1991 Lincoln Continental
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 15 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1987 | 9 |
| 1988 | 84 |
| 1989 | 158 |
| 1990 | 158 |
| 1991 | 203 |
| 1992 | 126 |
| 1993 | 121 |
| 1994 | 190 |
| 1995 | 70 |
| 1996 | 48 |
| 1997 | 96 |
| 1998 | 72 |
| 1999 | 42 |
| 2000 | 63 |
| 2001 | 32 |
| 2002 | 33 |
| 2017 | 74 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2019 | 31 |
| 2020 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 35 distinct reports on file.
INJURY15% of complaints: power train — 31 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
FAILURE: 05-23-03 I WAS DRIVING ON I-475 NORTH IN THE FARTHEREST LEFT HAND LANE, WHEN THERE WAS A STALLING MOTION. IT WAS SO UNEXPECTED THAT IT MADE MY 10 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND MYSELF JUMP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030605
7% of complaints: structure — 15 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
THE SUB FRAME DROPPED, WHICH CAUSED IMPROPER STEERING. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRABLE. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030402
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: suspension — 12 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.
Remedy: REPLACE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH FULL CAST FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.
Campaign 91V134000 — check if this car was fixed
SUB-FRM/UNIBODY ABSOR.FAIL
BROKEN TIE RODS
FAILURE OF WHEEL STUDS
BROKEN TIE RODS
ALLEGED DEFECTIVE TIE RODS
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES
ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L ENGINES AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: ALASKA, COLORADO, IOWA, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, MASSACHUSETTS
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A BOOT TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE.
Campaign 97V025000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.
Campaign 98V323000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1991 Lincoln Continental — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (35 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V134000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V025000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V323000 (structure) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1991 Lincoln Continental reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 Lincoln Continental is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Lincoln Continental?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Lincoln Continental have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.