1990 Lincoln Continental Problems
- Complaints
- 158filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 58,500miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl FWD · 16 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1990 Lincoln Continental (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about overheating and cooling-system work, including head gasket failures, and about the rear air-ride suspension that leaks down and leaves the car low. A large share of complaints are follow-ups to safety recalls, chiefly the front seat belt buckle recall, where owners say parts were unavailable or their car was excluded by build date. Most sampled complaints carry no mileage figure, so the pattern reads as age-related wear rather than mileage-specific.
- Seat belts
Seat belt buckle won't latch or release
Mentioned in 12 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe front seat belt buckles that will not latch, that pop open while driving, or that will not release, sometimes forcing the occupant to struggle or cut free. Many complaints are follow-ups to the buckle recall: owners say the dealer had no parts, had them on back order, or told them the vehicle was not covered because of its build date. Several report the problem happened before any notice arrived. Reported across a wide range of ages; most sampled complaints do not list mileage.
What to check: Latch and release every buckle several times, including the outboard front positions, and check whether the buckle recall work was completed on this vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Received recall 97v174000 in mail. Contacted dealership. Was informed vehicle had to be brought into dealer's to check what to order. Would have to bring vehicle back 2nd time for installation. Had no parts available. Contacted manufacturer who agreed with dealership. Notice does not state to bring vehicle back twice.”
NHTSA complaint #851053, filed 1999-11“Faulty seat belt buckle on the driver side, pe95-030 active. Tt consumer states on occasions it will not engage or stay locked in the receiver, on one occasion the release malfunctioned, consumer had to struggle out of the seat belt.”
NHTSA complaint #974211, filed 1995-10 - Suspension
Rear air suspension leaks down or sags
- 12 complaints (8%)
- typically at 8.8 yrs old
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2001
Owners describe the rear of the car dropping to the ground or riding very low, with air escaping from the system and the air springs or shocks failing. Some report a knocking or bouncing rear end, tires rubbing, and difficulty getting it diagnosed because the fault did not repeat at the dealer. One owner reported a height sensor failure that let the system over-pressurize the air springs. Reported on older cars; sampled complaints generally do not state mileage.
What to check: Park the car overnight and see whether the rear stays at normal height; listen for the air compressor running repeatedly, and ask whether the air springs or height sensor have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Consumer stated that the rear end air supension is leaking, causing the rear endto drop. Consumer has yet to have the problem resolved. Also, there are a number of safety bulletins issued on the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #812022, filed 1997-05“Sensor on rear air ride suspension system apparently failed, calling for increased pressure. The air shocks pumped until they exploded, producing a very hazardous situation.”
NHTSA complaint #780689, filed 1998-10 - Engine cooling
Overheating and head gasket failure
- 16 complaints (10%)
- typically at 9.2 yrs old
- filed 1995–2001
Owners report the engine running hot, losing coolant, and white smoke from the tail pipe, with technicians diagnosing a failed head gasket. Some say the dash temperature gauge or system-check display gave no warning before the engine overheated. Several owners describe head gasket repairs plus related cooling work such as thermostat, water pump and injector replacement. Described on cars with substantial use; mileage is not stated in most sampled complaints.
What to check: Check coolant level and condition when cold, look for white exhaust smoke or coolant residue, and ask whether the head gasket has been replaced and whether the cooling system holds pressure.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“There are 17 tbs on the transmission! I paid top dollar for a low mileage car, not I am stuck! There is a tbs dated 7/98 on the headgasket! But ford motor company refused to acknowledge they have a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #700547, filed 1998-11“On the internet it stated ford had callbacks for all3.8 engines for headgasket problems but only recalled a few VIN numbers. How could they get away with that? You and I and every mecchanic knows the problem with the 3.8 engine by ford why cant some thing be done. I wasnt told of anything about this. Lucky I was driving not my daughter. She would have diven till it burned the motor up. And the air shocks at $ 4,000 for the 4 of them thats another farce. Cant you make them at least install at cost ? …”
NHTSA complaint #752346, filed 2001-09 - Engine cooling
Engine mounts crack and separate
- 13 complaints (8%)
- typically at 7.5 yrs old
- filed 1995–1999
Owners describe cracked or broken motor mounts that let the engine move, producing vibration or, in one account, letting the engine lift and contact the hood under acceleration. Some say the mounts were replaced once and failed again, and one owner reports the dealer could not resolve it. A related complaint notes a mount failure that wore a hole in a power steering hose. Reported on cars of varying age; sampled complaints mostly do not list mileage.
What to check: With the hood open, watch the engine for excessive movement when the throttle is blipped, and ask for service records showing whether the mounts were replaced and when.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Had motor mounts recall done, mounts are cracked again. Tt consumer believes that mtor mounts failed again because dealer failed to provide reinforcement as described int he recall notification no reinforcement plates were installed on the first recall which could have resulted in an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #977881, filed 1996-01“Motor mounts cracked, causing a vibration , which made a hole in the power steering hose , resulting in fluid leakage onto the engine. The dealer and manufacturer have been notified.”
