VehicleVerdict

1992 Lincoln Continental problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 199 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.0 times the median Continental year — the 1992 model ranks #6 of 34 Continental years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 53 reports (27% of the total).

199

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

8

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Continental years?

Continental NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted399 complaints1969: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 1 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 1 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 9 complaints1985: 18 complaints1986: 8 complaints1987: 14 complaints1988: 147 complaints1989: 255 complaints1990: 244 complaints1991: 399 complaints1992: 199 complaints1993: 200 complaints1994: 303 complaints1995: 94 complaints1996: 69 complaints1997: 109 complaints1998: 88 complaints1999: 46 complaints2000: 108 complaints2001: 38 complaints2002: 43 complaints2017: 99 complaints2018: 20 complaints2019: 37 complaints2020: 7 complaints
Continental NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Continental years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Lincoln Continental problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine5327%
Suspension2613%
Brakes2312%
Electrical System189%
Body & Structure147%
Transmission105%
Speed Control105%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)95%
Airbags74%
Other63%
Lighting63%
Steering63%
Fuel System42%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Tires & Wheels21%
Seat Belts11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 1992 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

98V323000Body & StructureDecember 16, 1998 · 2,697,000 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO ROAD SALTS. THIS CAN RESULT IN FRACTURE AND LOSS OF THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE SUBFRAME MOUNT ATTACHMENT. DETACHMENT OF THE BODY MOUNTS AT THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME, WHICH SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION, ALLOWS THE REAR CORNERS OF THE SUBFRAME TO DROP.

Consequence

IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.

97V025000Speed ControlFebruary 26, 1997 · 212,700 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINES AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MONTANA, NORTH DAKOTA, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. WATER CAN ACCUMULATE WITHIN THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT. IF ENOUGH WATER ACCUMULATES, IT COULD FREEZE WITHIN A LOW AREA OF THE CABLE ROUTING WHEN EXPOSED TO A LONG TERM COLD SOAK AT TEMPERATURES AT LEAST SEVERAL DEGREES BELOW FREEZING.

Consequence

DRIVER CONTROL OF VEHICLE SPEED USING THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEM WOULD BE DIMINISHED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.

97V019000EngineFebruary 25, 1997 · 75,200 units

Defect

THESE VEHICLES ARE ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, IOWA, MINNESOTA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, AND SOUTH DAKOTA. THE VEHICLES INVOLVED ARE 1992-1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ VEHICLES WITH 3.0L ENGINES; 1994 TEMPO/TOPAZ WITH 2.3L ENGINES; 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.8L ENGINES; 1994-1995 TAURUS/SABLE WITH 3.0L ENGINES AND 1992-1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL VEHICLES WITH 3.8L ENGINES. DURING HIGH WINDS, HEAVY, BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW, AND LOW TEMPERATURES, THE ENGINE COOLING FAN CAN BECOME BLOCKED OR FROZEN WITH SNOW. THE FAN MOTOR MAY NOT ROTATE AND COULD OVERHEAT.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE SMOKE OR FLAMES FROM THE FAN AND/OR SHROUD, THE FAN ELECTRICAL WIRING, OR THE FAN MOTOR RESULTING IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I HAVE HEARD OF A RECALL ON THE 90-91, AND 94 MODELS, BUT NOT ON THE 92. ALSO, OUR 92 WAS BUILT IN 11/91; WOULD THAT RECALL BE FOR MODEL YEAR 91, OR ALL VEHICLES BUILT IN 91? I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS AMOUNTS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS ENGINE AND ITS HEAD GASKET PLAGUE. ANY INFORMATION YOU COULD PROVIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 6, 2000

“THE AIR RIDE SUSPENSION WILL DEFLATE CAUSING LACK OF CONTROL AT ALL SPEEDS. BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR OF VEHICLE ALMOST SIT ON TOP OF THE TIRES MAKING STEERING DIFICULT. THIS PROBLEM IS COVERED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL SO ITS SOMTHING FORD KNOWS THEY NEED TO FIX. PLEASE HELP GET THIS FIXED ON A RECALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 30, 1998

“BRAKE PEDAL RETURNS SLOWLY, SOMETIMES DOES NOT RETURN AT ALL. DEALER HAS TSB PUBLISHED ABOUT PROBLEM - 92-19-2 ABS PEDAL RETURNS SLOW: NEW BRAKE BOOSTER. REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE BOOSTER IS NECESSARY, HOWEVER, DEALER DOES NOT FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE - THE BRAKE PEDAL DOES NOT ALWAYS RETURN ! THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 24, 2000

“WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH A FIRE STARTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER, AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 16, 2004 · fire

“SUBFRAME MOUNTS/MOTOR MOUNTS BROKE/REPAIRED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION. CONSUMER STATES AFTER REPAIR HE EXPERIENCED STEERING PROBLEMS(POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE, CONTAMINATED COOLER PUMP), BELIEVES PROBLEMS TO BE DUE TO SUBFRAME MOUNT BREAKAGE(STATES ON RECALL NOTICE STEERING PROBLEMS MAY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 19, 1998

1992 Lincoln Continental — common questions

Is the 1992 Lincoln Continental reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 199 complaints put the 1992 model at #6 of 34 Continental years. It is one of the Continental years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 Continental problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (53 complaints), suspension (26 complaints), brakes (23 complaints).

Does the 1992 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Lincoln Continental. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1992 Lincoln Continental under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 8 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Lincoln Continental years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Continental years to avoid are 1991, 1994, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1992, 1988, 1997, 2000, 2017, 1995, 1998, 1996, 1999, 2002. The cleanest record among Continental years belongs to 1980.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.