1994 Lincoln Continental: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1994 Lincoln Continental: 5 recalls, 190 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 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 #94V129000 · 1994 · 2,500 vehicles
What's wrong: The brake pedal push rod retainer (hairpin clip) May be missing or not properly installed on the service brake pedal. This can cause disengagement of the brake pushrod and loss of braking ability.
Why it matters: Loss of braking ability can result in a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the retainer.
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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #98V009000 · 1998 · 506,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The headlights can flash intermittently as a result of the circuit breaker opening. The vehicle's headlights can go out for brief intervals.
Why it matters: Loss of headlights during vehicle operation can affect a driver's ability to navigate the roadway and reduce the visibility of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a headlight switch that incorporates a cricuit breaker of revised design and installation of a wiring harness connector and wiring, if needed.
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. 2 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (85): the most common themes are overheating (11), leaks (10), stalls / loses power (8).
- Suspension (29): the most common themes are noise or vibration (4).
- Transmission & drivetrain (20): the most common themes are leaks (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (16): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (5), noise or vibration (3).
The 1994 Lincoln Continental has 190 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 17 Continental model years for complaints (2.3× the average Continental year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (47 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 87,456 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (121 complaints, 4 recalls), 1995 (70 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 24 | 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 1994 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.
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FAQ
Does the 1994 Lincoln Continental have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 1994 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 1994 Lincoln Continental problems?
Owners have filed 190 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (85), suspension (29), transmission & drivetrain (20).
What gas mileage does the 1994 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 1994 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.