A neighbor pointed out that the automobile was sitting several inches lower than normal closer to ground while parked in driveway. I began to check on this every time I went to use the car. Sometimes vehicle was normal height, sometimes lower. I noticed that, sometimes, when I turned the ignition key there was sound heard like a fan operating. I asked questions of people who had owned similar models and was told that there was a problem in this model showing up 4 to 8 years after manufacture. This model has a ride control which involves three "ride control" settings. As cars age there are air bags under the car which control the feel of car (plush, normal, firm) and they adjust accordingly. Before I start the car, if it sits low, turning the ignition key causes the ride mechanism to raise the car frame a few inches above the tires. Sometimes in cold weather this does not seem to operate and a message shows "check ride control". the store that does routine service regularly tells me that this is a problem in Lincoln/Ford and that repairs often cost $2000 or more. The car now has about 114,000 miles on it and this problem occurs more often. I believe this has become a safety issue, and I have been told that I am not the only owner having this problem. The car was purchased from another owner, whom I know, in about 2008. He had purchased it from a Ford dealer as a "program car" I believe in 2001.

- Charleston, SC, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Lincoln Continental. The power door locks engage and unlock on their own without warning. The doors normally lock automatically when shifting out of park. The interior lights also illuminated without warning after the vehicle was parked, which prevented the alarm system from engaging. The failure occurred February 5, 2008. The door is ajar warning indicator light indicated had illuminated; however, the door was secure. The ABS warning light illuminated the week of January 28, 2008 when there was snow present and dimmed immediately after the contact reached his destination. The dealer had not yet diagnosed the failure. The current and failure mileages were 93,000.

- Denver, CO, USA

Completed a turn using the signal light(unknown if related) and smoke emitted from the steering column. A odor of burning wiring insulation was detected at the same time. Dealer was unable to duplicate and no corrective action was taken.

- Camden, DE, USA

Contact states the air bag light illuminated. Dealer repaired the problem numerous times, but after a short period of time, the air bag light came back on. Smoke emmitted form the vehicle's steering column at the flasher switch.

- Bellevue, NE, USA

Consumer complains of an electrical failure causing the ABS brake light, air bag light, check transmission light, and parking brake light to illuminate. Dealer replaced ignition switch and sensor, but conditions still exist intermittently.

- Honosassa, FL, USA

Consumer complains of an electrical failure causing the ABS brake light, air bag light, check transmission light, and parking brake light to illuminate. Dealer replaced ignition switch and sensor, but conditions still exist intermittently.

- Honosassa, FL, USA

While starting vehicle dashboard indication lights/ air conditioner/ radio, and power windows worked intermittently due to an electrical short. After turning vehicle off and restarting, all function returned to normal. Dealer has been contacted. There was no lights at dashboard and no auto lamp. The power window and A/C failed. Am radio was inoperative. The power steering was very hard to turn.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

While driving the electrical system experienced severe failure which caused the vehicle to loose power brakes, power steering, turn signals and instruments on the dashboard, the dealership did not located the failure.

- Dallas, TX, USA