VehicleVerdict

2018 Lincoln Continental problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 20 complaints on file for the 2018 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.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

20

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Continental years?

Continental NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Continental years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Lincoln Continental problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Latches & Locks525%
Driver Assistance420%
Other420%
Electrical System315%
Lighting15%
Visibility & Wipers15%
Body & Structure15%
Tires & Wheels15%

Does the 2018 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

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

22V644000Driver AssistanceAugust 26, 2022 · 277,040 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2020 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental vehicles equipped with the 360-degree camera system. Degradation of the camera's anit-reflective lens coating can lead to a foggy or cloudy rearview camera image.

Consequence

Lack of a clear rearview camera image can reduce the driver's visibility of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 21, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S51.

19V077000Latches & LocksFebruary 11, 2019 · 27,609 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Lincoln Continental vehicles. The door latch pawl motors may not function properly, possibly resulting in a door latch not fully engaging.

Consequence

A door latch that is not fully engaged may result in a door opening while driving, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the latch assemblies on all four doors, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S03.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · February 12, 2019

“On July 09, 2022 I delivered my vehicle to Heller Ford 700 Main Street El Paso, IL, [PHONE] 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 9, 2022 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · March 15, 2023

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 12, 2026

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 1, 2019

2018 Lincoln Continental — common questions

Is the 2018 Lincoln Continental reliable?

The record is thin — 20 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 2018 Continental problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are latches & locks (5 complaints), driver assistance (4 complaints), other (4 complaints).

Does the 2018 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 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.

How safe is the 2018 Lincoln Continental?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Lincoln Continental earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.