1985 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

2 recalls, 18 complaints - 21 TSBs

86V109000 Aug 8, 1986
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC
Defect Description
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. ... Read more
Remedy
REPLACE PUMP MOTOR RELAYS.
38,000 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
85V040000 Apr 9, 1985
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
Defect Description
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.
19,200 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Complaint Statistics

18 total complaints 10 fires

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE2
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER1
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC1
TIRES:TREAD/BELT Mar 5, 2002
Incident date: Feb 13, 2002
PE 020; WHILE TRAVELING 60MPH ON INTERSTATE AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING RIGHT REAR TIRE SEPARATED. FIRESTONE, P22570R/15. CONSUMER WILL FILL FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM Apr 26, 2000
Incident date: Apr 28, 1999
A FAULTY AIR SUSPENSION CONTROL SYSTEM CAUSED FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT RESULTING IN TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLE. YH
Fire
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM Sep 30, 1999
Incident date: Apr 28, 1999
POORLY DESIGNED AIR SUSPENSION MODULE FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE FIRE. MODULE WAS RECALLED (85V04), BUT CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. *AK
Fire
SUSPENSION Sep 6, 1999
Incident date: Apr 28, 1999
MY LINCOLN CONTINENTAL CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. ALL INDICATIONS ARE THAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE AIR SUSPENSION CONTOL MODULE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL (NHTSA 85V04) TO REPLACE THIS PART ON 1985 LINCLON MANUFACTURED FROM 11/84 TO 3/85. WHEN I CALLED FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S CUST... Read more
Fire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC Mar 31, 1998
Incident date: Jun 1, 1997
BRAKES: LIGHT INDICATOR FOR POWER BRAKE SYSTEM RELAY REMAINS ON, INDICATING THE BRAKE PUMP IS RUNNING CONTINUOUSLY. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Aug 21, 1997
IGNITION SWITCH FAILURE CAUSED FIRE.
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Mar 25, 1997
VEHICLE FIRE.
Fire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Dec 23, 1996
Incident date: Dec 12, 1995
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM Jul 25, 1996
Incident date: Jun 27, 1996
VEHICLE FIRE. *SD
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Jun 1, 1996
Incident date: Nov 24, 1995
ENGINE FIRE. *DSH
Fire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Jun 1, 1996
Incident date: Jan 1, 1996
ANTILOCK BRAKES FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL. *SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Apr 30, 1996
Incident date: Dec 31, 1995
VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SAW SMOKE NEAR IGNITION SWITCH AND VENTS, UNDER THE DASH, VEHICLE COMPLETELY BURNED. *AK
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Apr 30, 1996
Incident date: Dec 31, 1995
VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SAW SMOKE NEAR IGNITION SWITCH AND VENTS, UNDER THE DASH, VEHICLE COMPLETELY BURNED. *AK
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Apr 24, 1996
Incident date: Jan 17, 1996
ELECTRICAL SHORT OR SHOCK IN THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK
Fire
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING Nov 9, 1995
Incident date: Jun 8, 1995
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT FAILED TWICE. *SKD
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER May 8, 1995
Incident date: Apr 8, 1995
THE FRONT AND REAR SHOCK WHEN CAR IS PARK SHOCK ARE DOWN WHEN DRIVING COME BACK UP. TT
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER May 8, 1995
Incident date: Apr 8, 1995
THE FRONT AND REAR SHOCK WHEN CAR IS PARK SHOCK ARE DOWN WHEN DRIVING COME BACK UP. TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Feb 28, 1995
VEHICLE STALLS OUT WITH NO WARNING AT ANY GIVEN TIME. TT

EPA Fuel Economy, 1985 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
2.4L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) 20.0 26.0 22.0 Diesel $3,600
5.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive) 14.0 22.0 17.0 Regular $3,600

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1985 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

