1998 Lincoln Continental Problems
- Complaints
- 72filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles, 17 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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
- 18 mpgcombined, 4.6L 8-cyl FWD · 15 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1998 Lincoln Continental (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year cluster around three things: unexpected acceleration or high idle that owners often link to the speed-control/idle system, engine cooling problems such as coolant leaks and overheating, and rear seat belts that stop retracting. The sampled complaints mostly come in on cars with well over 60,000 miles, many past 100,000, and a number of owners say dealers could not reproduce or diagnose the symptom.
- Vehicle speed control
Sudden acceleration or high idle when stopping
- 13 complaints (18%)
- median 100,000 mi at 7.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2011
Owners describe the car surging or revving on its own while slowing to a stop, while idling in gear, or shortly after starting, sometimes requiring the driver to shift to neutral to stop it. Several say the dealer could not duplicate the problem; others report the idle air control valve or a bypass valve was replaced, with the symptom returning months later. Reported from very low mileage (about 2,000 miles) up to roughly 145,000 miles, with no clear pattern in weather or driving conditions.
What to check: Ask whether the idle air control valve or throttle-related parts have been replaced, and have a mechanic check idle speed in gear at operating temperature, both cold and warm.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Auto accelerates when attempting to stop, or when in drive and standing still. I have reported this defect to for service and I was informed that no defect was found. Problem has occurred on many occasions. I was also informed by the service department that no technical support memos were issued on this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10020974, filed 2003-06, 31,195 miles“Auto accelerates when attempting to stop or when in drive and standing still. I have reported this defect for service and was informed that no defect was found. Problem has occurred on many occasions. I was also informed by the service department that no technical support memos were issued on this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10021026, filed 2003-06, 2,000 miles - Engine cooling
Coolant leaks, overheating and engine stalling
- 11 complaints (15%)
- median 96,500 mi at 5.8 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1998–2009
Owners describe coolant leaking and bubbling in the engine compartment, smoke from under the hood, and in some cases overheating that left the engine unable to continue running. Complaints also mention water pump leaks, valve cover gasket oil leaks, and engines shutting off or misfiring while driving, sometimes intermittently with no fault found at the dealer. Reported from around 17,000 miles up to high-mileage cars, across all seasons.
What to check: Check the coolant level and look for residue around the water pump, hoses and radiator, and ask whether the ignition coils have been replaced; a service bulletin describes diagnostic tips for coil-on-plug misfires.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Engine shuts down while driving. Engine fails to start. These events happen intermittently and after a breif wait it will general start. Like always this will not happen when the dealer can experance the event. Biggest conser is that power steering and power brakes fail with the engine when this takes place on the road at hiway speeds. Have been towed to the dealer and then always starts upon arrival.”
NHTSA complaint #708988, filed 1999-07“Consumer stated at 17,000 miles, the engine overheated and failed to continue operating, dealership examined the vehicle and made the necessary repairs to remedy problem, then on 26-sep-2001, engine was leaking oil from the right valve cover gasket which had to be replaced, also the water pump was leaking, the door ajar light on dashboard illuminated and would not go out leaving doors in the open position.”
NHTSA complaint #8003184, filed 2002-01 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping out of gear or jerking
- 7 complaints (10%)
- median 104,500 mi at 11.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2014
Owners describe the transmission dropping as if into neutral while driving, jerking and stalling when slowing down, and in one case the car rolling out of park. Complaints also mention repeated rebuilds at significant cost and a failed torque converter diagnosed by an independent shop. Reported from around 100,000 miles upward, with several failures noted past 140,000 miles.
What to check: Test drive from cold through all gears, check for delayed or harsh engagement, and ask for service records of any transmission work or PCM reprogramming.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am one person among many that have been having many problems with the ford front wheel drive transmission. Bought my 98 Lincoln Continental with 97000 miles on it, at 109000 miles had to pay 2400 to have the transmission pulled and rebuilt. I'm 65 years old and have never even hit the passing gear. At 155000 miles it had to get pulled again. 1500 dollars at thst time. Now with 175000 miles on it the check transmission signal is on again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10578665, filed 2014-04, 109,000 miles“While parked on a slight incline, with the engine running, the transmission slipped out of park into reverse. While attempting to enter the vehicle to stop it from hitting a child, the consumer grabbed the steering wheel, the vehicle picked up speed and rolled over her right leg. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where a insurance specialist inspected the vehicle and determined there was a manufacturer defect in the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10096889, filed 2004-10, 100,000 miles - Seat belts
Rear seat belts will not retract
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report that the rear seat belt retractors stop pulling the belt back, in some cars on more than one seating position. According to the complaints, dealers identified the retractors as the problem; some replacements were done under warranty while others were quoted at the owner's expense. Reported mostly on cars with about 90,000 to 100,000 miles.
What to check: Pull each rear belt fully out and let it go; if it does not retract smoothly, ask about retractor replacement cost before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The right and left seats belts in the rear of car will no longer retract. I got them unstuck a couple times but it happens again and again. I am afraid because my kids sit back there.”
NHTSA complaint #10377302, filed 2011-01, 101,969 miles“The middle and rear seat belt are not retracting. The dealer will not fix this since it isn't under warrantly. The dealer said that the retractors are defected. Since seat belts are a safety issue, it should be fixed by the manufacturer. I have owned many cars and have never had this problem with a seat belt. The dealer will charge $650 to fix this and who knows when this happen again.”
NHTSA complaint #10057084, filed 2004-02, 90,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Dimming rearview and side mirrors fog over
- 5 complaints (7%)
- median 90,000 mi at 9.1 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- filed 1998–2012
Owners report the auto-dimming inside mirror and, in some cases, the side mirrors turn cloudy or dark as the mirror's internal fluid or coating degrades, reducing the view to the rear, especially at night. Complaints describe replacements that failed again within about a year, and dealers who were unfamiliar with the failure. Reported at mileages from about 58,000 to 122,000.
What to check: Look at the inside and side mirrors in daylight for clouding or dark patches, and ask whether any have been replaced and when.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The automatic dimming inside rearview mirror apears frosted over half of the glass distorting the view to the rear. This mirror was replaced less than one year ago for a similar problem. Research on the interrnet indicates this to be a common problem with Lincoln continentals of multiple years in the late 1990's. There are numerious incidents of this defect in the NHTSA complaints on this site. Ford motor co aparently has no solution to this defect as current replacement mirrors fail agin in less than one year. …”
NHTSA complaint #10028844, filed 2003-07, 58,000 miles“The 1998 Lincoln Continental is an accident waiting to happen, the slanted windshield above a grey dashboard, causing a reflection in the bright sunlight that makes some objects invisible to the driver. Too many car designs have this fault and should be outlawed for safety reasons. Also the Continental instrument panel cannot be read in certain angles of sun on the panel. You cannot seed the needle on the speedometer and I wonder how many speeding tickets result from this defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #10112795, filed 2005-03
Buying note. Have a mechanic check the cooling system, idle behavior and transmission engagement on a test drive, and inspect the rear seat belts and mirrors, since these are the areas owners most often write about on this model year. Service records showing recent cooling-system or transmission work are worth asking for.
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 72 consumer complaints for the 1998 Lincoln Continental. 17 of the complaints include a mileage, and 24% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 100,000 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 5 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 cooling14 19%
- Vehicle speed control13 18%
- Electrical system7 9.7%
- Seat belts5 6.9%
- Body and structure5 6.9%
- Air bags4 5.6%
- Equipment3 4.2%
- Exterior lighting3 4.2%
Also reported: Steering (3), Suspension (3), Tires (3), Brakes (2), Other or unknown (2), Seats (2), Fuel system (1), Interior lighting (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “Vehicle commenced to accelerate after applying brakes to slow down, and reoccurred again after shifting gear into reverse. Dealer was not notified at this time. The vehicle stopped when put to neutral. The dealer replaced the air by pass valve.”
NHTSA complaint #871919, filed 2000-09Vehicle speed control: “Vehicle accelerates by itself. I have had the car in the shop approx. Every year for this since 2005 and as recent as june of 08. The dealership usually replaces the idle air control valve but this problem will again service after about one year. I have paid for a complete fuel induction cleaning (10-05-07). The only thing that works is replacing the idle control valve but like I said the problem resurfaces. …”
NHTSA complaint #10244162, filed 2008-10, 145,304 milesElectrical system: “I have electrical problems that act up only when they wanted to and the dealership is declining that they exist. I have had my car in for service for 3 weeks in the last month and they keep coming up with nothing. They also called me in and wanted to keep my car and have the service manager drive it for a few days -in which he only drove 37 miles, prior to that he and I drove the car to see if anything strange would happen and it did, which now they say nothing is wrong and they were unable to detect customer's concerns. I had a major dispute with them and had to call the police. …”
NHTSA complaint #10006531, filed 2003-12, 250,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “The contact owns a 1998 Lincoln Continental. The contact stated that the vehicle would lunge forward when the brake pedal was engaged. Neither the dealer nor manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 180,000 and the current mileage was 186,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10410532, filed 2011-07, 180,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
24% of the 17 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 58,000 and 122,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1998 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 | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
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
- 98V028000Feb 10, 1998Exterior lighting › HeadlightsCovers: Lincoln Continental 1998, Ford Taurus 1997–1998, Mercury Sable 1997–1998 +4 more
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The text and/or graphics for the vehicle headlamp aiming instructions provided in the owner guides are not sufficiently clear. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and…
Recall details for the 1998 Lincoln Continental → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 5 on record; the latest 5 are shown.
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Engine cooling. Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004Transmission and drivetrain. General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004Transmission and drivetrain. General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10011162Aug 23, 2004Engine cooling. Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
- 10013060Oct 14, 2002Equipment. Climate control a/c service tech tips.
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 1998 Lincoln Continental?
Complaints on this model year cluster around three things: unexpected acceleration or high idle that owners often link to the speed-control/idle system, engine cooling problems such as coolant leaks and overheating, and rear seat belts that stop retracting. The issues reported most often: Sudden acceleration or high idle when stopping; Coolant leaks, overheating and engine stalling; Transmission slipping out of gear or jerking.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1998 Lincoln Continental have?
NHTSA recorded 72 consumer complaints for the 1998 Lincoln Continental as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1998 Lincoln Continental is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 14 complaints (19% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 13.
Has the 1998 Lincoln Continental been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1998 Lincoln Continental get?
The EPA rates the 1998 Lincoln Continental (Continental, 4.6L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1998 Lincoln Continental reported?
Among the 17 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 100,000 miles and the middle half falls between 58,000 and 122,000 miles; 24% 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. 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.