Engine
4.6L 8-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 57 of 63 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 33 of 63 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Air bags
17 complaint records3 crash reports
"I WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEN THE AIRBAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPOLOYED, STRIKING ME IN THE FACE & ARM. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Suspension
13 complaint records2 crash reports
"I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN THE LEFT FRONT SPRING BROKE WHICH WAS LIKE AN EXPLOSION. THIS CAUSED LOTS OF OTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR AS WELL AS THE TIRE. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →
Glass & wipers
12 complaint records2 crash reports
"CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE REAR VIEW MIRROR, AFTER REPAIR THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS NOT OPERATION PROPERLY AGAIN. *MJS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA01012 opened Apr 2001 | closed Apr 2003 | Air Bags | INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT - led to recall 03V144000 ON APRIL 9, 2003, ODI RECEIVED FROM FORD AN OWNER LETTER AND DEALER NOTICE, BOTH DATED MARCH 2003.THE OWNER LETTER STATES THAT FORD WILL CONDUCT A PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN OF CERTAIN MY 1999-2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS... |
| PE00042 opened Oct 2000 | closed Apr 2001 | Air Bags | INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03V144000 | Air Bags | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COULD DEPLOY AS A RESULT OF UNDERBODY IMPACTS NEAR THE SENSORS, SUCH AS THOSE OCCURRING FROM PIECES OF GRAVEL OR DEBRIS THROWN FROM THE WHEELS... | Normally free |
| 01V258000 | Visibility | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. | Normally free |
| 99V250000 | Seat Belts | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE A PIN SHAFT IN THE SWITCHABLE ELR/ALR MECHANISM THAT IS INCORRECTLY FORMED. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001204 2001-08-13 | Other | 83,005 | Certain 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... |
| 1999176 1999-10-19 | Seats And Restraints | 1,889 | On certain vehicles, the seat belt retractor in certain seating positions may have a pin shaft in the switchable ELR/ALR(emergency locking retractor/automatic locking retractor) mechanism that is incorrectly formed. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 041601 Nov 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT | |
| 042421 Jun 2005 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT | |
| 04189 Dec 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 042107 Dec 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 04217 Nov 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04174 Sep 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT | |
| 031404 Aug 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE MISFIRE OR RUNNING - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIPS. TO INCLUDE VARIOUS 2005 MODELS. * AR THIS ARTICLE 04161 SUPERSEDES TSB 03-14-04. | |
| 041514 Aug 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 17358 Aug 2004 | Power Train | GROAN/BUZZ/VIBRATION WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR IS IN PARK WITH THE VEHICLE PARKED ON AN INCLINE. *TT THIS BULLETIN UPDATES PREVIOUS BULLETIN 17358, DATED 11/01/2003 TO INCLUDE 2005 MODELS. *TT | |
| 031501 Jul 2004 | Visibility | INOPERATIVE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (HEATED BACKLITE) GRID LINES, INTEGRAL ANTENNA CONCERNS. *TT | |
| 17899 Jun 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH MULTIPLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS). *TT | |
| 03203 Oct 2003 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457 OR P1442 OR A CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DTC P0457 FOR THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 03181 Sep 2003 | Electrical System | REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 17094 Aug 2003 | Suspension | RATTLING OR CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TT | |
| 03144 Jul 2003 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING CONDITION WITH COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS MAY BE MORE ACCURATELY DIAGNOSED USING THE OPTIONAL WORLDWIDE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (WDS) COIL ON PLUG (COP) KIT. 2003 SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 03148 Jul 2003 | Power Train | NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT | |
| 03123 Jun 2003 | Power Train | TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH NOT ENGAGING WHEN COMMANDED AND/OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0741 OR P1744 STORED IN MEMORY. MODELS FROM 1996 TO 2003. *TT | |
| 0398 May 2003 | Fuel System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT | |
| 03G01 Mar 2003 | Air Bags | OPTIONAL PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM - SIDE AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 16710 Mar 2003 | Suspension | RATTLING OR CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TT *JB | |
| 02236 Nov 2002 | Visibility | ERRATIC OPERATION OF THE COOL/WARM FUNCTION OF THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM - REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR STRATIFICATION (SECONDARY) TEMPERATURE BLEND DOOR. *TT | |
| 02208 Oct 2002 | Equipment | CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH | |
| 02176 Sep 2002 | Exterior Lighting | LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ | |
| 02135 Jul 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | HESITATION, BUCK OR SURGE DURING A STEADY STATE OPERATION AT 40-60 MPH (64-96 KM/H). *TT | |
| 15889 May 2002 | Equipment | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE ELECTRONIC AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL (EATC) WILL NOT CYCLE THE AI CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR WHEN THE FLOOR MODE IS SELECTED. *TT | |
| 15820 Apr 2002 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AX4N/4F50N TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT A SHUDDER DURING A 3-4 SHIFT. *TT | |
