MYRModel Year Report

1985 Lincoln Continental

○ Not enough data
1985 Lincoln Continental
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:03:03.834Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Lincoln Continental Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1985 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 1 complaints 1982: 1 complaints 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 6 complaints 1984 1985: 15 complaints 1985 1986: 8 complaints 1987: 9 complaints 1988: 84 complaints 1988 1989: 158 complaints 1990: 158 complaints 1991: 203 complaints 1992: 126 complaints 1992 1993: 121 complaints 1994: 190 complaints 1995: 70 complaints 1996: 48 complaints 1996 1997: 96 complaints 1998: 72 complaints 1999: 42 complaints 2000: 63 complaints 2000 2001: 32 complaints 2002: 33 complaints 2017: 74 complaints 2018: 18 complaints 2018 2019: 31 complaints 2020: 7 complaints 2020
1985: 15 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19821
19832
19846
198515
19868
19879
198884
1989158
1990158
1991203
1992126
1993121
1994190
199570
199648
199796
199872
199942
200063
200132
200233
201774
201818
201931
20207

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 15 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 of 15 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SAW SMOKE NEAR IGNITION SWITCH AND VENTS, UNDER THE DASH, VEHICLE COMPLETELY BURNED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960430

VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SAW SMOKE NEAR IGNITION SWITCH AND VENTS, UNDER THE DASH, VEHICLE COMPLETELY BURNED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960430

ELECTRICAL SHORT OR SHOCK IN THE VEHICLE, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960424

SUSPENSION

2 of 15 total reports mention: suspension.

FIRE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

2 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 15 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE
TIRES

1 of 15 total reports mentions: tires.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19850330 — suspension

A MALFUNCTION MAY OCCUR IN THE AIR SUSPENSION ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY.

Remedy: REPLACE CONTROL MODULE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MODULE.

Campaign 85V040000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19860729 — PE (closed 19860909)

BRAKE FAILURE

R 19860811 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

Campaign 86V109000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19880906 — PE (closed 19890417)

ABS FAILURE

I 19930412 — PE (closed 19930804)

AIR SUSPENSION FAILURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1985 Lincoln Continental — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 85V040000 (suspension) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 86V109000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2019 ▲ 2001 ▲ 2002

WORST YEARS

■ 1991 ■ 1994 ■ 1989

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 electrical system:ignition:switch, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1985 Lincoln Continental have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.