Owners have filed 22 complaints
about the 2018 Lincoln Continental with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the doors, latches & locks.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 11
Against the median year of the Lincoln Continental. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 23
4.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 95
56% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2018 compares with every other Lincoln Continental
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2018 Lincoln Continental
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Doors, Latches & Locks
522.7%
Median failure at 103,517 miles
Other & Unspecified
418.2%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 1,500 mi
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
418.2%
Median failure at 25 miles
Electrical System
418.2%
Median failure at 34,250 miles
Body & Structure
29.1%
Median failure at 110,000 miles
Tires
14.5%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
14.5%
Median failure at 7,103 miles
Lights
14.5%
Median failure at 1,500 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
111.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
444.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
111.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
111.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
222.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2019peak 3Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2018 Lincoln Continental
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202248516,451 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: Over time, the coating on the lens for the rearview camera could degrade. If this happens, the rearview camera image may appear foggy or cloudy. Note: This recall only affected vehicles equipped with 360-degree camera systems. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display correctly could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the rearview camera.
Recall 20190631,276 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the door latches may not fully latch when a door is closed. If a door is not properly latched, it could open while the vehicle is moving. Safety Risk: A door that opens while the vehicle is moving could create an increased risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to have the latch assemblies replaced on all four doors.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Hazel Crest, ILCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On July 09, 2022 I delivered my vehicle to Heller Ford 700 Main Street El Paso, IL, (309) 527-6050 to have my original Cabin Air Filter eeplaced with a unit which I supplied. Their technician performed a commendable removal of the original unit. He found the original Motor Craft Cabin Air Filter had deteriated to a black fragmented crust which had clogged the blower motor to the extent the motor had to be removed and bown out, and reinstalled prior to the instillation of the new filter! I have no reservations against Heller Ford and it Service Facility Staff, mine is with Lincoln My car had 56,687 miles at the time of the service, The service manual recommends changes be made at 20,000 - 30,00 miles. My vehicle is highway driven no city stop and go traffic, I asked the sevice staff if they ever seen a cabin air filter in such shape- they said no I Purchased my vehicle from Sutton Lincoln/Ford in 2018 new off the lot and this vehicle is used for 100% pleasure driving. I feel the Cabin Air Filter was defective when it was installed at the factory! I contacted Lincoln Way - Case # 37545937 c/o Joan Turetsky Claim Service MGR. Little of no help (1-800 - 521-4140) I feel I should be reimbursed for my efforts due to a defective filter
NHTSA complaint #11473460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 110,000 milesLouisville, KY
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Continental. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on several occasions, the contact became aware that the front driver’s side metal near the check strap was splitting, and while the driver’s door was opened, there was a cracking sound coming from the door. 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.
NHTSA complaint #11757713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesHomosassa, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Continental. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the battery charge drained unexpectedly. 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.
NHTSA complaint #11747410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,035 milesEast Greenwich, RI
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Continental. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V077000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) and the remedy, to replace the latch assemblies on all four doors, had been completed in 2019. Approximately 7 years later, the driver's side door failed to latch immediately. The contact consistently pressed the button for the door to latch and lock. The failure had gotten progressively worse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V077000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages); however, the repair was no longer covered by the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and the case was escalated to the Automotive Safety Office. The contact had not received a response from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 99,035.
NHTSA complaint #11746653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ann Arbor, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. Driver side door handle and other door handles known to be unresponsive when locking/unlocking with keys or pressing button behind door handle.
NHTSA complaint #11726993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesLouisville, KY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Continental. 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. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was concerned that the front driver's door might unlatch while driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that an unknown recall was performed in 2019, and that the front driver's door latch was replaced. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
NHTSA complaint #11703803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
At issue is the on board display “Park Brake Limited Function Service Required” sometimes followed by flashing brake light. When this happens vehicle needs to pull over and stop and release the parking brake to go back to normal. . Also, there are times when light flashes ithe alarm goes off. Multiple times to shut off. The diagnosis was a faulty ABS-Module, which is now obsolete by Lincoln. We have tried many venues to find one and major parts house said he found none available in the U.S. Talking with Lincoln they had no answers. Question not answered by Lincoln are we at risk driving this vehicle. At the time vehicle drives great, since the ABS-Module affects other main parts of the vehicle, we are worried if another function is disrupted will it cause an issue. Such as an accident. Question, can we continue to drive this car safely. All information I’ve included can be verified by Korum Lincoln in Puyallup, Wa. 253-845-6600. The obsolete ABS-Module is the problem. Our safety is a concern!
