Owners have filed 147 complaints
about the 1988 Lincoln Continental with NHTSA between 1995 and 2002.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 29Jun 2002
NHTSA investigations into the 1988 Lincoln Continental
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ97009Opened 29 Aug 1997Closed 16 Feb 1999STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
REAR LOWER SUBFRAME ASSEMBLY
TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE CARS THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL 93V-106 SHOULD BE RECALLED DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE PHENOMENON, AND TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS REMEDY FAILURE ISSUE
DP95004Opened 8 Aug 1995Closed 30 Aug 1995UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS
ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS
EA94008Opened 16 Feb 1994Closed 27 Feb 1995STEERING
BROKEN TIE RODS
PE93058Opened 15 Jun 1993Closed 16 Feb 1994STEERING
BROKEN TIE RODS
EA92040Opened 30 Nov 1992Closed 30 Jun 1993STRUCTURE
SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL
PE92056Opened 1 Jul 1992Closed 30 Nov 1992STRUCTURE
SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL
PE92014Opened 4 Feb 1992Closed 25 Jun 1992ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
98V323000
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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 WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
Risk: IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
93V106000
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: TAURUS AND SABLES BUILT FROM 10-14-85 THROUGH 8-19-88, AND LINCOLN CONTINENTALS BUILT FROM 11-4-87 THROUGH 9-30-88 (EXCEPT 1989 - 1991 2.5L TAURUS AND 1989 - 1992 SHO). THE AFFECTED CARS WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, AND WISCONSIN. THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, MAY BECOME DETACHED DUE TO CORROSION OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT RETAINING PLATE. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.
Risk: IF ONE OF THE REAR CORNERS DROPS, ONLY MINOR INDICATIONS OF A MALFUNCTION SUCH AS A CLUNKING NOISE OR SLIGHT CHANGE IN STEERING WHEEL ALIGNMENT ARE NOTICEABLE. HOWEVER, IF BOTH REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME DROP, STEERING BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
91V134000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.
Risk: SEVERELY CORRODED ROTORS MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE NEARTHE INNER EDGES OF THE BRAKE DISCS RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS,HIGHER THAN NORMAL PEDAL EFFORTS, LOUD GRINDING NOISES, AND MODERATE PULLS WHENTHE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS MAY INCREASE MINIMUMSTOPPING DISTANCES, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.
89V057000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
PROCESS USED FOR CONNECTING THE GAS LINES WAS SUBSTANDARD.
Risk: A GAS LEAK COULD DEVELOP CREATING A FIRE POTENTIAL.
88V118000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT THAT CONTROLS CURRENT TO BRAKE PUMP MOTOR RELAY, HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONING BLOWER MOTOR, TURN SIGNALS, AND A ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER MAY OVERHEAT DUE TO INABILITY OF IGNITION CIRCUIT WIRING CONNECTIONS TO DISSIPATE HEAT GENERATED BY ELECTRICAL LOADS.
Risk: BRAKE PUMP MOTOR WILL NOT OPERATE, SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCINGBRAKING CAPABILITY; BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WILL COME ON.
88V114000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
NYLON SHIELDED WIRING HARNESS, LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO HEAT DAMAGE AND MELTING OF THE NYLON MATERIAL IN 100 DEGREE PLUS WEATHER.
Risk: MELTED NYLON SHIELD COULD DRIP ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDAND RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
88V101000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLES MAY NOT MEET FORDS PULL OUT LOAD SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE SWIVEL TUBE PORTION OF THE CABLE, WHICH COULD ALLOW THE SWIVEL TUBE TO SEPARATE FROM THE SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY.
Risk: OPERATOR WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SHIFT FROM ONE OF THEDRIVE GEARS INTO PARK POSITION.
88V030000
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
TWO TORSION SPRINGS ATTACHED TO REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARMS MAY FRACTURE AND RUB AGAINST A REAR TIRE.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN LOSS OF TIRE INFLATIONPRESSURE WITH POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 1992166157,101 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles with 3.0 Litre and 3.8 Litre engines, the body mounts on the rear corners of the subframe which supports the engine and transmission may become detached due to corrosion of the rear lower mount retaining plates, allowing the rear corners of the subframe to drop. Should this occur, steering could become very difficult, thereby adversely affecting vehicle control. Correction: modified lower body mounts and attaching bolts will be installed on affected vehicles.
