1994 Lincoln Continental

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

1994 Lincoln Continental
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:54:04.805Z

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 PER YEAR

1994: 191 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	0
1981	1
1982	1
1983	2
1984	6
1985	15
1986	8
1987	9
1988	89
1989	161
1990	160
1991	206
1992	126
1993	122
1994	191
1995	70
1996	48
1997	96
1998	72
1999	42
2000	63
2001	32
2002	33
2017	75
2018	19
2019	32
2020	7

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 50%

50% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 95 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

DEATH

Show complaint excerpts

AFTER CAR INSPECTED AND SEVERAL REPAIRS COMPLETED ON MY 1994 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL, EXECUTIVE SERIES IN GOOD CONDITION, THE ENGINE WAS BLOWN AND THE DEALERSHIP STATED TO TRADE-IN THE VEHICLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030718

Also filed under EQUIPMENT

SUSPENSION 19%

19% of complaints: suspension — 37 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing air suspension system and shock absorber.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and module.

FIRE

POWER TRAIN 10%

10% of complaints: power train — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHILE DRIVING INTO WORK ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. TOTAL REBUILD REQUIRED AT 87456 MILES ON CAR, COST $1800.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180602

SERVICE BRAKES 9%

9% of complaints: service brakes — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 1994 — complaint volume: 191

R 19940819 — service brakes, hydraulic

THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSH ROD RETAINER (HAIRPIN CLIP) MAY BE MISSING OR NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED ON THE SERVICE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS CAN CAUSE DISENGAGEMENT OF THE BRAKE PUSHROD AND LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE RETAINER.

Campaign 94V129000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19960502 — PE (closed 19960930)

ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES

I 19960930 — EA (closed 19970415)

ENGINE COOLING FAN FIRES

R 19970331 — engine and engine cooling

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 TEMPO/TOPAZ

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN ELECTRICAL JUMPER HARNESS CONTAINING AN AUTOMATIC RESETTING CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PROTECT THE FAN MOTOR LOW SPEED CIRCUITRY FROM OVERHEATING.

Campaign 97V019000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19970423 — vehicle speed control

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

R 19980415 — exterior lighting

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.

Campaign 98V009000 — check if this car was fixed

R 19990118 — structure

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

1994 Lincoln Continental — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (95 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for suspension issues (37 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (22 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 94V129000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Verify recall 97V019000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
Verify recall 97V025000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
Verify recall 98V009000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Verify recall 98V323000 (structure) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2001 ▲ 2019 ▲ 2002

WORST YEARS

■ 1991 ■ 1989 ■ 1990

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1994 Lincoln Continental reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Lincoln Continental is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 1994 Lincoln Continental?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1994 Lincoln Continental have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.