1985 Lincoln Continental problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 1985 Lincoln Continental — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other Continental years?

Continental NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Continental years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Lincoln Continental problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	5	28%	▲ up
Suspension	5	28%	▲ up
Brakes	3	17%	new
Engine	2	11%	▼ down
Fuel System	1	6%	— flat
Seat Belts	1	6%	new
Tires & Wheels	1	6%	— flat

Does the 1985 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

86V109000BrakesAugust 8, 1986 · 38,000 units

Defect

UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, CONTACTS IN BRAKE SYSTEM RELAY COULD REMAIN CLOSED, CAUSING THE BRAKE PUMP MOTOR TO RUN CONTINUOUSLY, CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT AND EVENTUALLY FAIL. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SHOULD THE BRAKE SUPPLY MOTOR FAIL, THE POWER ASSIST TO THE FRONT BRAKES WILL BE LOST, AND AFTER ABOUT 10 TO 15 NORMAL BRAKE STOPS, LOSS OF REAR BRAKE FUNCTION WILL RESULT, CAUSING INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. HOWEVER, THE INSTRUMENT BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE PRIOR TO REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY AND IF WARNING IS NOT HEEDED, AN ACCIDENT MAY OCCUR.

Remedy

REPLACE PUMP MOTOR RELAYS.

85V040000SuspensionApril 9, 1985 · 19,200 units

Defect

A MALFUNCTION MAY OCCUR IN THE AIR SUSPENSION ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY.

Consequence

A WIRE TO THE AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR COULD OVERHEAT CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE, PRIMARILY WHEN PARKED AND KEY IS REMOVED.

Remedy

REPLACE CONTROL MODULE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MODULE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“POORLY DESIGNED AIR SUSPENSION MODULE FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE. MODULE WAS RECALLED (85V04), BUT CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 28, 1999 · fire

“THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE BRAKES AND ROLL FOREWARD AND THE OWNERS FOOT WILL STILL BE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 12, 1995

“PE 020; WHILE TRAVELING 60MPH ON INTERSTATE AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING RIGHT REAR TIRE SEPARATED. FIRESTONE, P22570R/15. CONSUMER WILL FILL FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 13, 2002

1985 Lincoln Continental — common questions

Is the 1985 Lincoln Continental reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1985 Continental problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (5 complaints), suspension (5 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).

Does the 1985 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 Lincoln Continental. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1985 Lincoln Continental under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Lincoln Continental years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Continental years to avoid are 1991, 1994, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1992, 1988, 1997, 2000, 2017, 1995, 1998, 1996, 1999, 2002. The cleanest record among Continental years belongs to 1980.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1985 compare to other Continental years?

What are the most common 1985 Lincoln Continental problems?

Does the 1985 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1985 Lincoln Continental — common questions

Is the 1985 Lincoln Continental reliable?

What are the most common 1985 Continental problems?

Does the 1985 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

Is the 1985 Lincoln Continental under NHTSA investigation?

Which Lincoln Continental years should you avoid?

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