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Vehicle safety record

2001 Lincoln Continental Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 32 complaints about the 2001 Lincoln Continental with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (8) and the electrical system (6). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 2 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in April 2016 for the pads. For comparison, the 2000 has 63 and the 2002 has 33.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Continental year, for its age

#139 most complained-about 2001 vehicle

Complaints
32
Recalls
2
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Deaths
0

Most common 2001 Lincoln Continental problems

Share of all 32 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2001 Lincoln Continental recalls 2

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Service brakes: pads

16E02600049,635 vehicles affected

The problem
Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.
The risk
A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.

Visibility: motor

01V2580001,083,000 vehicles affected

The problem
Vehicle description: passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, or ignition of the plastic cover material. Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. These vehicles were built at the following assembly plants: atlanta plant from 2/11/00 through 7/31/00; chicago plant from 2/14/00 through 8/4/00; kansas city plant from 2/26/00 to 9/4/00; kentucky truck plant from 2/18/00 to 8/31/00; michigan truck plant from 2/23/00 through 8/3/00; norfolk plant from 2/21/00 through 7/27/00; wayne stamping and assembly plant from 2/25/00 through 8/15/00; and wixom plant from 2/15/00 through 8/8/00.
The risk
Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built with the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced. Owner notification began august 20, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

What owners say

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32 complaints about the 2001 Lincoln Continental

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.

Steering

I'm a new owner I only had the car for two years and the steering wheel feels funny when I'm driving or turning the wheel and I hear a noise when I turn it .

Filed Incident Steering · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11196996
Other & unknown

Driver side door lock is defective. The alternator was defective, but I had it fixed at the dealership at my expense.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11151698
SteeringSuspensionWheels & tires

I was backing out of my garage at home and when I turned my steering wheel, the left front spring broke and shredded the inside of the tire. I checked the area that the spring broke, and it was clean, unrusted metal, there was no sign of an impending failure, just a sudden break.

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · WheelsNHTSA 11006217
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 lincoln continental. The contact stated that while traveling approximately 65 mph, smoke started emitting from the steering column and near the wiper switch. Also, the contact noticed that the low washer fluid sensor illuminated intermittently and that under the hood there was a disconnected piece. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician replenished the windshield washer fluid and fixed the detached piece. Was not able to replicate or diagnose the failure. However, the remedy failed to repair the problem. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10626781
Suspension

While backing the car out of the driveway after it had been sitting overnight, there was a loud pop and the front driver's side tire went flat. After removing the wheel, I saw that the large coil suspension spring had broken and that the sharp end of the broken spring had sliced open the inside sidewall of the tire. The car is sitting the driveway waiting for part I ordered. I can not believe it cost $690.00 Each for coil springs that's' crazy . And that there is no recall since I have been reading a lot of this same complaint. This is a 2001 and the mileage is still low only 50,000 miles. *Tr

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10588520
Suspension

While backing the car out of the garage after it had been sitting overnight, there was a loud pop and the front driver's side tire went flat. After removing the wheel, I saw that the large coil suspension spring had broken and that the sharp end of the broken spring had sliced open the inside sidewall of the tire. The car is now in the shop, so the vin and exact mileage are not available. If this had happened at highway speed, a serious accident could have occurred. My mechanic tells me that he has seen this problem with ford products before. If this is a common occurrence, why hasn't there been a recall for this serious safety problem? *Tr

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10513487
Acceleration & cruise control

2001 Lincoln continental / 115,000 miles while driving on the 10 fwy in july 2008, and without activating cruise control, or pressing sharply on the gas pedal, my car began to suddenly accelerate at top speed. The engine roared with a loud sound and immediately went into full operating power. The sound of the engine at full throttle was unmistakable and as I looked at the dash board gauges, I saw my speedometer needle quickly reach 90 mph and kept moving higher. Realizing I was in danger, I applied the brake to...

