1990 Lincoln Continental Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 25%of 158 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 40 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1990 Lincoln Continental, 25% of the 158 complaints for this model year. 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 1999-07“I purchased a 1990 Lincoln Continental in december 2002, and noticed that driving on the highway, the engine revs very high and the transmission does not engage the overdrive. I also noticed that shifting from reverse to drive or drive to rverse, there is a delay in the transmission engaging the appropriate gear. Before I decided to take my car to a dealer to get the transmission repaired, I checked the fluid to ensure that the level was correct, and to check the color of the transmission fluid. Both were found to be in good order. …”
NHTSA complaint #10069823, filed 2004-01“The ford 3.8l v6 has known high incidence of premature failure with this component -- the head gasket. My expenses to repair this component were 1371.77 since the car was out of warranty for 9000 miles at the time of the incident. They have extended warranty coverage and/or sales incentives to 1994/1995 owners, but will not extend the same consideration or compensation to owners of older vehicles experiencing the same condition. I am seeking the same inclusion of my model year under the same settlement. …”
NHTSA complaint #721106, filed 2000-04“Engine was taken in for overheating and failure to cool. Dealer checked out and rleased the car. Immediately after leaving the dealer (within 5 miles) I noticed the engine was heating way above normal. I stopped at a gas station and raised the hood. I noticed there was no coolantin the reservoir. I bought a gallon of antifreeze and poured over half of the gallon into the tank. I continued home about 5 miles and noticed that it was still overheating. I raised the hood and put over a gallon of water into the radiator. …”
NHTSA complaint #725438, filed 2000-07“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 1998-11Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 5% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 12% |
| 2001 | 4 | 13% |
| 2000 | 4 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 10% |
| 1998 | 14 | 19% |
| 1997 | 6 | 6% |
| 1996 | 4 | 8% |
| 1995 | 11 | 16% |
| 1994 | 85 | 45% |
| 1993 | 73 | 60% |
| 1992 | 44 | 35% |
| 1991 | 56 | 28% |
| 1990 | 40 | 25% |
| 1989 | 26 | 16% |
| 1988 | 10 | 12% |
| 1987 | 1 | 11% |
| 1986 | 1 | 13% |
| 1985 | 2 | 13% |
| 1984 | 2 | 33% |
Other parts of the 1990 Lincoln Continental
28 complaintsSeat belts
25 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsBody and structure
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Lincoln Continental
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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