NHTSA complaint #11651153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Savannah, GA
TIRES
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. As this was the first wheel removed, I am not sure what the condition of the other tires may be. As all tires are original equipment to the car, which is 4.5 years old and has approximately 18,000 miles on the odometer, I suspect that all tires will likely need to be replaced as they are all the same date code and DOT number. I have tried to upload pictures, but the webpage doesn't let me.
NHTSA complaint #11561568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palm Desert, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Continental. 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. The contact stated that several undisclosed dealers were contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11524602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Copperas Cove, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Continental. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V644000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11512191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jupiter, FL
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Continental. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V644000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the back over prevention image displayed was very distorted. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11510553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25 milesVan Nuys, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln Continental. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V644000 (Back Over Prevention) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the rear-view camera was foggy from the day the vehicle was purchased. The contact stated that he had not paid attention to the rear-view camera until he received notification of NHTSA Campaign: 22V644000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 25. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The contact stated that the backup camera is always foggy and cloudy during the day and night.
NHTSA complaint #11504052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hazel Crest, ILCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On July 09, 2022 I delivered my vehicle to Heller Ford 700 Main Street El Paso, IL, (309) 527-6050 to have my original Cabin Air Filter eeplaced with a unit which I supplied. Their technician performed a commendable removal of the original unit. He found the original Motor Craft Cabin Air Filter had deteriated to a black fragmented crust which had clogged the blower motor to the extent the motor had to be removed and bown out, and reinstalled prior to the instillation of the new filter! I have no reservations against Heller Ford and it Service Facility Staff, mine is with Lincoln My car had 56,687 miles at the time of the service, The service manual recommends changes be made at 20,000 - 30,00 miles. My vehicle is highway driven no city stop and go traffic, I asked the sevice staff if they ever seen a cabin air filter in such shape- they said no I Purchased my vehicle from Sutton Lincoln/Ford in 2018 new off the lot and this vehicle is used for 100% pleasure driving. I feel the Cabin Air Filter was defective when it was installed at the factory! I contacted Lincoln Way - Case # 37545937 c/o Joan Turetsky Claim Service MGR. Little of no help (1-800 - 521-4140) I feel I should be reimbursed for my efforts due to a defective filter
NHTSA complaint #11473460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Savannah, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The electric door latching mechanisms fail to fully latch the driver's door shut when pulled to the first detent. In order to fully engage the door latches, it was necessary to slam the door. The first occurrence coincided with unusually cold weather (34 degrees f). These door latches had previously been the subject of a recall which first delayed the dealer's ability to sell the car to me. Then, suddenly, even though the parts were reportedly still unavailable, the dealer claimed to have been able to use company connections to obtain parts early and claimed to have carried out the recall before selling me the car in April 2019. About a year later, the latches malfunctioned, draining the car's battery over the course of about two days, after which, the same dealer "reprogrammed" the latches and replaced the battery. Now trouble with the same door latches emerges again.
NHTSA complaint #11448466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Savannah, GA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The electric door latching mechanisms fail to fully latch the driver's door shut when pulled to the first detent. In order to fully engage the door latches, it was necessary to slam the door. The first occurrence coincided with unusually cold weather (34 degrees f). These door latches had previously been the subject of a recall which first delayed the dealer's ability to sell the car to me. Then, suddenly, even though the parts were reportedly still unavailable, the dealer claimed to have been able to use company connections to obtain parts early and claimed to have carried out the recall before selling me the car in April 2019. About a year later, the latches malfunctioned, draining the car's battery over the course of about two days, after which, the same dealer "reprogrammed" the latches and replaced the battery. Now trouble with the same door latches emerges again.
NHTSA complaint #11448466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,103 milesConcord, NC
VISIBILITY/WIPER
THE WIPER AND WASHERS DO NOT OPERATE AS INTENDED. OPERATION IS SPORADIC. WASHERS DO NOT RESPOND TO THE CONTROL. THEY TURN ON BY THEMSELVES, USUALLY AFTER STARTING THE CAR AND WILL EMPTY THE WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR. THE WIPERS DO NOT RESPOND TO THE CONTROLS. THEY TOO MAY TURN ON AT ANYTIME ON THEIR OWN. BUT THEY DO NOT TURN ON WHEN YOU OPERATE THE SWITCH TO TURN THEM ON. THESE OCCURRENCES HAPPEN REGARDLESS OF THE CAR BEING IN PARK OR IN GEAR. AFTER 2 WEEKS IN THE DEALERSHIP, THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND HAVE BEEN REPLACING VARIOUS PARTS, TRIAL AND ERROR, TO NO AVAIL.