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slow the vehicle, but the brake pedal was not slowing my car down in the normal fashion. It only depressed about - of the normal range. Confused, I quickly glanced down at my feet to check for an object or floor mat that would cause my gas pedal to be stuck or lodged. There were no objects to be found. With my car continuing at a speed of at least 90 mph, and my left foot on the brake, I then felt the gas pedal beneath my right foot move away and down toward the floor board on its own. I lifted the gas pedal with my foot in an attempt to reverse the acceleration, but it didn't work. Realizing I had no control of my car, I repeatedly pressed my brake pedal, but this only slowed the car from 90 mph to 70 mph; it was not bringing my car to a complete stop. With many cars surrounding me, a crash became imminent ? So I moved 2 lanes over into the shoulder of the road. I was traveling at approx 60mph at this point & kept braking to try to regain control of my vehicle. The brakes were not stopping my vehicle so I put the car in neutral, which slowed the vehicle to approx 40 mph. Still moving forward, with both feet on my brake pedal pushing as hard as I could, I had no choice but to engage the e-brake as a last option. This slowed my car to about 15 mph, after which I put the car in park. The car came to a complete stop. I removed the key from the ignition. *Tr

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10246012
Suspension

Coil spring on left front strut broke, rubbed through sidewall of tire causing blowout. Wife was real lucky this was in town at low speed. Could have been catastrophic on freeway. Parts are real expensive $450 each side plus one new tire, I'm going to get both sides done because I don't trust the other one now. I have the parts ordered. I will save failed part. *Tr

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10218611
Suspension

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 lincoln continental. While backing out of the driveway and accelerating forward, the contact heard a rubbing noise coming from the front of the vehicle. He immediately pulled off the road and noticed that the front passenger side was leaning on the tire. He attempted to change the tire and discovered that the coil spring failed and punctured the tire. The current mileage was 90,052 and failure mileage was 89,755. Updated 02-12-08 bf * updated 02/12/08 *tr

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10214489
Suspension

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 lincoln continental. While backing out of the garage, the vehicle jerked. The contact continued to back up the vehicle and the tire blew out. He exited the vehicle and discovered that the driver side front coil spring failed and punctured the tire. The dealer was notified. The current mileage was 113,371 and failure mileage was 113,350. Updated 01-29-08. *Kb

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10213097
Suspension

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 lincoln continental. While driving 45 mph or greater, the vehicle veered to the right. The mechanic stated that the rear upper ball joint failed and the part was unavailable. The manufacturer stated that the wait could be 2-6 months. The contact felt that the wait time for the part was unacceptable. The mechanic was able to locate one part; however, as of november 1, 2007, the mechanic had not repaired the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 79,000.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10207605
Lights

2001 Lincoln continental condensation in front headlamp seal. Customer believes there is something wrong with the seal. Manufacturer stated it was her responsibility to replace it. *Kb the consumer is seeking relief for repairs and or possible replacement if necessary and attached extended warranty. *Tr updated 12/12/2007 *bf updated 12/12/07

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10203728
Seats & seat belts1 injury

We are owners of a 2001 lincoln continental. My two young boys ages 2 and 4 were in their car seats on both sides of the rear seat, leaving the middle seat belt unused. My four year old had called me for help while I was driving over a bridge. I saw he was noosed around his neck by the middle belt and pinned against the rear of the seat. The car has an automated locking position for safety . This turns out to be a danger. The belt would not release leaving me to have to run for help on the highway. I found a...

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man who could help cut the belt and release my son. He was left with a full collar belt burn on his neck. Be aware of this automated locking position. It almost cost my son his life. *Jb

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10142938
Electrical system

Concerned about fires identifed as being caused by the hot wired cruise control switch as recently reported on twice on television. I am affraid to put cars in garage. There are no incidents. Can't proceed with this complaint without dates. Cars: 2001 lincoln continental and 2004 sable ls

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 10127645
Steering

I complained to the dealer at the time of oil change that the power steering pump was making a noise, and requested a check. They apparently did nothing, and each time I had the oil changed I would request a check. Now that the car is out of warranty they say the power steering pump is faiing and I have been told that it will eventually lock up of not repaired. I am receiving no action from the dealer.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 10122380
Transmission & drivetrain

While stopped transmission went into neutral, the floor-shifting module did not move. *Bf attempts to place the shift into overdrive or 3rd gear failed. The consumer was informed that the problem could have been the front piston in which the plate was warped. The computer showed no problem, therefore they could not attempt to fix the problem. *Sc

