MotorDeets

1992 Lincoln Continental: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1992 Lincoln Continental: 3 recalls, 126 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
126owner complaints
3mention a crash
18best combined mpg
1992 Lincoln Continental
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Sonoflas assumed (based on copyright claims). · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #97V019000 · 1997 · 75,200 vehicles

What's wrong: These vehicles are originally sold or currently registered in the following states: alaska, iowa, minnesota, nebraska, north dakota, and south dakota. The vehicles involved are 1992-1994 tempo/topaz vehicles with 3.0l engines; 1994 tempo/topaz with 2.3l engines; 1992-1995 taurus/sable with 3.8l engines; 1994-1995 taurus/sable with 3.0l engines and 1992-1994 Lincoln continental vehicles with 3.8l engines. During high…

Why it matters: This condition can cause smoke or flames from the fan and/or shroud, the fan electrical wiring, or the fan motor resulting in a vehicle fire.

The fix: Dealers will install an electrical jumper harness containing an automatic resetting circuit breaker to protect the fan motor low speed circuitry from overheating.

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. 6 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling44
Suspension20
Brakes (hydraulic)16
Body & structure11
Equipment11
Speed control / throttle10
Electrical10
Transmission & drivetrain8

What owners describe

The 1992 Lincoln Continental has 126 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 17 Continental model years for complaints (1.5× the average Continental year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (29 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 101,050 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (203 complaints, 3 recalls), 1993 (121 complaints, 4 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.8 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive152318Regular

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 1992 Lincoln Continental.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1992 Lincoln Continental manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1992 Lincoln Continental manual

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FAQ

Does the 1992 Lincoln Continental have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1992 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 1992 Lincoln Continental problems?

Owners have filed 126 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (44), suspension (20), brakes (hydraulic) (16).

What gas mileage does the 1992 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 1992 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.

Other Continental years

19901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022017201820192020