Recall 199209916,233 units in Canada
Emissions
NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8 LITRE ENGINES. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S 1105 - EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS. CORRECTION: PURGE VALVE AND HOSE ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Recall 19920394,476 units in Canada
Brakes
NOTE: VEHICLES LOCATED IN ONTARIO, QUEBEC, NEW BRUNSWICK, NOVA SCOTIA PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND AND NEWFOUNDLAND. THE COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ON THESE VEHCIES MAY CORRODE, WEAKEN AND FRACTURE, RESULTING IN A REDUCTION OF BRAKING PERFORMANCE. SUCH A FRACTURE WOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF BRAKING AT THE CORRESPONDING FRONT WHEEL WHICH COULD IN TURN RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE AND A POSSIBLE CRASH. CORRECTION: FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WILL BE REPLACED WITH FULL CAST ROTORS.
Recall 19881101,347 units in Canada
Electrical
THIS RECALL COVERS TWO DEFECTS. (1) A NYLON SHIELDED WIRING HARNESS LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY EXPERIENCE MELTING OF THE NYLON SHIELD DURING EXTREME VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS IN 100 PLUS DEGREE (FARENHEIT) WEATHER. MELTED NYLON COULD DROP ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. CORRECTION: WIRING HARNESS WILL BE WRAPPED WITH A HEAT RESISTANT FIBERGLASS TAPE. (2) AN ELECTRICAL WIRE TO THE IGNITION SWITCH WHICH CONTROLS POWER TO THE BRAKE PUMP MOTOR MAY OVERHEAT AND TEMPORARILY LOSE CONTACT WITH THE SWITCH TERMINAL. SHOULD THIS OCCUR WHILE THE CAR IS BEING OPERATED, THE BRAKE PUMP MOTOR WILL STOP RUNNING BUT THE CAR WILL STILL BRAKE NORMALLY ONE TO FIVE TIMES AFTER THE RED WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND BEFORE REAR BRAKE FUNCTION AND POWER ASSIST TO THE FRONT BRAKES IS LOST. BECAUSE OF THE DECREASE IN BRAKING ABILITY, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT. CORRECTION: IGNITION SWITCH AND CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONES INCORPORATING MODIFIED ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS.
Recall 19880871,169 units in Canada
Powertrain
THE SWIVEL TUBE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE OPERATOR NOT BEING ABLE TO SHIFT FROM ONE OF THE DRIVE GEAR POSITIONS TO THE PARK POSITION EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SELECTOR WOULD INDICATE "PARK". IF THE VEHICLE WERE TO BE PARKED WITHOUT THE HANDBRAKE APPLIED, A ROLL AWAY CONDITION COULD OCCUR. CORRECTION: SHIFT CABLE WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Recall 1988033461 units in Canada
Suspension
THE TORSION SPRINGS ATTACHED TO THE REAR SUSPENSION ARMS MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH HIGH RESIDUAL FORMING STRESSES AT A BEND RADIUS. THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR A SPRING TO FRACTURE AND RUB AGAINST A REAR TIRE, EVENTUALLY RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE. THIS COULD CAUSE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CORRECTION: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING SEATS THAT ARE INTENDED TO RESTRICT THE SPRINGS FROM CONTACTING THE TIRES SHOULD THEY FRACTURE.
Recall 1988029282 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
THE DRIVER AND FRONT SEAT PASSENGER INBOARD SEAT BELTS MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ANCHORED TO THE INBOARD SEAT TRACKS. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT ONE OF THE NUTS WAS NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION OR THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR WAS NOT ATTACHED TO A STUD. IF A NUT IS LOOSE, IT COULD BREAK OFF, ALLOWING THE BELT ANCHOR TO DISENGAGE THE STUD. AN UNATTACHED BELT ASSEMBLY WOULD NOT WITHSTAND AN IMPACT LOAD. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED AND INBOARD SEAT BELT ANCHORAGES WILL BE CORRECTED IF NECESSARY.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Philadelphia, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WHEN TURNING OFF IGNITION CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. PROBLEM MIGHT BE LINKED TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN STEERING WHEEL WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #875392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manchester, NHFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
R/R BRAKE ENGAGES OR REMAINS ENGAGED SPORADICALLY CAUSING EXTREME OVERHEATING AND A FIRE (ONE OCCASION). DEALER UNABLE TO CORRECT PROBLEM ON THE TWO OCCASIONS IT WAS TOWED IN.