NHTSA complaint #827453, filed 1998-09 - Vehicle speed control
Sudden or stuck acceleration and cruise surging
- 13 complaints (8%)
- typically at 8.5 yrs old
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2001
Owners describe the car accelerating on its own, with or without cruise control engaged, and the gas pedal sticking or going to the floor while braking becomes ineffective until the ignition is switched off. Some say the dealer could not reproduce or repair the problem; one account attributes a surge to a computer fault. Reported at highway and moderate speeds; mileage is generally not stated in the sample.
What to check: Test the throttle for free return by hand with the engine off, check whether floor mats or carpet can trap the pedal, and try the cruise control on a safe road to see whether it disengages normally.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When driving gas pedal would stick intermittently. Contacted dealer, and he indicated that it was not a warranty problem, but rather the floor mat was causing the problem. The problem went away for a few years. They replaced throttle bearings.”
NHTSA complaint #858093, filed 2000-03“Gas pedal stuck while driving and when pressed down for full power. When the key is turned off it will unstick. Dealer contacted and is aware of problem, but cannot remedy. Problem still exists. Provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #835440, filed 1999-03
Buying note. Expect to inspect the air suspension, cooling system and engine mounts closely on this model year, and confirm the front seat belt buckle recall was actually completed rather than just noticed. Because most sampled complaints are old and carry no mileage, condition and service records matter more than the odometer.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 158 consumer complaints for the 1990 Lincoln Continental. 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 50% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 58,500 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 15 a fire, 9 an injury, 3 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling40 25%
- Suspension28 18%
- Seat belts25 16%
- Steering20 13%
- Electrical system18 11%
- Body and structure14 8.9%
- Vehicle speed control14 8.9%
- Transmission and drivetrain12 7.6%
- Air bags10 6.3%
Also reported: Brakes (8), Fuel system (5), Equipment (4), Other or unknown (3), Exterior lighting (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “Front end/engine/ fuel pump malfunctioned. This is the most trouble I have ever had out of a car, and the only thing that came under warranty was the air conditioning system and they didn't get that fixed right. I will never buy another Lincoln product in my life.”
NHTSA complaint #708477, filed 1999-07Suspension: “My son at the time of purchase was and is a college student from a single parent household and I am disabled. The dealer did not at any time advise my son that the vehicle had any recalls or problems. We have spent well over $2000.00 in repairs, the car has been towed 7-8 times. The air bag light comes on continuously, thee ride control alarm comes on continuously, the suspension has been repaired twice, passenger air bag light comes on continuously as well as the charge system, we have had it in and out of dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #724211, filed 2000-06Seat belts: “Received recall notice 97v003000 in mail. Contacted dealer. Informed no parts available. Manufacturer has them on back order. Will notify when they are available. Been checking off and on for few months & still no parts.”
NHTSA complaint #837254, filed 1999-04Steering: “Power steering pump leaks and makes a high pitch sound when driving. Took vehicle in for repair and dealer said needed to replace pump and three hoses that connect to the pump steering mechanism.”
NHTSA complaint #807500, filed 1997-02Mileage when problems were reported
50% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 7,000 and 110,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1990 Lincoln Continental. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental · sedan | not rated | 3 / – | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1990 Lincoln Continental version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 98V323000Dec 16, 1998Structure › Frame and membersCovers: Lincoln Continental 1988–1994, Mercury Sable 1986–1995, Ford Taurus 1986–1995
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…
- 97V174000Oct 7, 1997Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Lincoln Continental 1989–1990
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The front outboard seating position seat belt buckles may not latch or unlatch.
- 91V134000Aug 6, 1991Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › RotorCovers: Lincoln Continental 1988–1991, Mercury Sable 1986–1991, Ford Taurus 1986–1991
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.
Recall details for the 1990 Lincoln Continental → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1990 Lincoln Continental.
Other model years of the Lincoln Continental
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7 | 5,000 | 2 | 5 | 21 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 33 | 27,000 | 3 | 5 | 21 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Rising |
| 2018 | 21 | 78,500 | 2 | 5 | 21 | — | Rising |
| 2017 | 75 | 50,000 | 4 | 5 | 21 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Rising |
| 2002 | 33 | 60,500 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 32 | 75,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 63 | 86,500 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 42 | 90,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 72 | 100,000 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 96 | 59,075 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 48 | 96,683 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 70 | 102,073 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 190 | 87,456 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 121 | 74,000 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 126 | 101,050 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 203 | 120,226 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 158 | 58,500 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 158 | 133,500 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 84 | — | 9 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 9 | — | 1 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 8 | 90,000 | 5 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 15 | — | 2 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 6 | — | 2 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
All Lincoln Continental model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1990 Lincoln Continental?
Owners of this model year most often write about overheating and cooling-system work, including head gasket failures, and about the rear air-ride suspension that leaks down and leaves the car low. The issues reported most often: Seat belt buckle won't latch or release; Rear air suspension leaks down or sags; Overheating and head gasket failure.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1990 Lincoln Continental have?
NHTSA recorded 158 consumer complaints for the 1990 Lincoln Continental as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1990 Lincoln Continental is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 40 complaints (25% of the total), followed by suspension with 28.
Has the 1990 Lincoln Continental been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1990 Lincoln Continental get?
The EPA rates the 1990 Lincoln Continental (Continental, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1990 Lincoln Continental reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 58,500 miles and the middle half falls between 7,000 and 110,000 miles; 50% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.