2018 Lincoln Continental Safety Report

2018 Lincoln Continental earns high safety ratings but faces recalls and complaints for rearview camera and door latch failures.

16Complaints
2Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
Most reported components: Back Over Prevention (4)Latches/Locks/Linkages (3)Electrical System (2)Unknown Or Other (2)Tires (1)Latches/Locks/Linkages,Unknown Or Other (1)Visibility/Wiper (1)Electrical System,Exterior Lighting,Unknown Or Other (1)Structure (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Lincoln Continental

The 2018 Lincoln Continental presents a generally strong safety profile based on NHTSA data, achieving a perfect 5-star overall safety rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover. However, despite the high crash test scores, the vehicle has been subject to two significant safety recalls and a pattern of consumer complaints, totaling 16. The most prominent complaint categories are 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' (4 complaints) and 'LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES' (3 complaints), which directly correlate with the two issued recalls. The 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V644000) addresses degradation of the 360-degree camera system, potentially reducing rearview visibility and increasing crash risk. Several complaints specifically mention issues with the rearview camera being foggy or parts for the recall repair being unavailable. The 'LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES' recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V077000) concerns door latch pawl motors that may not function properly, leading to doors opening while driving and increasing injury risk. Multiple complaints detail unresponsive or failing door latches, requiring doors to be slammed shut. Other reported issues, though less frequent, include electrical system malfunctions (2 complaints) and tire failures (1 complaint). While the vehicle performs well in controlled crash tests, the recurring issues with critical safety components like the rearview camera and door latches, as evidenced by both recalls and consumer complaints, suggest potential real-world safety concerns that buyers should be aware of.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Lincoln Continental receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2018 Lincoln Continental

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Lincoln Continental:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Rearview Camera Degradation
Degradation of the 360-degree camera system can lead to a foggy or unclear rearview image, reducing driver visibility and increasing crash risk. This is covered by NHTSA recall 22V644000, with multiple complaints about parts unavailability.
High Common new-unknown miles
Door Latch Failure
Door latch pawl motors may not function properly, preventing doors from fully engaging and potentially opening while driving. This is covered by NHTSA recall 19V077000, with several complaints detailing unresponsive or failing latches.
High Common unknown miles
Electrical System Malfunctions
Random problems with multiple electrical areas including approach lights, instrument cluster deprogramming, interior lights, exterior mirrors, and HUD.
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Tire Sidewall Split
Discovery of a split in the inner sidewall of a tire without prior warning or vehicle messages.
High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Lincoln Continental:

Back Over Prevention 25% of complaints

Issues with the rearview camera system, including fogginess and degradation, leading to a recall (22V644000).

Latches/Locks/Linkages 18% of complaints

Problems with door latches not fully engaging or being unresponsive, leading to a recall (19V077000).

Electrical System 12% of complaints

Various electrical malfunctions affecting lights, instrument cluster, mirrors, and HUD.

Unknown Or Other 12% of complaints

General or unspecified issues, including a 'Park Brake Limited Function Service Required' message.

Tires 6% of complaints

Report of a tire sidewall splitting without warning.

Visibility/Wiper 6% of complaints

Sporadic operation of wipers and washers, including turning on by themselves.

Structure 6% of complaints

One complaint related to an open recall (19V077000) at the time of vehicle purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Lincoln Continental

Is the 2018 Lincoln Continental safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Lincoln Continental received excellent crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall safety rating. However, it has been subject to two safety recalls concerning the rearview camera and door latches, and these issues are reflected in consumer complaints, indicating potential real-world safety concerns despite strong crash test performance.

What are common problems with the 2018 Lincoln Continental?

The most reported issues for the 2018 Lincoln Continental are related to 'BACK OVER PREVENTION' (25% of complaints) due to rearview camera degradation, and 'LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES' (18.75% of complaints) concerning faulty door latches. Both of these issues are covered by NHTSA safety recalls.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Lincoln Continental?

Yes, the 2018 Lincoln Continental has two active recalls. NHTSA Campaign Number 22V644000 addresses degradation of the 360-degree camera system, and NHTSA Campaign Number 19V077000 addresses door latch pawl motors that may not function properly.

How does the 2018 Lincoln Continental perform in crash tests?

The 2018 Lincoln Continental performed exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for both frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.

What should I know about the rearview camera issue?

The rearview camera issue on the 2018 Lincoln Continental involves degradation of the 360-degree camera system, which can lead to a foggy or unclear image, reducing visibility when backing up. This is a known safety recall (22V644000), and some consumers have reported difficulties getting the repair parts.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2018 Lincoln Continental boasts high crash test ratings, prospective buyers should verify that both the rearview camera (22V644000) and door latch (19V077000) recalls have been completed, and be aware of potential electrical system issues.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Lincoln Continental

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Lincoln Continental. The data includes 16 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Lincoln Continental an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.