1997 Lincoln Continental
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
- 96
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Visibility
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
16% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 96 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 | 20 |
| 2019 | 32 |
| 2020 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Visibility
16% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing interior and rearview mirrors/devices.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer states that the 2 map light located inside off the interior rear view mirror, shorted out,causing the mirror to cloud up. Driver unable to see out off the mirror.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-22
Original mirror was replaced by the dealer, when the replacement mirror failed one year and one month later the dealer has refused to replace it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-17
Steering
13% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing tie rod assembly and hydraulic power assist system.
Suspension
11% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing front and shock absorber.
Service brakes
11% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Power train
10% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Lincoln Continental. The contact stated that the transmission failed at 40,000 miles and had to be replace. Also, the contact mentioned that while driving 35 MPH the vehicle stalled.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-11
Also filed under Engine
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1996-09-23Power train96V166000 The park pawl abutment bracket has a sharp edge which can cause the parking pawl to hang up and not engage the park gear. This would allow the vehicle to move even though the gear shift indicator…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the park pawl abutment bracket.
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1997Complaint volume 96 complaints filed for this model year.
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R
2016-05-26Service brakes, hydraulic16E026000 Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598,...
Remedy: Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Lincoln Continental — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 11 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 96V166000 · Power train
- Recall 16E026000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 Lincoln Continental reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Lincoln Continental is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 Lincoln Continental?
- The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Lincoln Continental have?
- 2 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.