VehicleVerdict

2002 Lincoln Continental problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 43 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median Continental year — the 2002 model ranks #15 of 34 Continental years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (6), other (6), and brakes (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

43

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Continental years?

Continental NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted399 complaints1969: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 1 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 1 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 9 complaints1985: 18 complaints1986: 8 complaints1987: 14 complaints1988: 147 complaints1989: 255 complaints1990: 244 complaints1991: 399 complaints1992: 199 complaints1993: 200 complaints1994: 303 complaints1995: 94 complaints1996: 69 complaints1997: 109 complaints1998: 88 complaints1999: 46 complaints2000: 108 complaints2001: 38 complaints2002: 43 complaints2017: 99 complaints2018: 20 complaints2019: 37 complaints2020: 7 complaints
Continental NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Continental years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Lincoln Continental problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other614%
Speed Control614%
Engine512%
Brakes512%
Suspension512%
Seat Belts37%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)37%
Tires & Wheels37%
Transmission25%
Airbags25%
Lighting12%
Electrical System12%
Steering12%

Does the 2002 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16E026000BrakesApril 1, 2016 · 49,635 units

Defect

Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.

Consequence

A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT THEN CRASHED INTO A WALL AND SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 25, 2012 · crash

“HAVE BEEN TO THE DSB BOARD THEY REQUESTED THE REPAINT THAT LOOKED AWFULL, THEY HAVE NOW REQUESTED A SECOND REPAINT AND I WANT REIEMBURSED FOR ANY LOSS OF TRADE IN VALUE RELATED TO A VEHICLE POORLY REPAINTED AND REPAINTED MY NEW 42K $$ LS HAS BEEN OUT OF SERVICE FOR 56 DAYS LAST REPAINT AND NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 15, 2002

“CONSUMER STATES THAT PLACE GEAR SHIFTER IN REVERSE AND VEHICLE LUNGE FORWARD INTO WALL. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 6, 2002 · crash

“PIECES OF VEHICLE'S ROTORS WERE FOUND ON THE GARAGE FLOOR.*MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHILE BRAKING. THE ROTORS WERE REPLACED. WHEN THE CONSUMER BACKED OUT OF HIS DRIVEWAY HE NOTICED CARBON LIKE PIECES ON THE GARAGE FLOOR THAT APPARENTLY CAME OFF THE ROTORS OR PADS.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 1, 1901

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED AND PUNCTURED THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WERE THEY CONFIRMED THE FAILURE BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 6, 2011

2002 Lincoln Continental — common questions

Is the 2002 Lincoln Continental reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 43 complaints put the 2002 model at #15 of 34 Continental years. It is one of the Continental years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Continental problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (6 complaints), other (6 complaints), brakes (5 complaints).

Does the 2002 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Lincoln Continental. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.