VehicleVerdict

1995 Lincoln Continental problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 94 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.3 times the median Continental year — the 1995 model ranks #11 of 34 Continental years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across lighting (14), suspension (11), and electrical system (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

94

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1995 compare to other Continental years?

Continental NHTSA complaints by model year, 1995 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, 1995 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Continental years to avoid →

What are the most common 1995 Lincoln Continental problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting1415%
Suspension1112%
Electrical System1112%
Engine1112%
Visibility & Wipers1011%
Body & Structure910%
Transmission89%
Brakes55%
Seat Belts44%
Steering44%
Seats22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Airbags11%
Other11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 1995 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

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

16E026000BrakesApril 1, 2016 · 49,635 units

Defect

Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.

Consequence

A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.

96V009000LightingJanuary 23, 1996 · 40,000 units

Defect

A DEFECTIVE CONTROL MODULE IN THE "AUTOLAMP" SYSTEM CAN MALFUNCTION. IF THE "AUTOLAMP" SYSTEM IS BEING USED TO ACTIVATE THE EXTERIOR LIGHT (INCLUDING HEADLAMPS), THE HEADLAMPS COULD SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THIS WILL NOT OCCUR IF THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING IS TURNED ON MANUALLY BY THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.

Consequence

IF THE HEADLAMPS SHUT OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE IMPAIRED INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE "AUTOLAMP" CONTROL MODULE. OWNERS ARE INSTRUCTED TO USE THE MANUAL HEADLAMP SWITCH UNTIL THE CONTROL MODULE CAN BE REPLACED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHT HAD AN OPAQUE GLAZED DEVELOPING OVER THE HEADLIGHT LENS. THE CONDITION REDUCED THE HEADLIGHT BEAM AND CAUSED SEVERE VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION AND COMPLETE THIS QUESTIONNAIRE. *JB BOTH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · October 24, 2003

“DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR WINDOW MOVES OUT OF CHANEL AND JAMS. DRIVER SIDE FRONT POWER WINDOW MOTOR FAILED. DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR FAILS TO LOCK AUTOMATICALLY. AIR CONDITIONING VENTS FAIL TO OPEN. AIR CONDITIONING BLOWS ON WINDSHIELD ONLY. IRRATIC SHIFTING OF TRANSMISSION FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 15, 2002 · crash

“RIGHT AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD AREA. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED IN THE FIRE. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. FIRE SEEMED TO HAVE STARTED IN THE FUEL RECOVERY SYSTEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 20, 1999 · fire

“DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR WINDOW MOVES OUT OF CHANEL AND JAMS. DRIVER SIDE FRONT POWER WINDOW MOTOR FAILED. DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR FAILS TO LOCK AUTOMATICALLY. AIR CONDITIONING VENTS FAIL TO OPEN. AIR CONDITIONING BLOWS ON WINDSHIELD ONLY. IRRATIC SHIFTING OF TRANSMISSION FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 15, 2002 · crash

“DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR WINDOW MOVES OUT OF CHANEL AND JAMS. DRIVER SIDE FRONT POWER WINDOW MOTOR FAILED. DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR FAILS TO LOCK AUTOMATICALLY. AIR CONDITIONING VENTS FAIL TO OPEN. AIR CONDITIONING BLOWS ON WINDSHIELD ONLY. IRRATIC SHIFTING OF TRANSMISSION FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · November 15, 2002 · crash

1995 Lincoln Continental — common questions

Is the 1995 Lincoln Continental reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 94 complaints put the 1995 model at #11 of 34 Continental years. It is one of the Continental years to avoid.

What are the most common 1995 Continental problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (14 complaints), suspension (11 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints).

Does the 1995 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1995 Lincoln Continental. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1995 Lincoln Continental under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 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.