21 manufacturer communications from 20 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION4
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC3
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING2
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER2
021000 SUSPENSION:FRONT1
036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP1
131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM1
01157 Aug 6, 2001
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER
INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC
01156 Aug 6, 2001
138600 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC
0015 Jan 10, 2000
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS
99222 Oct 18, 1999
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT
99196 Sep 20, 1999
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT
99152 Jul 26, 1999
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT
98246 Dec 7, 1998
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC
9888 Apr 27, 1998
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC
9874 Apr 13, 1998
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC
9864 Mar 30, 1998
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT
985A13 Mar 18, 1998
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. *YC
97511 Mar 3, 1997
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD
962612 Dec 16, 1996
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW
96249 Nov 18, 1996
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW
96246 Nov 18, 1996
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW
96221 Oct 21, 1996
131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW
95212 Oct 1, 1995
036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE BECAUSE IT MAY BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE RUBBER MATERIAL USED IN THE DISC BRAKE SYSTEM. IF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE IS USED TO LUBRICATE ANY PAR
BC5015950601 Jun 1, 1995
021000 SUSPENSION:FRONT
UNKNOWN
9562 Mar 1, 1995
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
ROUGHNESS CONCERN DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. *TW
9566 Mar 1, 1995
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
UNKNOWN
9566 Mar 1, 1995
138800 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
UNKNOWN

NHTSA Safety Investigations, LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA01012 Opened: Apr 27, 2001 , Closed: Apr 15, 2003
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1999
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
ON APRIL 9, 2003, ODI RECEIVED FROM FORD AN OWNER LETTER AND DEALER NOTICE, BOTH DATED MARCH 2003.THE OWNER LETTER STATES THAT FORD WILL CONDUCT A PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN OF CERTAIN MY 1999-2000 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS (ALL MY 1999 VEHICLES AND MY 2000 VEHICLES ... Read more
PE00042 Opened: Oct 16, 2000 , Closed: Apr 27, 2001
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999
INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
There is no summary currently available
EA95033 Opened: Oct 31, 1995 , Closed: Oct 22, 1997
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1989
FAULTY SEAT BELT BUCKLES
COMPLAINTS ALLEGE AN INABILITY TO LATCH SEAT BELT BUCKLES, AND INADVERTENT UNLATCHING OF THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE.
PE93036 Opened: Apr 12, 1993 , Closed: Aug 4, 1993
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1984
AIR SUSPENSION FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
PE89157 Opened: Aug 23, 1989 , Closed: Sep 15, 1989
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1988
PS PUMP PULLEY BREAKS
===
PE89026 Opened: Dec 20, 1988 , Closed: Apr 12, 1989
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1988
AIR SUSPENSION FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
PE88100 Opened: Sep 6, 1988 , Closed: Apr 17, 1989
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1985
ABS FAILURE
There is no summary currently available
PE86067 Opened: Jul 29, 1986 , Closed: Sep 9, 1986
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1985
BRAKE FAILURE
ANALYSIS:THE 8 COMPLAINTS IN ODI COMPLAINT FILE REVEALED SUDDEN BRAKEFAILURE.FORD HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN, 03250000, ON 1985 MARK VII'SFOR AN OUT OF POSITION WIRING HARNESS.IN THIS CASE THE BRAKING SENSORMAY SHORT CAUSING POWER BRAKE FAILURE.THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLSPERTAINING TO THIS ALLEGED... Read more
DP78052 Opened: Aug 15, 1978 , Closed: Dec 18, 1978
DP, Closed , Model Year: 1977
BRAKES
BRAKES

LINCOLN CONTINENTAL - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the LINCOLN CONTINENTAL across all model years (1969, 2020).

89 Total Recalls
2,576 Total Complaints
9 Investigations
120 Reported Crashes
113 Reported Fires
11 Reported Deaths

LINCOLN CONTINENTAL - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2020 2 7 View
2019 3 38 View
2018 2 22 View
2017 4 100 View
2002 1 43 View
2001 2 38 View
2000 4 108 View
1999 3 46 View
1998 2 88 View
1997 2 109 View
1996 3 69 View
1995 2 94 View
1994 5 303 View
1993 4 200 View
1992 3 199 View
1991 3 399 View
1990 5 244 View
1989 5 255 View
1988 9 147 View
1987 1 14 View
1986 5 8 View
1985 (current) 2 18
1984 2 9 View
1983 3 2 View
1982 2 1 View
1981 0 1 View
1980 1 0 View
1979 2 2 View
1978 0 1 View
1977 1 1 View
1976 1 0 View
1975 3 1 View
1974 1 0 View
1969 1 0 View

Other LINCOLN Models

Model Recalls Complaints
NAVIGATOR 549 1,731 View
AVIATOR 367 666 View
MKX 365 1,718 View
MKZ 351 1,974 View
CORSAIR 266 204 View
TOWN CAR 125 4,351 View
NAUTILUS 112 229 View
ZEPHYR 111 289 View