1991 Lincoln Continental: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1991 Lincoln Continental: 3 recalls, 203 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. 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.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #97V025000 · 1997 · 212,700 vehicles
What's wrong: 8l engines and originally sold or currently registered in the following states: alaska, colorado, iowa, idaho, illinois, indiana, kansas, massachusetts, maine, michigan, minnesota, missouri, montana, north dakota, nebraska, new hampshire, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming. Water can accumulate within the speed control cable conduit. If enough water accumulates, it could…
Why it matters: Driver control of vehicle speed using the speed control system or the accelerator control system would be diminished increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will add a boot to the speed control cable.
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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 19 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (56): the most common themes are fire / smoke (8), noise or vibration (6), leaks (5).
- Suspension (43): the most common themes are noise or vibration (5), steering problems (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (41): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (9), noise or vibration (4), leaks (4).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (34): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (3), noise or vibration (2).
The 1991 Lincoln Continental has 203 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 17 Continental model years for complaints (2.5× the average Continental year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (52 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 120,225 miles. Neighboring years: 1990 (158 complaints, 3 recalls), 1992 (126 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 | 15 | 22 | 18 | 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 1991 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 1991 Lincoln Continental have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1991 Lincoln Continental. 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 1991 Lincoln Continental problems?
Owners have filed 203 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (56), suspension (43), transmission & drivetrain (41).
What gas mileage does the 1991 Lincoln Continental get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1991 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.