NHTSA complaint #721007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mt.laurel, NJCrash
WHEELS
WHEEL FELL OFF CAUSING VEHICLE DAMAGE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *MJS
NHTSA complaint #550268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carthage, MSCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DURING FRONTAL IMPACT AT 10 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, AND DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK, CAUSING CONSUMER TO HIT WINDSHIELD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #822300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carthage, MSCrash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
DURING FRONTAL IMPACT AT 10 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, AND DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK, CAUSING CONSUMER TO HIT WINDSHIELD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #822300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Danbury, NHCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ANTILOCK BRAKE FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #509374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Mentor, OH
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION ONLY OPERATE IN REVERSE, ALL FORWARD GEAR SARE INOPERATIVE. DEALER NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8012883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mentor, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING WHILE IN REVERSE OR INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT MULTIPLE SPEED. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8012884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mentor, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT WILL NOT COME ON UNTIL CONSUMER PUSHES ON THROTTLE SWITCH. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8012880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring Hill, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAD AN IGNITION PROBLEM THAT CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL, DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT SINCE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF IGNITION PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #564282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln Park, MI
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, ALMOST ALL LINCOLN'S WITH THIS AIR SUSPENSION HAS EXPERIENCED COSTLY REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #761000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring Hill, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAD AN IGNITION PROBLEM THAT CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL, DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT SINCE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF IGNITION PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #564282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brewton, AL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
RECALL 88V101000; AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE DOES NOT MEET FORD'S PULL OUT LOAD SPECIFICATIONS FOR SWIVEL TUBE PORTION OF CABLE, WHICH COULD ALLOW THE SWIVELTUBE TO SEPARATE FROM SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY. PLEASE PROVIE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #894046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brewton, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
NYLON SHIELD WIRING HARNESS LOCATED IN ENGINE COMPERTMENT IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO HEAT AND MELTING OF NYLON MATERIAL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURATHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #894047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irving, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
I CONTACTED FORD ON 01/30/01 IN REFERENCE TO NHTSA'S RECALL #88V118000. EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEMS THAT MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING ARE IDENTICAL TO THOSE MENTIONED ON YOUR SITE, FORD SAID MY VIN WAS NOT AFFECTED. I EXPLIANED TO THEM THAT MY PROBLEMS WERE IDENTICAL AND I WANTED THE DEALER TO REPAIR THE DEFICIENCIES. FORD REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE PROBLEMS ARE AS FOLLOWS; BRAKE WARNING LIGHT,,NO BRAKE PRESSURE,,TURN SIGNALS INOPERATIVE, AUTO CLIMATE CONTROL AND FAN INOPERATIVE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISITANCE, JEFF CRANE.
NHTSA complaint #740256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #556563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WHEN TURNING OFF IGNITION CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE IN PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. PROBLEM MIGHT BE LINKED TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN STEERING WHEEL WHICH CAUSED A FIRE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #875392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dundee, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
RECALL REPAIR 91V-134 OF THE BRAKE ROTORS WAS NOT REPAIRED IN A TIMELY MANNER DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. NLM
NHTSA complaint #554497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LA Mesa, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
VEHICLE WILL NOT RESTART AFTER MAKING A LONG TRIP. BATTERY HAD ENOUGH POWER. VEHICLE WILL ACTUALLY HAVE TO COOL OFF BEFORE VEHICLE CAN RESTART, USUALLY WAITING ABOUT 7 HOURS. CONSUMER HAS BEEN TO NUMEROUS REPAIR SHOPS, AND DEALERS, BUT NO ONE COULD DETERMINE THE CAUSE.
