MYRModel Year Report

1991 Lincoln Continental

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1991 Lincoln Continental
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
206
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1991

Investigations
7

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

29% of complaints

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 6 complaints 1985: 15 complaints 1985 1986: 8 complaints 1987: 9 complaints 1988: 89 complaints 1989: 161 complaints 1990: 160 complaints 1991: 206 complaints 1991 206 1992: 126 complaints 1993: 122 complaints 1994: 191 complaints 1995: 70 complaints 1996: 48 complaints 1997: 96 complaints 1997 1998: 72 complaints 1999: 42 complaints 2000: 63 complaints 2001: 32 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2017: 75 complaints 2018: 20 complaints 2019: 32 complaints 2019 2020: 7 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 6 complaints 1985: 15 complaints 1985 1986: 8 complaints 1987: 9 complaints 1987 1988: 89 complaints 1989: 161 complaints 1989 1990: 160 complaints 1991: 206 complaints 1991 206 1992: 126 complaints 1993: 122 complaints 1993 1994: 191 complaints 1995: 70 complaints 1995 1996: 48 complaints 1997: 96 complaints 1997 1998: 72 complaints 1999: 42 complaints 1999 2000: 63 complaints 2001: 32 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2017: 75 complaints 2017 2018: 20 complaints 2019: 32 complaints 2019 2020: 7 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 6 complaints 1985: 15 complaints 1985 1986: 8 complaints 1987: 9 complaints 1987 1988: 89 complaints 1989: 161 complaints 1989 1990: 160 complaints 1991: 206 complaints 1991 206 1992: 126 complaints 1993: 122 complaints 1993 1994: 191 complaints 1995: 70 complaints 1995 1996: 48 complaints 1997: 96 complaints 1997 1998: 72 complaints 1999: 42 complaints 1999 2000: 63 complaints 2001: 32 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2017: 75 complaints 2017 2018: 20 complaints 2019: 32 complaints 2019 2020: 7 complaints

1991: 206 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19821
19832
19846
198515
19868
19879
198889
1989161
1990160
1991206
1992126
1993122
1994191
199570
199648
199796
199872
199942
200063
200132
200233
201775
201820
201932
20207

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

29% · 60 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Without warning the vehicle caught on fire while parked.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-16

Suspension

26% · 53 reports

Most commonly citing air suspension system and front.

INJURY

Service brakes

25% · 51 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

23% · 47 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and constant velocity joint.

FIRE
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, 2003-06-05

Structure

13% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and door.

Show complaint excerpts

The sub frame dropped, which caused improper steering. The dealer stated the vehicle was repairable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-02

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 7 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    1991Complaint volume 206 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    1991-09-26Service brakes, hydraulic91V134000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1992-11-30Engineering analysisClosed 1993-06-30 Sub-frm/unibody absor.fail
  4. I
    1993-06-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-02-16 Broken tie rods
  5. I
    1993-07-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-11-22 Failure of wheel studs
  6. I
    1994-02-16Engineering analysisClosed 1995-02-27 Broken tie rods
  7. I
    1995-08-08Defect petitionClosed 1995-08-30 Alleged defective tie rods
  8. I
    1996-05-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-09-30 Engine cooling fan fires
  9. I
    1996-09-30Engineering analysisClosed 1997-04-15 Engine cooling fan fires
  10. R
    1997-04-23Vehicle speed control97V025000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will add a boot to the speed control cable.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  11. R
    1999-01-18Structure98V323000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, district of columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland…

    Remedy: Dealers will install subframe rear mount bolts, reinforcement plates, and plate nuts.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1991 Lincoln Continental — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 60 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 53 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 51 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 91V134000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 97V025000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 98V323000 · Structure
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1991 Lincoln Continental have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.