1990 Lincoln Continental: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 Lincoln Continental: 3 recalls, 158 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #91V134000 · 1991 · 325,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: Replace front brake rotors with full cast front brake rotors.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #97V174000 · 1997 · 63,400 vehicles
What's wrong: The front outboard seating position seat belt buckles May not latch or unlatch.
Why it matters: These conditions could reduce seat belt usage increasing the risk of personal injury in the event of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front outboard seat belt buckle assemblies.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #98V323000 · 1998 · 2,697,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The rear lower subframe mount plate nut can experience stress corrosion cracking if subjected to long term exposure to road salts. This can result in fracture and loss of the structural integrity of the subframe mount attachment. Detachment of the body mounts at the rear corners of the subframe, which supports the engine and transmission, allows the rear corners of the subframe to drop.
Why it matters: If both rear corners drop, steering would become suddenly very difficult, affecting vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install subframe rear mount bolts, reinforcement plates, and plate nuts.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Airbags Equipment recall #90E043001 · 1990 · 172,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Threaded inflator components May have been damaged during assembly which May allow components to separate when inflator receives a signal to deploy the air bag.
Why it matters: Inflator component separation allows hot combustion gases to escape into the passenger compartment which could result in injuries to vehicle occupants.
The fix: Replace air bag modules containing potentially defective inflators.
Seat belts Recall #97I003000 · 1997 · 299,600 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: In the event of a collision, the occupant of the seat May not be properly restrained and personal injury could occur.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat belt buckle assembly, for 12 years and unlimited mileage.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 15 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 3 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (40): the most common themes are fire / smoke (8), overheating (6), leaks (4).
- Suspension (28): the most common themes are steering problems (2).
- Seat belts (25): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (20): the most common themes are steering problems (12), leaks (3).
The 1990 Lincoln Continental has 158 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 17 Continental model years for complaints (1.9× the average Continental year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (47 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 58,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (203 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Lincoln Continental.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 Lincoln Continental have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1990 Lincoln Continental, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 Lincoln Continental problems?
Owners have filed 158 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (40), suspension (28), seat belts (25).
What gas mileage does the 1990 Lincoln Continental get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 Lincoln Continental repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.