NHTSA complaint #870483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FT. Collins, CO
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
THE MOUNTS BETWEEN THE BODY AND SUBFRAME BELIEVED TO BE CALLED THE BODY INSULATORS WHICH HOLD THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION IN PLACE FAILED DUE TO ERROSION. THE MOUNTING BOLTS PULLED THROUGH THE RETAINIG WASHER AND THE RUBBER MOUNT ALLOWING THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION TO FALL ONTO THE GROUND. BOTH REAR MOUNTS FAILED AND IN THE PROCESS DISCONNECTED THE STEERING LINKAGE AT THE SLIP JOINT UNDER THE DASH WHICH ALLOWS FOR THE TILT STEERING. THIS STEERING JOINT COMPLETLY SEPARATED BECAUSE OF THE DISTANCE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL FROM THE ASSEMBLY FALLING. ALL STEERING WAS LOSS AND THERE WAS NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICAL AVAILABLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK!!!! PEOPLE WILL BE HURT IF NOT KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IF INCOUNTERED AT HIGH SPEEDS OR TRAFFIC. LINCOLN HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM AND I HAVE FOUND PREVIOUS RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT ONLY IN HIGH ERROSION STATES, MI, CT IL ECT..... I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM IS LARGER THAN ONCE THOUGHT DUE TO THE WAY THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. THE WASHERS USED ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO RUST BECAUSE OF THE CONTOURS AND GAUGE OF THE METAL USED. IT HAS NOTHING TO DUE TO THE AREA THAT A CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN. THE FACT THERE ARE NO SAFETY CATCHES UNDER THE CAR IS SIMPLY WRONG. UNDER THE PREVIOUS RECALLS IT IS STATED THAT THE STEERING MAY BECOME HARD TO CONTROL WHEN THE MOUNTS FAIL. THE STEERING IS NOT HARD TO CONTROL BUT IS IMPOSSIBLE, IT IS NO LONGER CONNECTED. THE DIRECTION YOU ARE TRAVELING AT THE TIME OF FAILURE IS THE DIRECTION YOU CONTINUE TO FOLLOW UNTIL STOPPED OR REDIRECTED BY THE FORCES OF NATURE. THE PROBLEM IS APPARENT IN THE MERCURY SABLE, FORD TAURUS AS WELL AS THE LINCOLN CONTINENTIAL. PLEASE REEXAMINE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE PEOPLE DIE, I CANT BEGIN TO EXPLAIN HOW LUCKY I AND FAMILY WERE. THANKYOU, RC
NHTSA complaint #729752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FT. Collins, CO
STEERING:LINKAGES
THE MOUNTS BETWEEN THE BODY AND SUBFRAME BELIEVED TO BE CALLED THE BODY INSULATORS WHICH HOLD THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION IN PLACE FAILED DUE TO ERROSION. THE MOUNTING BOLTS PULLED THROUGH THE RETAINIG WASHER AND THE RUBBER MOUNT ALLOWING THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION TO FALL ONTO THE GROUND. BOTH REAR MOUNTS FAILED AND IN THE PROCESS DISCONNECTED THE STEERING LINKAGE AT THE SLIP JOINT UNDER THE DASH WHICH ALLOWS FOR THE TILT STEERING. THIS STEERING JOINT COMPLETLY SEPARATED BECAUSE OF THE DISTANCE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL FROM THE ASSEMBLY FALLING. ALL STEERING WAS LOSS AND THERE WAS NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICAL AVAILABLE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY RISK!!!! PEOPLE WILL BE HURT IF NOT KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM ESPECIALLY IF INCOUNTERED AT HIGH SPEEDS OR TRAFFIC. LINCOLN HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM AND I HAVE FOUND PREVIOUS RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT ONLY IN HIGH ERROSION STATES, MI, CT IL ECT..... I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM IS LARGER THAN ONCE THOUGHT DUE TO THE WAY THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. THE WASHERS USED ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO RUST BECAUSE OF THE CONTOURS AND GAUGE OF THE METAL USED. IT HAS NOTHING TO DUE TO THE AREA THAT A CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN. THE FACT THERE ARE NO SAFETY CATCHES UNDER THE CAR IS SIMPLY WRONG. UNDER THE PREVIOUS RECALLS IT IS STATED THAT THE STEERING MAY BECOME HARD TO CONTROL WHEN THE MOUNTS FAIL. THE STEERING IS NOT HARD TO CONTROL BUT IS IMPOSSIBLE, IT IS NO LONGER CONNECTED. THE DIRECTION YOU ARE TRAVELING AT THE TIME OF FAILURE IS THE DIRECTION YOU CONTINUE TO FOLLOW UNTIL STOPPED OR REDIRECTED BY THE FORCES OF NATURE. THE PROBLEM IS APPARENT IN THE MERCURY SABLE, FORD TAURUS AS WELL AS THE LINCOLN CONTINENTIAL. PLEASE REEXAMINE THIS PROBLEM BEFORE PEOPLE DIE, I CANT BEGIN TO EXPLAIN HOW LUCKY I AND FAMILY WERE. THANKYOU, RC
