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FN74 · Sedan

1997 Lincoln Continental

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 1997 Lincoln Continental.

Safety record

Recalls on the 1997 Lincoln Continental

Recall·16E026000

Service brakes: pads

These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable,…

Recall·96V166000

Power train: gear position indication (prndl)

THE PARK PAWL ABUTMENT BRACKET HAS A SHARP EDGE WHICH CAN CAUSE THE PARKING PAWL TO HANG UP AND NOT ENGAGE THE PARK GEAR.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 99 owners reported

Visibility16
Steering12
Power train10
Suspension9

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

1997 Lincoln Continental at a glance

Engine
4.6L 8-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic 4-spd
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Sedan
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 1997 Lincoln Continental?

Owners have filed 99 complaints about the 1997 Lincoln Continental with NHTSA, most often about the visibility. There are 2 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 1997 Lincoln Continental reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 2 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 1997 Lincoln Continental?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 1997 Lincoln Continental listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.