AI DamageLincoln Continental: problems, complaints, bulletins
Summary for the Lincoln Continental across 4 model years: 135 owner complaints and 166 NHTSA service bulletins, plus repair videos. Pick a year for details.
Model years
What fails most often
- 1 Latches, locks, linkages 23% of all complaints
- 2 Structure 21% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 19% of all complaints
- 4 Backover prevention 16% of all complaints
- 5 Steering 4% of all complaints
- 6 Powertrain 4% of all complaints
- 7 Service brakes 4% of all complaints
- 8 Seats 3% of all complaints
- Latches, locks, linkages: 31 complaints (23% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 2.
- Structure: 28 complaints (21% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 26.
- Electrical system: 25 complaints (19% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 121.
- Backover prevention: 22 complaints (16% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 9.
- Steering: 6 complaints (4% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 2.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.7 L · petrol · turbo · 6 cyl 2017–2020
- 3 L · petrol · turbo · 6 cyl 2017–2020
- 3.7 L · petrol · 6 cyl 2017–2020
- 3.8 L · petrol · 6 cyl 1988–1994
- 4.6 L · petrol · 8 cyl 1995–2002
- 5 L · petrol · 8 cyl 1984–1987
- 2.4 L · diesel · 6 cyl 1984
- 2.4 L · diesel · turbo · 6 cyl 1985
- automatic, 4-speed 1984–2002
- automatic, 6-speed 2017–2020
Drive: FWD, AWD, RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 135 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latches, locks, linkages | 31 | 0 | 2 |
| Structure | 28 | 0 | 26 |
| Electrical system | 25 | 0 | 121 |
| Backover prevention | 22 | 0 | 9 |
| Steering | 6 | 2 | 2 |
| Powertrain | 5 | 0 | 39 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 0 | 12 |
| Seats | 4 | 0 | 29 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 | 16 |
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 32 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 | 7 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Tires | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Recently purchased this vehicle, it’s got a different problem all the time usually electronics. The other day I was in a fender bender because I’m driving with the steering wheel 30-45 degrees to the right just so I can drive safe.
After all body repair (yes, only body was damaged), all dtc codes clear I take car for test drive, and after ~20ml of drive in city on one of sharp turn my continental steering wheel locked by itself! I almost hit incoming traffic car, then I understand why accident happens for this car in usa.
The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the driver-side front and rear power door latches became inoperable, causing the doors to remain ajar. The dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone.
Windows are all coming down even when I'm away traveling with the FOB nowhere near.
The message "Door Latch Fault" was displayed on the Ford Mobile App. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V077000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). Additionally, the wrench warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with Emissions Recall: 25E08.
The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the door might swing open but not stop midway as designed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
What to check before buying
- Latches, locks, linkages. Door, hood and tailgate latches, especially near the impact.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Backover prevention. Rear camera and parking sensors after a rear impact.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
- NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E08 – Supplement #1 Certain 2016 – 2019 Model Year Lincoln…
- Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines…
- Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various connectivity concerns…
- Some 2016-2017 Edge/MKX, 2017 Continental/Fusion/MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine…
- Certain 2017 - 2020 Model Year Lincoln Continental Vehicles with 3.7L Engines Powertrain Control Module…
- This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure
- Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes…
- This article supersedes TSB 24-2345 to update the Service Procedure
- Various 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a partially or fully black…
- CERTAIN 2018-2024 MODEL YEAR VARIOUS VEHICLES — UPDATE SYNC SOFTWARE
- Some 2020 Continental, 2020-2024 Edge/Nautilus, 2020-2025 Explorer/Aviator/Escape/Corsair/F-150/F-Super…
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
- **Watch Before you Buy** Lincoln Continental 2017 Reserve - Door Lock Mechanism issueamount per author: 2,300 UNSPECIFIED_DOLLAR
- 2017 Lincoln Continental Front Brake Pads and Rotors
- Coolant leak diagnosis on a 2017 Lincoln Continental I love when they're this easy 
- 2017 Lincoln Continental (Bad Battery) issues. If this happens to you, get a new battery! 😇🔋
- This Pre-Owned 2020 Continental? A STEAL 🫣
Other models of this make
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.