1987 Lincoln Continental recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
What could happen: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
The fix: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1987 CONTINENTAL.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V139000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL LINE COUPLINGVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS AND LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FUELINJECTION.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1987 Lincoln Continental owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (4), Suspension (3), Transmission / drivetrain (2), Brakes (1), Hydraulic (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/26/2001 · Transmission / drivetrain
I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 25 MPH WHEN I NOTICED THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. I DROVE HOME ABOUT 5 MILES. KNOWING A LITTLE ABOUT CARS I LIFTED THE HOOD TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE LEVEL WAS FINE BUT THE FLUID LOOKED A LITTLE DARK TO ME. I SMELLED THE FLUID AND IT SMELLED BURNT. THE TRANSMISSION HAD BEEN FINE UP TO THAT POINT SO I LOOKED AROUND TO SEE IF…
10/12/2001 · Suspension
FRONT WHEELS AND TIRES ARE NOT ABLE TO CLEAR THE WHEEL-WELL, RESULTING IN FULL TURNING RADIAUS FAILURE. THERE IS A CONVERSION KIT TO CHANGE THE SUSPENSION FROM AIR-RIDE TO GIL SPRINGS, IF NOT CHANGED THERE IS A PONTENTIAL ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN.
07/23/2001 · Electrical system
THE IGNITION MODULE ON VEHICLE BECAME INOPERATIVE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL AS CONSUMER WAS DRIVING, THE IGNITION MODULE FAILED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT, ITS LOCATION BEING ON THE DISTRIBUTOR.*YD
10/30/1997 · Suspension
WHILE DRIVING, RIGHT FRONT AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM FELL DOWN ON RIGHT TIRE; ALMOST CAUSED VEHICLE TO TURN OVER, DEALER REPLACING AIR SUSPENSION. SYSTEM. VARIOUS SPEEDS.*AK
04/23/1997 · Suspension
FAILURE OF AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM. VEHICLE RIDES ON AXLE ; HARD STEERING AND ROUGH RIDING. VEHICLE REPAIRED BUT HAS BEEN IN FOR SAME PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES. *AK
08/07/1996 · Brakes
WHEN TURNING ON THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION SWITCH CAUSES THE ABS TO GO OUT AS WELL AS THE AIR CONDITIONING.AK
04/22/1996 · Engine · fire
DURING THE AM HOURS SMOKE ENTERED THE HOUSE THROUGH THE GARAGE AND BURNED IT DOWN. *AK
04/18/1996 · Electrical system · fire
VEHICLE WAS PARKED, COMPARTMENT FIRE UNDER THE DASH, ELECTRICAL SHORT. *AK