1992 Lincoln Continental

◆ Worse than typical
1992 Lincoln Continental
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:47:29.518Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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
126
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1992

Investigations
8

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

38% 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 1989 1990: 160 complaints 1991: 206 complaints 1992: 126 complaints 1992 126 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 1992: 126 complaints 1992 126 1993: 122 complaints 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 1992: 126 complaints 1992 126 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

1992: 126 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

38% · 48 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Worn mount allows engine to shift and bind steering so you can't turn to the right.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-11

Suspension

19% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing air suspension system and rear.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1992 Lincoln Continental. While driving approximately 30 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the steering ability seized.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-06-09

Also filed under Steering

Rear air shocks will cause vehicle to heavily vibrate while driving at any speed and with no warning. Dealer notified.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-29

Service brakes

18% · 23 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Electrical system

11% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and interior/under dash.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While driving 55 MPH a fire started underneath the hood. Consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-06-11

Structure

10% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and door.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 8 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    1992Complaint volume 126 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    1992-11-30Engineering analysisClosed 1993-06-30 Sub-frm/unibody absor.fail
  3. I
    1993-03-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-07-30 Idle air spd ctrl vlv malf
  4. I
    1993-06-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-02-16 Broken tie rods
  5. I
    1993-07-30Engineering analysisClosed 1994-08-31 Idle air spd ctrl vlv malf
  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
    1997-03-31Engine and engine cooling97V019000 These vehicles are originally sold or currently registered in the following states: Alaska, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The vehicles involved are 1992-1994…

    Remedy: Dealers will install an electrical jumper harness containing an automatic resetting circuit breaker to protect the fan motor low speed circuitry from overheating.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

Buy-smart checklist

1992 Lincoln Continental — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 48 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 24 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 23 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 97V019000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 97V025000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 98V323000 · Structure

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1992 Lincoln Continental reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1992 Lincoln Continental is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Lincoln Continental?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1992 Lincoln Continental have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.