1989 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

255

Owner Complaints

7 Crashes 22 Fires 1 Death

5

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

2

Service Bulletins

2

Investigations

Overview of the 1989 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

The 1989 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL has received a total of 255 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR. 2 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly (32 complaints), Engine And Engine Coolingengine (17 complaints), and Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip (15 complaints).

Recalls for the 1989 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 1989 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL, potentially affecting up to 3,385,750 vehicles.

Recall 98V323000 — STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

| 2,697,000 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGNIA, AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR LOWER SUBFRAME MOUNT PLATE NUT CAN EXPERIENCE STRESS CORROSION CRACKING IF SUBJECTED TO LONG TERM...

Consequence: IF BOTH REAR CORNERS DROP, STEERING WOULD BECOME SUDDENLY VERY DIFFICULT, AFFECTING VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SUBFRAME REAR MOUNT BOLTS, REINFORCEMENT PLATES, AND PLATE NUTS.

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Recall 97V174000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

| 63,400 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEATING POSITION SEAT BELT BUCKLES MAY NOT LATCH OR UNLATCH.

Consequence: THESE CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE SEAT BELT USAGE INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES.

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Recall 91V134000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

| 325,000 vehicles affected

Defect: FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION IF OPERATED IN AREAS WHERE CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ARE USED EXTENSIVELY.

Consequence: SEVERELY CORRODED ROTORS MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE NEARTHE INNER EDGES OF THE BRAKE DISCS RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS,HIGHER THAN NORMAL PEDAL EFFORTS, LOUD GRINDING NOISES, AND MODERATE PULLS WHENTHE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. REDUCED BRAKING EFFECTIVENESS MAY INCREASE MINIMUMSTOPPING DISTANCES, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: REPLACE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH FULL CAST FRONT BRAKE ROTORS.

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Recall 89V048000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

| 750 vehicles affected

Defect: THE LEFT SIDE, REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MAY BE IMPROPERLY SECURED AND COULD PULL FREE OF ITS MOUNTING LOCATION.

Consequence: OCCUPANT, THOUGH STILL RESTRAINED BY THE LAP PORTION OFTHE BELT, WOULD NOT HAVE UPPER BODY PROTECTION.

Remedy: REINSTALL THE RETRACTOR ATTACHMENT BOLT.

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Recall 97I003000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

| 299,600 vehicles affected

Defect: THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. FORD IS INITIATING AN OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM THAT WILL PROVIDE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, 12 YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILEAGE, FOR ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES WITH FUNCTIONAL CONCERNS.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THE OCCUPANT OF THE SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, FOR 12 YEARS AND UNLIMITED MILEAGE.

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Owner Complaints for the 1989 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

255 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1989 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 32
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 17
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 15
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 10 3 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 9 6 Fires
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 9
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 8
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 6
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 6
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 6 2 Fires
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 6
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 5 5 Crashes 5 Injuries
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 5
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 5 1 Injury 1 Death
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 5 4 Fires
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 4 3 Fires 3 Injuries
Suspension
Complaints: 4
Suspensionfrontmacpherson Strut
Complaints: 4
Suspensionfrontspringsair Suspension System
Complaints: 4
Electrical System
Complaints: 3
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 3
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuum
Complaints: 3
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 3
Suspensionrearshock Absorber
Complaints: 3
Suspensionrearspringsair Suspension System
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 2
Seat Belts
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 2
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid
Complaints: 2 2 Fires
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Fire
Air Bags
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherdeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontwebbing
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assisthydraulic
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Steeringgear Boxshaft Pitman
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 1
Structure
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontshock Absorber
Complaints: 1
Suspensionmultiple Axle
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearspringsleaf Spring Assembly
Complaints: 1
Tires
Complaints: 1 2 Injuries
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#10224542 | STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS | | 230,000 miles
THE SUBFRAME ON OUR 1989 CONTINENTAL RUSTED THROUGH WHICH ALLOWS THE ENGINE TO FALL ONTO THE STEERING GEAR AND PREVENTS STEERING. *TR
#10069812 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | | N/A miles
THE HEAD GASKET IS BLOWN. I AM LOSING COOLENT AND THICK WHITE SMOKE IS COMING OUT AT THE TAILPIPE. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO THE MECHANIC YET BUT I AM CONVICED FROM THE COLOR OF THE SMOKE AND SMELL OF THE SMOKE.
#10047944 | SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY | | 37,000 miles
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT KEEPS RELEASING ON ITSW OWN WHILE DRIVING. *AK
ALL FOUR AIR SPRING SUSPENSION LEAKED IN DIFFERENT TIMES THAT CAUSE FRONT PART OR REAR PART OF THE VEHICLE LOWER TO GROUND WHICH CAN NOT DRIVE. THE REAR AIR STRUTS PARTS EACH COST MORE THAN FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS AND THE FRONT ONES COST MORE THAN $350 EACH FROM LINCOLN DEALER. THE REASON OF LEAK IS THAT SOME SAND WILL GET BETWEEN AIR THE SPRING RUBBER SURFACE AND STRUT BODY WHICH CAUSE AIR BAG SPRING RUBBER TO GRIND AND CUT. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THAT ONE OF A FRONT SUSPENSION HEIGHT SENSOR LINK LOOSEN CAUSED ONE FRONT AIR SUSPENSION BAG BLOWED UP. IF THIS HAPPENED AT REAR WILL CAUSE BOTH REAR AIR SUSPENSION SPRING BLOW UP SINCE ONLY ONE HEIGHT SENSOR AT REAR FOR BOTH AIR SPRINGS. *JB
#10016052 | TIRES:TREAD/BELT | | N/A miles
THE TREAD ON TIRE HAD SHIFTED AND THERE WAS METAL SHOWING. THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACED ANOTHER TIRE PREVIOUSLY FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *JB

View all Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1989 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1989 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1989 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

Ford Motor Company has issued 2 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1989 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

BC3503972301 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

THE ABS/RED BRAKE/AIR SUSPENSION LAMPS COMING ON, CHECK FOR A BAD GROUND ON CIRCUIT 430. *JD

9716 — STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

SOME POWER STEERING HOSES HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH A REVISED DESIGN AND SHOULD NO LONGER BE USED FOR SERVICE. *JD

NHTSA Investigations for the 1989 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 1989 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL.

Investigation EA95033 — SEAT BELTS Closed

Opened:

FAULTY SEAT BELT BUCKLES

Investigation PE89026 — SUSPENSION Closed

Opened:

AIR SUSPENSION FAILURE

Other Model Years of the LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

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Other LINCOLN Models

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