Lincoln Continental years to avoid and best years
Newer Lincoln Continental years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2017 has the most complaints per year, at 4 (75 complaints). From 2019 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2020 at 1 (from 7 complaints), 2019 at 1 (from 31 complaints), and 2018 at 2 (from 20 complaints). On the 2017 Lincoln Continental, 14 of 75 complaints name Latches, locks, and linkages.
Data as of .
Lincoln Continental reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Lincoln Continental. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 → Fewest | 1 | 7 | 2 | Back-over prevention | 19.7 |
| 2019 → Fewest | 1 | 31 | 3 | Latches, locks, and linkages | 19.7 |
| 2018 → Fewest | 2 | 20 | 2 | Back-over prevention | 19.8 |
| 2017 → Most | 4 | 75 | 4 | Latches, locks, and linkages | 19.8 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 (WSS-M2C946-B1) · 6 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 235/50R18, 255/45R19, 245/40R20 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA safety recall 19V-077 covers certain 2017-2019 Lincoln Continental vehicles. The door latch pawl motors may not function properly, possibly resulting in a door latch not fully engaging. A door that is not fully latched may open while driving, increasing injury risk. Remedy: dealers replace the latch assemblies on all four doors free of charge. NHTSA safety recall 22V-644 covers certain 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental vehicles equipped with the 360-degree camera system (also listing F-Super Duty trucks): degradation of the camera's anti-reflective lens coating can lead to a foggy or cloudy rearview camera image, reducing rearward visibility. Remedy: dealers replace the rearview camera free of charge. When NHTSA lists multiple Ford/Lincoln models in one campaign, the published unit count is shared.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lincoln Continental years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2020 at 1 (from 7 complaints), 2019 at 1 (from 31 complaints), and 2018 at 2 (from 20 complaints).
Which Lincoln Continental year has the most owner complaints?
2017 has the most complaints per year, at 4 (75 complaints). On the 2017 Lincoln Continental, 14 of 75 complaints name Latches, locks, and linkages.
How do Lincoln Continental owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Lincoln Continental years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2019 on, complaints per year fall.
What oil does a 2018 Lincoln Continental use?
The 2018 US owner's manual specifies Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 (WSS-M2C946-B1), about 6.0 qt with filter across the listed engines.
What recalls affect the Lincoln Continental?
NHTSA lists 19V-077 (door latch pawl motors on 2017-2019) and 22V-644 (360-degree camera rearview image on 2017-2020); F-Super Duty trucks share the camera campaign unit count.
What tire sizes fit a Lincoln Continental?
Trim-dependent OE sizes include 235/50R18, 255/45R19, and 245/40R20; check the door placard for your Continental’s wheel package.