1997 Lincoln Continental Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 13%of 96 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,538miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Lincoln Continental, 13% of the 96 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,538 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Tie rod ends replaced, front end realigned, steering making noise and dealer claimed that steering rack needs replaced to cost $500.00, dealer claimed repairs not subject to warrantly nor recall. Upon research, I find that Lincoln has issued service bulletins for both defects. I paid for the work to replace the tie rod ends and have not have had the steering work done as I think it should be Lincoln's responsibility. These failures were at low miles 51,408 and because of the service bulletins, Lincoln is aware of these problems.”
NHTSA complaint #719148, filed 2000-02“Anti theft alarm would activate on its own - while parked in garage at shopping centers, in the driveway. This was reported to dealer in june 2000 and was told if we can not duplicate the problem we can not do anything about it. During 2001 and 2002 the problem worsened often going off 5 to 6 times per day. Hatfield is no longer in business so car was taken to krieger ford on sawmill blvd. In columbus, ohio. They had the car for 4 days and the alarm did not activate so can't duplicate so can't do anything about it. We picked the car up and 4 times that day the alarm activated on its own. …”
NHTSA complaint #765125, filed 2002-08“While in reverse only power steering assist sometimes is lost. If I stop, turn off the ignition, restart and go forward the problem goes away. The dealer has tried several times to fix the problem to no avail.”
NHTSA complaint #741833, filed 2001-03“Owner states while driving down road the tie rod end broke. Owner notes when he went to look at the problem he noticed that there was no lug: nut holding rod.”
NHTSA complaint #810594, filed 1997-04Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 9% |
| 2017 | 3 | 4% |
| 2002 | 1 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 9% |
| 2000 | 4 | 6% |
| 1999 | 2 | 5% |
| 1998 | 3 | 4% |
| 1997 | 12 | 13% |
| 1996 | 6 | 13% |
| 1995 | 4 | 6% |
| 1994 | 9 | 5% |
| 1993 | 12 | 10% |
| 1992 | 5 | 4% |
| 1991 | 20 | 10% |
| 1990 | 20 | 13% |
| 1989 | 20 | 13% |
| 1988 | 9 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1997 Lincoln Continental
15 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsTires
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Lincoln Continental
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology