1998 Lincoln Continental Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 19%of 72 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1998 Lincoln Continental, 19% of the 72 complaints for this model year. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“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“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“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 2000-09“While traveling noticed smoke for the hood engine coolant was leaking . Dealer has been contacted, and cannot determine the cause of the problem, the problem still exisits. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #849393, filed 1999-09“Vehicle was left in idle while it was parked, but then it started to rev up until it reached 1200 rpms, and then it got stuck on 3000 rpms contacted dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #8004409, filed 2002-02Related service bulletins
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10011162Aug 23, 2004Engine 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.
Engine 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 1998 Lincoln Continental
13 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTires
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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