What year Lincoln Continental should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2017 Continental is the year to avoid, with 75 complaints and the highest complaint index (100) among the 2017-2020 model years.

What is the best year for the Lincoln Continental?

The 2020 Continental is the best year, with only 7 complaints and a complaint index of 0.

What problems does the 2017 Lincoln Continental have?

Owners most often report Structure & Body issues, 49% of its complaints, including doors opening while driving and hood vibration at highway speed. It also has Electrical System complaints about dimming instrument panel lights.

Does the 2017 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

Yes, NHTSA lists four recalls for the 2017 Continental, covering the 360-degree camera system, door latch pawl motors, and the driver frontal air bag module.

Is the 2019 Lincoln Continental reliable?

The 2019 Continental is rated Caution, with 32 complaints and a complaint index of 67, placing it between the 2017 Avoid year and the 2020 Best year.

Lincoln Continental Best and Worst Years (2017–2020)

The 2017 Lincoln Continental is the year to avoid, with 75 complaints and a complaint index of 100, driven mainly by Structure & Body issues (49% of its complaints) and four recalls. The 2020 model is the best, with only 7 complaints and a complaint index of 0.

Avoid 2017 Best 2020

Model years: 4; 2017–2020
NHTSA complaints: 134
Recall campaigns: 5
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 0
Top problem area: Structure & Body

Continental Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Lincoln Continental problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2017	Avoid	100	75	1	4	Structure & Body	20	5★
2018	Good	33	20	1	2	Structure & Body	20	5★
2019	Caution	67	32	2	3	Structure & Body	19.5	5★
2020	Best	0	7	0	2	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	19.5	5★

Continental years to avoid: what went wrong

2017 Lincoln Continental Index 100 · 75 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2017 Continental leads all years with 75 complaints and the highest complaint index (100). Structure & Body problems make up 49% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 47,860 miles; owners describe doors that open unexpectedly while driving and hoods that vibrate as if unlatching at highway speed. Electrical System issues (19% of complaints) center on dimming instrument panel lights, with a median mileage of 89,000. The year carries four recalls, including door latch pawl motors that may not fully engage and a driver frontal air bag that may not properly inflate in a crash.

2017 structure & body problems →

Most common Lincoln Continental problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Structure & Body61 (46%)
Other26 (19%)
Electrical System24 (18%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras24 (18%)
Brakes6 (4%)
Steering6 (4%)
Engine5 (4%)
Transmission & Powertrain5 (4%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (3%)
Airbags2 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Lincoln Continental should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2017 Continental is the year to avoid, with 75 complaints and the highest complaint index (100) among the 2017-2020 model years.
What is the best year for the Lincoln Continental?: The 2020 Continental is the best year, with only 7 complaints and a complaint index of 0.
What problems does the 2017 Lincoln Continental have?: Owners most often report Structure & Body issues, 49% of its complaints, including doors opening while driving and hood vibration at highway speed. It also has Electrical System complaints about dimming instrument panel lights.
Does the 2017 Lincoln Continental have recalls?: Yes, NHTSA lists four recalls for the 2017 Continental, covering the 360-degree camera system, door latch pawl motors, and the driver frontal air bag module.
Is the 2019 Lincoln Continental reliable?: The 2019 Continental is rated Caution, with 32 complaints and a complaint index of 67, placing it between the 2017 Avoid year and the 2020 Best year.