1998 Lincoln Continental Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 18%of 72 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,098miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1998 Lincoln Continental, 18% of the 72 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,098 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 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.
“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 miles“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“Spontaneous fire in engine compartment. Vehicle last driven about 12 hours before, and had been off since that time. During a downpour, and while parked in the driveway, the vehicle ignited shortly after 6am - 02/06/10. Events and remaining evidence closely match those described in the cruise control switch fires for other ford models (including same model-year town cars).”
NHTSA complaint #10317112, filed 2010-03, 101,000 miles“Ongoing problems: whenever vehicle is going down hill with speed control engaged it causes vehicle to speed up to 10-20 MPH more then the setting. Dealer notified and replaced contact valve and speed cable and condition still occurring. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #843263, filed 1999-07Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 6 | 18% |
| 2001 | 3 | 9% |
| 2000 | 3 | 5% |
| 1999 | 5 | 12% |
| 1998 | 13 | 18% |
| 1997 | 8 | 8% |
| 1996 | 3 | 6% |
| 1994 | 11 | 6% |
| 1993 | 8 | 7% |
| 1992 | 10 | 8% |
| 1991 | 8 | 4% |
| 1990 | 14 | 9% |
| 1989 | 11 | 7% |
| 1988 | 4 | 5% |
| 1987 | 1 | 11% |
| 1984 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 1998 Lincoln Continental
14 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 31, 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