NHTSA complaint #729752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Troy, MI
SUSPENSION:REAR
FUEL LINE FROM GAS TANK TO ENGINE IS LEAKING AT RIGHT DOOR PILLAR UNDRBODY. INSPECTION REVEALS THE GAS LINE TO BE PLASTIC OF SOME TYPE, AND THE LEAK IS AT THE JUNCTION OF WHERE 2 LENGHTS OF FUEL LINE ARE JOINED TOGETHER AT THE FACTORY. IMMINENT FIRE HAZARD. HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE ON MECURY SABLES AND FORD TAURUS' SECOND PROBLEM, REAR SWAY BAR, REAR SWAY BAR IS ATTACHED TO THE BODY, BUT THE 2 SUSPENSION LINKS THAT ATTACH TO THE ENDS OF THE SWAY BAR ARE BROKEN OR RUSTED. VEHICLE HANDLES DIFFENTLY WHILE MANUEVERING, FEEL THIS TO BE MAJOR CONCERN AS WELL .
NHTSA complaint #722902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Troy, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
FUEL LINE FROM GAS TANK TO ENGINE IS LEAKING AT RIGHT DOOR PILLAR UNDRBODY. INSPECTION REVEALS THE GAS LINE TO BE PLASTIC OF SOME TYPE, AND THE LEAK IS AT THE JUNCTION OF WHERE 2 LENGHTS OF FUEL LINE ARE JOINED TOGETHER AT THE FACTORY. IMMINENT FIRE HAZARD. HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE ON MECURY SABLES AND FORD TAURUS' SECOND PROBLEM, REAR SWAY BAR, REAR SWAY BAR IS ATTACHED TO THE BODY, BUT THE 2 SUSPENSION LINKS THAT ATTACH TO THE ENDS OF THE SWAY BAR ARE BROKEN OR RUSTED. VEHICLE HANDLES DIFFENTLY WHILE MANUEVERING, FEEL THIS TO BE MAJOR CONCERN AS WELL .
NHTSA complaint #722902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleveland, OH
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER IN REFERENCE TO RECALL NHTSA 98V323000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 98S36/ REAR SUBFRAME. DEALER CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, WHEN DRIVING AND MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT SUBFRAME BROKE. MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AGAIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #860542 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manchester, NHFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
R/R BRAKE ENGAGES OR REMAINS ENGAGED SPORADICALLY CAUSING EXTREME OVERHEATING AND A FIRE (ONE OCCASION). DEALER UNABLE TO CORRECT PROBLEM ON THE TWO OCCASIONS IT WAS TOWED IN.
NHTSA complaint #721007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silver Springs, MD
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
REAR AIR SHOCKS FAILED. YH
NHTSA complaint #551099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mt.laurel, NJCrash
WHEELS
WHEEL FELL OFF CAUSING VEHICLE DAMAGE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *MJS
NHTSA complaint #550268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Turlock, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN TRAVELING AND UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MAKE A NORMAL STOP, THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD,RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLE, AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.
NHTSA complaint #851910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Niagra Falls, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. TOOK BACK TO BE USED. DEALER REPLACED ALTERNATOR. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, LATER. TOOK VEHICLE BACK & WAS INFORMED THAT ENGINE HEAD GASKETS HAD BLOWN.
NHTSA complaint #836268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Niagra Falls, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. TOOK BACK TO BE USED. DEALER REPLACED ALTERNATOR. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS, LATER. TOOK VEHICLE BACK & WAS INFORMED THAT ENGINE HEAD GASKETS HAD BLOWN.
NHTSA complaint #836268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.