VehicleVerdict

1999 Lincoln Continental problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 46 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Continental year — the 1999 model ranks #14 of 34 Continental years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 12 reports (26% of the total).

46

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Continental years?

Continental NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Continental years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Lincoln Continental problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1226%
Airbags1022%
Brakes511%
Speed Control511%
Engine49%
Transmission24%
Lighting24%
Other24%
Steering24%
Fuel System12%
Electrical System12%

Does the 1999 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.

03V144000AirbagsApril 9, 2003 · 43,459 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COULD DEPLOY AS A RESULT OF UNDERBODY IMPACTS NEAR THE SENSORS, SUCH AS THOSE OCCURRING FROM PIECES OF GRAVEL OR DEBRIS THROWN FROM THE WHEELS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED AT MODERATE TO HIGH SPEED OR BEING ACCELERATED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE AIR BAG SENSORS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 31, 2003. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LINCOLN AT 1-800-521-4140.

98V269000Fuel SystemOctober 27, 1998 · 2,500 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER HOSE WAS DAMAGED DURING FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL WITH A REVISED FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“PUT CAR INTO REVERSE, AND TIRE IMMEDIATELY BLEW OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, FRONT LEFT SPRING HAD FRACTURED AND BROKE. SPRING HAD PUNCTURED TIRE SIDEWALL ONCE BEING PUT INTO REVERSE AND BUSTED OFF PLASTIC STABILIZER LINK. HAD THIS HAPPENED WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 29, 2014

“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 50 MPH. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · crash

“[XXX] VEHICLE IMPOUNDED IN AUSTIN TEXAS WAS NOT ABLE TO GET BACK. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 14, 2014 · crash

“INTERMITTENTLY, AFTER THE VEHICLE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP, VEHICLE LOUNGES FORWARD. WHEN THIS OCCURS CONSUMER'S FOOT IS DEPRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS PROBLEM RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE JUMPING A CURB AND SMASHING INTO A STOP SIGN. VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES, BUT THEY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 28, 2004 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. *AK VEHICLE WOULDN'T STAY RUNNING AND CONSUMER HAD TO FLOOR IT TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. ONCE OUT, SHE HAD TO RESTART IT APPROX. FIVE TIMES TO GET TO ANOTHER PARKING SPACE. ALL THE VEHICLE POWER WENT OUT. *PH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 12, 2003

1999 Lincoln Continental — common questions

Is the 1999 Lincoln Continental reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 46 complaints put the 1999 model at #14 of 34 Continental years. It is one of the Continental years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Continental problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (12 complaints), airbags (10 complaints), brakes (5 complaints).

Does the 1999 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Lincoln Continental. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 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.