MYRModel Year Report

1986 Lincoln Continental

○ Not enough data
1986 Lincoln Continental
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:46:47.727Z

Only 8 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 8 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
8

Too few to rank

Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 1986

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 6 complaints 1985: 15 complaints 1986: 8 complaints 1986 8 1987: 9 complaints 1988: 89 complaints 1989: 161 complaints 1989 1990: 160 complaints 1991: 206 complaints 1992: 126 complaints 1993: 122 complaints 1993 1994: 191 complaints 1995: 70 complaints 1996: 48 complaints 1997: 96 complaints 1997 1998: 72 complaints 1999: 42 complaints 2000: 63 complaints 2001: 32 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2017: 75 complaints 2018: 20 complaints 2019: 32 complaints 2019 2020: 7 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 6 complaints 1985: 15 complaints 1986: 8 complaints 1986 8 1987: 9 complaints 1988: 89 complaints 1989: 161 complaints 1989 1990: 160 complaints 1991: 206 complaints 1991 1992: 126 complaints 1993: 122 complaints 1993 1994: 191 complaints 1995: 70 complaints 1995 1996: 48 complaints 1997: 96 complaints 1997 1998: 72 complaints 1999: 42 complaints 1999 2000: 63 complaints 2001: 32 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2017: 75 complaints 2017 2018: 20 complaints 2019: 32 complaints 2019 2020: 7 complaints
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 6 complaints 1985: 15 complaints 1985 1986: 8 complaints 1986 8 1987: 9 complaints 1987 1988: 89 complaints 1989: 161 complaints 1989 1990: 160 complaints 1991: 206 complaints 1991 1992: 126 complaints 1993: 122 complaints 1993 1994: 191 complaints 1995: 70 complaints 1995 1996: 48 complaints 1997: 96 complaints 1997 1998: 72 complaints 1999: 42 complaints 1999 2000: 63 complaints 2001: 32 complaints 2001 2002: 33 complaints 2017: 75 complaints 2017 2018: 20 complaints 2019: 32 complaints 2019 2020: 7 complaints

1986: 8 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19811
19821
19832
19846
198515
19868
19879
198889
1989161
1990160
1991206
1992126
1993122
1994191
199570
199648
199796
199872
199942
200063
200132
200233
201775
201820
201932
20207

Known problem areas

Only 8 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Seats

2 of 8 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing recliner.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Seatback consisted of a stamped metal frame with opening in center and no supportive structure, driver fell through it upon impact, resulting in injury.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-16

Drivers side seat back broke during accident driver went through the seat. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-03-13

Service brakes

2 of 8 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Suspension

1 of 8 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing front.

Seat belts

1 of 8 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.

Fuel system, gasoline

1 of 8 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing delivery.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Fuel line fire occured after smelling gasoline.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-04

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1986-02-20Service brakes, hydraulic86V023000 Wiring connections in an electrical connector to the master cylinder reservoir fluid level sensors were reversed and fail to indicate low fluid levels as specified by FMVSS 105…

    Remedy: Re-configure wiring to the fluid level sensor connector.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1986-07-29Preliminary evaluationClosed 1986-09-09 Brake failure
  3. R
    1986-08-11Electrical system86V108000 The ignition lock cylinder may hang up and not fully return to the "On" Position from the "Start" Position after starting the engine. If this occurs, the engine will remain running…

    Remedy: Replace ignition lock cylinders with revised design cylinders.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    1987-10-12Fuel system, gasoline87V139000 Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.

    Remedy: Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    1988-09-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-04-17 ABS failure
  7. I
    1992-07-01Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-11-30 Sub-frm/unibody absor.fail
  8. I
    1993-04-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1993-08-04 Air suspension failure
  9. R
    Date not on fileVehicle speed control85V115000 An aluminum casting flash on the face of the throttle body may break off and become trapped between the throttle plate and the bore in the throttle body.

    Remedy: Remove excess casting flash.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1986 Lincoln Continental — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Seats: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 85V115000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 86V023000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 86V108000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 86V109000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 87V139000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1986 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 1986 Lincoln Continental?
The most-reported component is seats, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Lincoln Continental have?
5 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.