| 0245 Mar 2002 | Electrical System | INFORMATION REGARDING DISCHARGED BATTERY CHARGING SERVICE TIPS AND GUIDELINES. *TT | |
| 0214 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT | |
| 15559 Jan 2002 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING SHUDDER WHILE IN REVERSE. *YH | |
| 01246 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT | |
| 15370 Nov 2001 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A GROAN/BUZZ/VIBRATION WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR IS IN PARK. *TT | |
| 15392 Nov 2001 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A PARK PULLOUT CLUNK NOISE WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO ANOTHER GEAR POSITION. *TT | |
| 012113 Oct 2001 | Electrical System | SOME IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES MAY EXHIBIT ROUGNESS AND / OR EXCESS EFFORT IN TURNING, KEY DOES NOT FULLY RETURN FROM START, A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE WITH P0500, P1502 AND U1039 STORED IN POWERTRIAN CONTROL MODULE (PCM). *TT | |
| 01205 Oct 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VACUUM OR AIR LEAKS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND / OR ENGINE SYSTEM CAUSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171 AND OR P0174. *TT | |
| 01209 Oct 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HESITATION, STUMBLE OR STALL DURING LOW SPEED PARKING MANEUVERS OR AFTER RELEASING THE THROTTLE FOLLOWING OPERATION OF THE TRACTION ASSIST SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 01181 Sep 2001 | Power Train | BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB | |
| 01156 Aug 2001 | Visibility | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC | |
| 01157 Aug 2001 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC | |
| 15059 Jul 2001 | Power Train | CONCERNS WITH VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A AX4N / 4F50N TRANSAXLE EXHIBITING A SHUDDER DURING A 3-4 SHIFT. *TT | |
| 14974 Jun 2001 | Electrical System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INOPERATIVE KEYLESS ENTRY KEYPAD, INTERIOR LIGHTS STAYING ON OR TURNING ON BY THEMSELVES, ERRATIC CYCLING OF THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS OR A HARD START / NO-START DUE TO A DISCHARGED BATTERY (DUE TO INTERIOR LIGHTS STAYING ON). *TT | |
| 14997 Jun 2001 | Electrical System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INOPERATIVE KEYLESS ENTRY KEYPAD, INTERIOR LIGHTS STAYING ON OR TURNING ON BY THEMSELVES, ERRATIC CYCLING OF THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS OR A HARD START / NO-START DUE TO A DISCHARGED BATTERY (DUE TO INTERIOR LIGHTS STAYING ON). *TT | |
| 14918 May 2001 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN STATES THAT ON SOME VEHICLES (INCLUDING 2002 BLACKWOOD) A BATTERY DISCONNECT OR PARAMETER RESET IS REQUIRED DURING POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) OR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER (VIC / HEC / ICM) REPLACEMENT. *TT | |
| 14920 May 2001 | Power Train | SUBJECT REGARDING AX4N TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSTIC PINT POINT TEST C3 ERROR. *TT | |
| 14911 May 2001 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AX4N OR 4F50N TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT A FLUID LEAK FROM THE MAIN CONTROL COVER AREA. *TT | |
| 0162 Apr 2001 | Electrical System | VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) MAY NOT START OR CRANK. *TT | |
| 0147 Mar 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE IN 2001 VEHICLES - SAE 5W-20 MOTOR OIL. *TT | |
| 0125 Feb 2001 | Seat Belts | SEAT BELT WARNING SYSTEM - BELT REMINDER FUNCTION, OPERATION AND SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 8059 Apr 2000 | Visibility | INFORMATION REGARDING COMPASS ZONE SETTING AND CALIBRATION PROCEDURE CONTAINED IN WORKSHOP MANUAL IS INCORRECT. **MR | |
| 8306 Apr 2000 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT FLUID VISIBLE AROUND THE TOP FRONT CORNER OF THE CHAIN COVER. **MR | |
| 8306 Mar 2000 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES BUILT 1/19/2000 THROUGH 2/11/2000 WITH AX4N TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT FLUID VISIBLE AROUND THE TOP FRONT CORNER OF THE CHAIN COVER IN THE AREA OF THE TRANSAXLE SIDE PAN, 8 MM CORNER BOLT AND THREADED HOLE BEHIND THE SIDE PAN BOLT. *TT | |
| 13985 Mar 2000 | Power Train | VEHICLES BUILT 1/19/2000 THROUGH 2/11/2000 WITH AX4N TRANSAXLE MAY EXHIBIT FLUID VISIBLE AROUND THE TOP FRONT CORNER OF THE CHAIN COVER IN THE AREA OF THE TRANSAXLE SIDE PAN, 8 MM CORNER BOLT AND THREADED HOLE BEHIND THE SIDE PAN BOLT. *TT | |
| 0032 Feb 2000 | Equipment | VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE AIR CONDITIONING INACCURATE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE DISPLAYED- VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH EATC- CONTINENTAL AND LS BUILT THROUGH 10/15/99, ALL OTHERS BUILT THROUGH 8/31/99. *MJS | |
| 8059 Feb 2000 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION REGARDING COMPASS CALIBRATION PROCEDURE CONTAINED IN THE 2000 WORKSHOP MANUAL. *TT | |
| 8153 Feb 2000 | Seats | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO SEAT TRIM REPAIRS / REPLACEMENTS. *TT | |
| 8199 Feb 2000 | Suspension | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A RATTLING OR CLUNKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END (FRONT STABILIZER LINK) UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. | |
| 0023 Jan 2000 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HESITATION/TRAILER HITCH FEEL IN THE TRANSMISSION OPERATION DURING STEADY STATE OPERATION AT 64-72 KM/H (40-45 MPH) | |
| 0015 Jan 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS | |
| 14427 Jan 2000 | Unknown Or Other | VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION AND MULTIPLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES, MOSTLY TRANSMISSION RELATED, STORED IN MEMORY. THE TCIL LAMP WILL ALSO FLASH. *TT | |
| 99234 Nov 1999 | Unknown Or Other | INFORMATION ON DIAGNOSING A VEHICLE WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442 AND P0455 STORED IN CONTINUOUS MEMORY. *TT | |
| 99242 Nov 1999 | Structure | INFORMATION ON REPLACING AND / OR REPAIRING MALFUNCTIONING (DOOR, IGNITION AND DECKLID) LOCKS. *TT |
Showing 60 of 74 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Lincoln Continental →