NHTSA complaint #11365891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paris, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
RANDOM PROBLEMS WITH MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL AREAS; APPROACH LIGHTS NOT COMING ON, INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DEPROGRAMING PRESETS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, OUTSIDE MIRRORS FOLDING WHEN PROGRAMMED NOT TO DO SO, INTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR MARKEDLY CHANGING POSITION, HUD MALFUNCTIONING. LINCOLN TELLS ME THAT I AM NOT DRIVING IT ENOUGH AND THE BATTERY IS GOING DOWN. THAT THEN MAKES THE COMPUTER TO MALFUNCTION. THE LATEST ATTEMPT TO REMEDY THIS IS THE INSTALLATION OF A TRICLE CHARGER. THE CONNECTION TO IT HANGS OUT A HOLE IN THE GRILL WHERE I SUSPECT IT WILL BEAT MY BUMPER TO PIECES. THEY NOW TELL ME THAT I MUST STORE THE FOB NO LESS THAN 50 FEET FROM THE CAR SO THAT THE FOB TALKING TO THE COMPUTER WILL RUN THE BATTERY DOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11327842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,500 milesParis, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DEPROGRAMS ITSELF, INTERIOR LIGHTING STOPPED WORKING, FOLDING EXTERIOR MIRRORS FOLD THEMSELVES WITHOUT COMMAND TO DO SO,REAR VIEW MIRROR CHANGES IT SETTING WITHOUT COMMAND, HUD FLASHES MULTICOLOR LIGHTS ONTO WINDSHIELD VIEWING AREA, APPROACH LIGHTING STOPPED WORKING. SYNC3 WAS PROGRAMMED TO DISPLAY MAP ON STARTUP BUT RECENTLY CAME UP WITH DIFFERENT SETUP. ALL OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. BEGAN 12/11/2018 UNTIL PRESENT.
NHTSA complaint #11324349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,500 milesParis, TN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DEPROGRAMS ITSELF, INTERIOR LIGHTING STOPPED WORKING, FOLDING EXTERIOR MIRRORS FOLD THEMSELVES WITHOUT COMMAND TO DO SO,REAR VIEW MIRROR CHANGES IT SETTING WITHOUT COMMAND, HUD FLASHES MULTICOLOR LIGHTS ONTO WINDSHIELD VIEWING AREA, APPROACH LIGHTING STOPPED WORKING. SYNC3 WAS PROGRAMMED TO DISPLAY MAP ON STARTUP BUT RECENTLY CAME UP WITH DIFFERENT SETUP. ALL OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. BEGAN 12/11/2018 UNTIL PRESENT.
NHTSA complaint #11324349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,500 milesParis, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DEPROGRAMS ITSELF, INTERIOR LIGHTING STOPPED WORKING, FOLDING EXTERIOR MIRRORS FOLD THEMSELVES WITHOUT COMMAND TO DO SO,REAR VIEW MIRROR CHANGES IT SETTING WITHOUT COMMAND, HUD FLASHES MULTICOLOR LIGHTS ONTO WINDSHIELD VIEWING AREA, APPROACH LIGHTING STOPPED WORKING. SYNC3 WAS PROGRAMMED TO DISPLAY MAP ON STARTUP BUT RECENTLY CAME UP WITH DIFFERENT SETUP. ALL OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. BEGAN 12/11/2018 UNTIL PRESENT.
NHTSA complaint #11324349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cushing, OK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V077000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE CONTACT CALLED BILL KNIGHT LINCOLN VOLVO AT 918-526-2509 (LOCATED AT 4111 S MEMORIAL DR, TULSA, OK 74145) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11288944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hazel Crest, IL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2018 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DOOR LATCH SAFETY RECALL. *LD *TR *DT CONSUMER FEELS HE WAS SOLD A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE WHICH COMMITTED VIOLATIONS IN HIS SALES TRANSACTION, PURCHASE DATE 02/07/19. MANUFACTURE AND DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY SAID THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF RECALL PRIOR TO 02/07/19.
NHTSA complaint #11191915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Strongsville, OH
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. AFTER THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE NEW VEHICLE, IT WAS LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V077000(STRUCTURE). THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DELIVERED AS NEW WITH AN OPEN RECALL. NICK MAYER LINCOLN WESTLAKE (24400 CENTER RIDGE RD, WESTLAKE, OH) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. *BF
NHTSA complaint #11190916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.