AI Damage2018 Lincoln Continental: common problems
Owners of the 2018 Lincoln Continental filed 21 complaints with NHTSA, most often about latches, locks, linkages and electrical system. The maker issued 69 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 21
- involving a crash
- 1
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 69
What fails most often
- 1 Latches, locks, linkages 29% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 24% of all complaints
- 3 Backover prevention 19% of all complaints
- 4 Structure 10% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 5% of all complaints
- 6 Engine and cooling 5% of all complaints
- 7 Visibility 5% of all complaints
- 8 Exterior lighting 5% of all complaints
- Latches, locks, linkages: 6 complaints (29% of all).
- Electrical system: 5 complaints (24% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 24.
- Backover prevention: 4 complaints (19% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 1.
- Structure: 2 complaints (10% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 4.
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (5% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 10.
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
- 3 L · petrol · turbo · 6 cyl
- 3.7 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 6-speed
Drive: AWD, FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 21 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 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 | 24 |
| Backover prevention | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 10 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 8 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 16 |
| Seats | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Communication | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Lane departure | 0 | 0 | 2 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
The headlights and warning lights were flashing on and off with the horn honking unintendedly. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.
Vehicle door handles are prone to failure and unresponsive for the lock/unlock. Potential safety concern for customers like myself which should be brought to Lincoln’s attention.
The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front driver's door latch failed to latch as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed front driver's door latch. The contact was informed that the front driver's door latch needed to be replaced.
When rotating tires 12/22/2023, upon removal of the right front tire, it was discovered that the inner sidewall had split open about midway between the tread and the wheel rim, for a distance of about one foot. There was no advance warning of this, and no warnings or messages displayed on the vehicle prior.
The contact received recall notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V644000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while shifted into reverse(R), the rear-view camera displayed blurry images.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 1,228 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (among the 42% least complained about).
On average one model year of the Continental has 34 complaints (4 years in the data). This year has 21, below average.
What to check before buying
- Latches, locks, linkages. Door, hood and tailgate latches, especially near the impact.
- 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.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
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…
NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E08 – Supplement #1 Certain 2016 – 2019 Model Year Lincoln MKT, 2016 Model Year MKS, and 2017 - 2020 Model Year Continental Vehicles with 3.7L Engines Powertrain Control…
- Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines…
Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
- 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 vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns …
- Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes…
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in…
- Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement…
Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs. Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement…
- While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal…
While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some…
- This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure
Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019…
- Certain 2017-2020 Model Year Continental and Super Duty, 2018-2020 Navigator, 2020 Aviator, and 2020…
Certain 2017-2020 Model Year Continental and Super Duty, 2018-2020 Navigator, 2020 Aviator, and 2020 Explorer Vehicles Replace Front and/or Side Cameras if Foggy
- For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an…
For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford…
- During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper,…
During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to…
NHTSA lists 69 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Lincoln Continental?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: latches, locks, linkages, electrical system, backover prevention. Total complaints: 21. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: door locks, latches, handles (24%), warning lights, check engine (10%), rear-view camera (5%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2018 Lincoln Continental?
NHTSA lists 69 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2018 Lincoln Continental from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2018 models
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.