VehicleVerdict

1996 Lincoln Continental problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 69 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.4 times the median Continental year — the 1996 model ranks #13 of 34 Continental years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (14), visibility & wipers (10), and transmission (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

69

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Continental years?

Continental NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 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, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Continental years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Lincoln Continental problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1420%
Visibility & Wipers1014%
Steering710%
Transmission710%
Electrical System57%
Engine46%
Brakes46%
Speed Control34%
Body & Structure34%
Lighting34%
Seats23%
Other23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Seat Belts11%
Airbags11%

Does the 1996 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

3 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.

96V176000TransmissionSeptember 18, 1996 · 340,000 units

Defect

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARK PAWL SHAFT MAY NOT BE FREE TO ROTATE AS INTENDED. IF THE PARK PAWL SHAFT DOES NOT ROTATE, IT WOULD PREVENT THE PARK PAWL FROM ENGAGING THE PARK GEAR WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS IN THE PARK POSITION.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AS IF IN NEUTRAL WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN THE PARK POSITION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE PARK PAWL SHAFT ROTATION AND THOSE SHAFTS WITH RESTRICTED ROTATION WILL BE REPLACED WITH A SHORTER SHAFT THAT WILL NOT RESTRICT ROTATION.

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.

“HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SUSPENSION SYSTEM OF THIS VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THAT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. IT HAS ALSO BEEN SUGGESTED TO ME THAT THE ENGINE OF THIS VEHICLE HAS A HISTORY OF SEAL/GASKET FAILURES. WE VERY MUCH LIKE THIS VEHICLE AND ARE CONSIDERING WHETHER TO TRADE THIS VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 2, 2000

“I HAVE CONTACTED LINCOLN ABOUT THE PAINT AND MIRRORS AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE MIRROR IS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IS DISCOLORED AND DISTORED. I HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR TO AN AUTOBODY SHOP PER DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A DEFECTED PAINT JOB FROM THE LINCOLN. THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · June 20, 2002

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND SUDDENLY JUMPED OUT OF PARK AND ROLLED FOWARD INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS NOT IN VEHICLE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, SAID THAT THERE ARE NO OPEN RECALLS STANDING, REPAIRS HAVE TO BE MADE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. MINOR DAMAGE TO OTHER VEHICLE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 14, 1999 · crash

“VEHICLE LEANED TO THE LEFT DUE TO THE AIR SPRING SYSTEM FAILING. OWNER HAD JUST HAD RACK AND PINION REPLACED. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE AIR SPRING SYSTEM, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS IN SUSPENSION. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering

“POWER WINDOWS/ REAR DEFROSTER AND HORN WERN'T WORKING CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE MLP SENSOR WAS REPLACED, HELPED WINDOWS TO GO UP AND DOWN CORRECTLY. HORN STILL DOESN'T WORK. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED MANY SENSORS,TYRING TO FIND A REMEDY. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 10, 2001

1996 Lincoln Continental — common questions

Is the 1996 Lincoln Continental reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 69 complaints put the 1996 model at #13 of 34 Continental years. It is one of the Continental years to avoid.

What are the most common 1996 Continental problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (14 complaints), visibility & wipers (10 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).

Does the 1996 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Lincoln Continental. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.