Table 1 shows three common suspension related problems of the 1998 Lincoln Continental.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Front Suspension Coil Spring problems | |
| Front Suspension problems | |
| Suspension Noise problems |
#1-while leaving work the left front coil spring fractured in half punturing (tearing) the tire causing immediate deflation of left front tire affecting steering control and braking. (I had no advance notice -noise or bounce-before failure). #2-failure occured in a parking lot at low speed - thankfully. #3-the left front strut/spring assembly #1f3z*5w311 was replaced as well as the right strut/spring #1f3z*5w310 assembly due to inspection revieled a crack in the right front spring. The left front tire was replaced. This could easily have caused major damage or a fatality at driving speeds. I have old parts for inspection - they remind me how lucky I was in a parking lot at time of failure.
While driving about 35 mph, getting off highway, and then trying to slow down, a part on front suspension fell down hard on ground. Vehicle had to be towed away, and dealer could not tell what caused problem. Because the vehicle was severely damaged, it requird flat bed truck towing.
While driving the vehicle at almost any speed, going over any kind of bump in the road, there is a thumping noise coming from the rear end suspension. When taken to dealership, dealer stated that Ford is aware of the prolbem, and working on a solution.