1998 Lincoln Continental
This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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.
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 | 84 |
| 1989 | 158 |
| 1990 | 158 |
| 1991 | 203 |
| 1992 | 126 |
| 1993 | 121 |
| 1994 | 190 |
| 1995 | 70 |
| 1996 | 48 |
| 1997 | 96 |
| 1998 | 72 |
| 1999 | 42 |
| 2000 | 63 |
| 2001 | 32 |
| 2002 | 33 |
| 2017 | 74 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2019 | 31 |
| 2020 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
14% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
AUTO ACCELERATES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP OR WHEN IN DRIVE AND STANDING STILL. I HAVE REPORTED THIS DEFECT FOR SERVICE AND WAS INFORMED THAT NO DEFECT WAS FOUND. PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON MANY OCCASIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030604
AUTO ACCELERATES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP, OR WHEN IN DRIVE AND STANDING STILL. I HAVE REPORTED THIS DEFECT TO FOR SERVICE AND I WAS INFORMED THAT NO DEFECT WAS FOUND. PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON MANY OCCASIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030603
7% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF PARK INTO REVERSE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20041014
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TEXT AND/OR GRAPHICS FOR THE VEHICLE HEADLAMP AIMING INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THE OWNER GUIDES ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY CLEAR. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIR
Remedy: OWNER GUIDES CONTAINING REVISED AIMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES.
Campaign 98V028000 — 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
1998 Lincoln Continental — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V028000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16E026000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Lincoln Continental reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Lincoln Continental is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Lincoln Continental?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Lincoln Continental have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.