1988 Lincoln Continental Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 39%of 84 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the electrical system of the 1988 Lincoln Continental, 39% of the 84 complaints for this model year. 8 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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, filed 2001-01“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, filed 2000-09“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, filed 2002-02“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, filed 2000-11“The consumer has been experiencing problems with electrical system. Electrical system constantly goes out, and the consumer has to keep buying batteries. The defects are described in recall number 88v118000. The manufacturer has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #831339, filed 1998-11Related recalls
- 88V118000Jul 22, 1988Electrical circuit that controls current to brake pump motor relay, heater and air conditioning blower motor, turn signals, and a electronic message center…Covers: Lincoln Continental 1988
- 88V114000Jul 19, 1988Nylon shielded wiring harness, located in the engine compartment, is susceptible to heat damage and melting of the nylon material in 100 degree plus weather.Covers: Lincoln Continental 1988
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 14% |
| 2019 | 5 | 15% |
| 2018 | 5 | 24% |
| 2017 | 14 | 19% |
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 6 | 19% |
| 2000 | 9 | 14% |
| 1998 | 7 | 10% |
| 1997 | 7 | 7% |
| 1996 | 3 | 6% |
| 1995 | 7 | 10% |
| 1994 | 15 | 8% |
| 1993 | 7 | 6% |
| 1992 | 10 | 8% |
| 1991 | 19 | 9% |
| 1990 | 18 | 11% |
| 1989 | 23 | 15% |
| 1988 | 33 | 39% |
| 1987 | 3 | 33% |
| 1985 | 4 | 27% |
| 1984 | 2 | 33% |
Other parts of the 1988 Lincoln Continental
20 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsInterior lighting
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Lincoln Continental
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology