1993 Lincoln Continental

◆ Worse than typical
1993 Lincoln Continental
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:42:52.064Z

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
122
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1993

Investigations
5

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

65% 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 1993: 122 complaints 1993 122 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 1992: 126 complaints 1993: 122 complaints 1993 122 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 1993: 122 complaints 1993 122 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

1993: 122 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

65% · 79 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine caught fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-04

Power steering failure, motor mount failure, head gasket leak and the transmission seals leak. Car has 75000 miles.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-19

Also filed under Steering and power train

Exterior lighting

14% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing headlights and switch.

Steering

11% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and tie rod assembly.

FIRE

Service brakes

9% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Suspension

9% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing air suspension system and front.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    1993Complaint volume 122 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    1993-06-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-02-16 Broken tie rods
  3. I
    1994-02-16Engineering analysisClosed 1995-02-27 Broken tie rods
  4. I
    1995-08-08Defect petitionClosed 1995-08-30 Alleged defective tie rods
  5. I
    1996-05-02Preliminary evaluationClosed 1996-09-30 Engine cooling fan fires
  6. I
    1996-09-30Engineering analysisClosed 1997-04-15 Engine cooling fan fires
  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. R
    1998-04-15Exterior lighting98V009000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The headlights can flash intermittently as a result of the circuit breaker opening. The vehicle's headlights can go out for brief intervals.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a headlight switch that incorporates a cricuit breaker of revised design and installation of a wiring harness connector and wiring, if needed.

  10. 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

1993 Lincoln Continental — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 79 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 17 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 13 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 97V019000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 97V025000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 98V009000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 98V323000 · Structure

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1993 Lincoln Continental reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1993 Lincoln Continental is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Lincoln Continental?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 Lincoln Continental have?
4 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.