TMENTIONED. *AK
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM Jan 18, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES Jan 17, 2001
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 Jan 11, 2001
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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jun 23, 2000
HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SUSPENSION SYSTEM OF THIS VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THAT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. IT HAS ALSO BEEN SUGGESTED TO ME THAT THE ENGINE OF THIS VEHICLE HAS A HISTORY OF SEAL/GASKET FAILURES. WE VERY MUCH LIKE THIS VEHICLE AND ARE CONSIDERING WHETHER TO TRADE THIS VEHICLE OR PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE. WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOME EXPERT HISTORY INFO ON WHICH TO BASE OUR DECISIONS.
SUSPENSION Jun 23, 2000
HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SUSPENSION SYSTEM OF THIS VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THAT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. IT HAS ALSO BEEN SUGGESTED TO ME THAT THE ENGINE OF THIS VEHICLE HAS A HISTORY OF SEAL/GASKET FAILURES. WE VERY MUCH LIKE THIS VEHICLE AND ARE CONSIDERING WHETHER TO TRADE THIS VEHICLE OR PURCHASE A NEW VEHICLE. WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOME EXPERT HISTORY INFO ON WHICH TO BASE OUR DECISIONS.
STEERING:RACK AND PINION Jan 11, 2000
VEHICLE LEANED TO THE LEFT DUE TO THE AIR SPRING SYSTEM FAILING. OWNER HAD JUST HAD RACK AND PINION REPLACED. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE AIR SPRING SYSTEM, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS IN SUSPENSION. *AK
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM Jan 11, 2000
VEHICLE LEANED TO THE LEFT DUE TO THE AIR SPRING SYSTEM FAILING. OWNER HAD JUST HAD RACK AND PINION REPLACED. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE AIR SPRING SYSTEM, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS IN SUSPENSION. *AK
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Dec 10, 1999
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO HAVE A FRONTAL IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND DRIVERS/PASSENGERS AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN THIS CRASH. *AK
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Dec 10, 1999
WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO HAVE A FRONTAL IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE, AND DRIVERS/PASSENGERS AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT IN THIS CRASH. *AK
Crash
SEATS Nov 28, 1999
NONE
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR Nov 28, 1999
NONE
SUSPENSION:FRONT Nov 28, 1999
NONE