VehicleVerdict

1997 Lincoln Continental problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 109 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.8 times the median Continental year — the 1997 model ranks #8 of 34 Continental years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (16), steering (12), and suspension (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

109

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Continental years?

Continental NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 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, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Continental years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Lincoln Continental problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers1615%
Steering1211%
Brakes1110%
Suspension1110%
Transmission109%
Speed Control98%
Tires & Wheels98%
Electrical System87%
Engine76%
Airbags44%
Other33%
Fuel System33%
Lighting22%
Body & Structure11%
Seats11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 1997 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.

96V166000TransmissionSeptember 5, 1996 · 40,000 units

Defect

THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR. THIS WOULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK.

Consequence

UNINTENDED AND UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT CAN RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“REARVIEW MIRROR WAS DARK AND CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE. MIRROR HAD AN AUTOMATIC DIMMER PROCESS IN WHICH THE MATERIAL FADED INTO THE MIRROR. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY. CONSUMER DRIVE VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ON RECALL, AND WARRANTY EXPIRED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 24, 2004

“WHILE DRIVING A NOISE CAME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN. ALSO, VEHICLE HAD TO BE STARTED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE POWER ASSIST PUMP WOULD OPERATE. CONSUMER STATED THAT VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS UNDER TSB 6092661. DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AGAIN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 30, 2003

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS AND STRUTS HAVING FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 103,388. THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 4, 2007

“TL*- THEE CONTACT HAS A 1997 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH BOTH TRACTION CONTROL, AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES. HE HAS HAD 3 FAILURES OF THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER NO LONGER MAKES THE REPLACEMENT PARTS, AND ONE CAN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 9, 2006

“THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED, THE DRIVER HAD JUST TOUCHED THE RESUME BUTTON WHEN THE MOTOR MADE A WILD REVVING AND RACING NOISE, AND WITH THAT, ALL THE GEARS WERE GONE. IT WAS AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST FORD DEALER WHO COULDN'T SEE VEHICLE FOR AT LEAST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

1997 Lincoln Continental — common questions

Is the 1997 Lincoln Continental reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 109 complaints put the 1997 model at #8 of 34 Continental years. It is one of the Continental years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Continental problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (16 complaints), steering (12 complaints), suspension (11 complaints).

Does the 1997 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 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.