VehicleVerdict

1998 Lincoln Continental problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 88 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.1 times the median Continental year — the 1998 model ranks #12 of 34 Continental years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (16), speed control (13), and electrical system (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

88

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Continental years?

Continental NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 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, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Continental years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Lincoln Continental problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1618%
Speed Control1315%
Electrical System910%
Transmission78%
Visibility & Wipers78%
Seat Belts56%
Body & Structure56%
Airbags45%
Lighting45%
Tires & Wheels45%
Steering33%
Other33%
Suspension33%
Brakes22%
Seats22%
Fuel System11%

Does the 1998 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.

98V028000LightingFebruary 10, 1998 · 571,800 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

IF THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES ARE REPLACED, CUSTOMERS MAY BE CONFUSED BY THE AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES CAUSING THE HEADLAMPS TO BE IMPROPERLY AIMED.

Remedy

OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE MAKING A U-TURN CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. HIGH PRESSURE PLASTIC LINE ON TOP OF ENGINE CRACKED AND FUEL WENT OUT ONTO EXHAUST PIPES AND SPARK PLUG WIRES. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 21, 1999 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · February 6, 2010 · fire

“INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ON A 1998 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED, WHICH RESULTED IN THE CAR STALLING OUT. THIS MADE STEERING AND BRAKING VERY DIFFICULT BECAUSE THERE WAS NO POWER GOING TO THESE UNITS ON THE CAR. I WAS LUCKY AND THE TRAFFIC WAS VERY LIGHT AT THE TIME. THE SECOND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 18, 2003

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR VIEW AND DRIVER SIDE MIRRORS WERE TINTED WITH AN ANTI-REFLECTION CHEMICAL WHICH MELTED THE PLASTIC INSIDE CAUSING THE MIRRORS TO LOOK FOGGY OR DARKER THAN THEY WERE. HE BELIEVED IT WAS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE HIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 1, 2010

“INTERMITTENTLY WHEN HITTING THE BRAKE PEDAL, BRAKES FAILED AND VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL, CAUSING A REAR END CRASH. ON JULY 14TH AFTER BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, DRIVER PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO REVERSE AND HIT A TREE. UPON IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATBACKS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 4, 1999 · crash

1998 Lincoln Continental — common questions

Is the 1998 Lincoln Continental reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 88 complaints put the 1998 model at #12 of 34 Continental years. It is one of the Continental years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Continental problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (16 complaints), speed control (13 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints).

Does the 1998 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 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.