1985 Lincoln Continental
Only 15 complaints 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 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 15
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 15 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 15 |
| 1986 | 8 |
| 1987 | 9 |
| 1988 | 89 |
| 1989 | 161 |
| 1990 | 160 |
| 1991 | 206 |
| 1992 | 126 |
| 1993 | 122 |
| 1994 | 191 |
| 1995 | 70 |
| 1996 | 48 |
| 1997 | 96 |
| 1998 | 72 |
| 1999 | 42 |
| 2000 | 63 |
| 2001 | 32 |
| 2002 | 33 |
| 2017 | 75 |
| 2018 | 20 |
| 2019 | 32 |
| 2020 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Only 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Suspension
5 of 15 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing air suspension system and shock absorber.
Electrical system
4 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing switch and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle was parked, saw smoke near ignition switch and vents, under the dash, vehicle completely burned.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-30
Electrical short or shock in the vehicle, causing the vehicle to catch on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-24
Service brakes
3 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
Tires
1 of 15 total reports mentions: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1985-03-30Suspension85V040000 A malfunction may occur in the air suspension electrical circuitry.
Remedy: Replace control module with a newly designed module.
-
I
1986-07-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 1986-09-09 Brake failure
-
R
1986-08-11Service brakes, hydraulic86V109000 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.
Remedy: Replace pump motor relays.
-
I
1988-09-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-04-17 ABS failure
-
I
1993-04-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-08-04 Air suspension failure
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Lincoln Continental — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 85V040000 · Suspension
- Recall 86V109000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1985 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 1985 Lincoln Continental?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Lincoln Continental have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.