1981 Lincoln Continental
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 15 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1987 | 9 |
| 1988 | 84 |
| 1989 | 158 |
| 1990 | 158 |
| 1991 | 203 |
| 1992 | 126 |
| 1993 | 121 |
| 1994 | 190 |
| 1995 | 70 |
| 1996 | 48 |
| 1997 | 96 |
| 1998 | 72 |
| 1999 | 42 |
| 2000 | 63 |
| 2001 | 32 |
| 2002 | 33 |
| 2017 | 74 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2019 | 31 |
| 2020 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WOULD START UP INTERMITTENTLY. NOTICED A LOSS OF FUEL WHILE DRIVING. CHECKED RELAY, AND TRACED IT BACK TO THE GAS TANK. THERE WAS AN EXPOSED WIRE IN THE GAS TANK. IF WIRES CAME LOOSE, IT COULD START A FIRE. CONTACTED DEALER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000204
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1981 Lincoln Continental — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1981 Lincoln Continental reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1981 Lincoln Continental?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1981 Lincoln Continental have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.