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10109584
Electrical system

While driving, the consumer saw smoke coming from under the steering column. The driver pulled over and let the vehicle cool down. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who could not find a problem. Please provide further details. *Jb

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10055897
Visibility & wipers

Problems seeing in the rear when backing up vehicle. *Mr there was no vision when backing. (This occurred with the use of the mirrors) *scc *jb

Filed VisibilityNHTSA 10044361
SuspensionWheels & tires

Steel belts are showing in tire equipment.*Mr both front driver and passenger tires showed inside wear making the steel belt visible. When the consumer went to change the tire, the jack bent and collapsed on the consumer. Michelin p225/60r16 b. *Ph

Filed Suspension · TiresNHTSA 10044019
Electrical system

Consumer was having dashboard light problems. The element that lit the dashboard lights up broke. Consumer called ford, and was told that the part he needed was on back order. This has been going on since july 2003. Consumer insisted that this was dangerous because he could not see anything, did not know how fast he was traveling, when he was low on fuel or whether he was having problems with any part of the vehicle, including battery. *Ak

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10042512
Visibility & wipers

Windshield cracked for no reason. Dealer states the defect is called a stress fracture. *Ak

Filed Incident VisibilityNHTSA 10022937
Engine & cooling

Vehicle suffered sudden acceleration when shifting from park into drive. Vehicle collides with a wall causing damage on the passenger side fender and head light. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information. Ph

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10006761
Electrical system

I believe the intech system has failed. Car does not start. *Ak

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 766595
Engine & cooling

Engine seized up without warning. Please provide any further information.*Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 8014674
Acceleration & cruise control

My 2001 lincoln continental was purchased new, march of 2001. Several months later I passed through a warning radar detector on the interstate with my cruise control set at 60 mph. The radar said I was traveling at 54 mph. I turned around and repeated the pass-through with the same results. I took the car to my dealers service department and they wrote up the speedometer problem. After 2 different service visits, and checking the speed of lincoln town cars, and lincoln ls (town cars, and ls less than 1 mph off...

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true speed according to handheld gps) , the service manager informed me that all continentals have defective speedometers and my cars problem is normal. I complained at least 4 more times and was told all continentals have the same problem. I tested a 2002 continental and it had a 2 mph error. At my request he questioned ford engineers in michigan and was told 10% plus or minus is an acceptable speedometer error. I asked for it in writing and ford responded that it is not in writing, and it was against the companys policy to give it to me in writing. I inquired with other car companies and speedometer calibration companies and found that there should be no more that a 1 mph plus or minus difference. I requested to present my case to the ford dispute settlement board. I did so april 4th, 2002. The board concluded that the vehicle is operating according to specifications in regards to the speedometer concern. The board based this decision on me test driving a like vehicle and the results were the same. An my request for repair or vehicle refund was denied. Well they were not the same, my vehicle has a 6 mph error. The continental that I tested had a 2 mph error. A 200% difference. According to fords dispute settlement boards reasoning, if ford sold a model with a defective part in all of the units produced, the defect would be acceptable because the vehicle is operating according to specifications.*Ak

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 760685

Lincoln Continental: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
200233140Acceleration & cruise controlC
200132210SuspensionC
200063463AirbagsF
199942362SuspensionD
199872282Engine & coolingF
199796253Visibility & wipersF
All Continental years

2001 Lincoln Continental vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
2001 Lincoln Continental3221C
2001 Lincoln LS251123FCompare
2001 Lincoln Town Car172624DCompare
2001 Lincoln Navigator9269FCompare

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2001 Lincoln Continental

Does the 2001 Lincoln Continental have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 Lincoln Continental: pads (April 2016); motor (August 2001). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Lincoln Continental?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (8), electrical system (6), engine & cooling (4).

How many complaints has the 2001 Lincoln Continental had?

32 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 23, 2000 and the latest on April 17, 2019. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2001 Lincoln Continental a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Lincoln Continental year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Lincoln Continental years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2001 Lincoln Continental has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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