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 PER YEAR
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.
16% of complaints: visibility — 15 distinct reports on file, most 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. MR
NHTSA ODI report, 20021022
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, 20020917
13% of complaints: steering — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tie rod assembly and hydraulic power assist system.
11% of complaints: suspension — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and shock absorber.
11% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
10% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file, most 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, 20120911
Also filed under ENGINE
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 SHO
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET.
Campaign 96V166000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 16E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Lincoln Continental — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V166000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16E026000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.