2001 Lincoln Continental
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
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 | 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 | 19 |
| 2019 | 32 |
| 2020 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
25% of complaints: suspension — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing coil springs and rear.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE BACKING THE CAR OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AFTER IT HAD BEEN SITTING OVERNIGHT, THERE WAS A LOUD POP AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140515
WHILE BACKING THE CAR OUT OF THE GARAGE AFTER IT HAD BEEN SITTING OVERNIGHT, THERE WAS A LOUD POP AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130525
19% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, SMOKE STARTED EMITTING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND NEAR THE WIPER SWITCH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140820
I BELIEVE THE INTECH SYSTEM HAS FAILED. CAR DOES NOT START. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020905
JUST BOUGHT A 2001 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. JUST ONE SMALL POTENTIAL SAFETY PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20001027
13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE SUFFERED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK INTO DRIVE. VEHICLE COLLIDES WITH A WALL CAUSING DAMAGE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FENDER AND HEAD LIGHT. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. PH
NHTSA ODI report, 20030207
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion.
Show complaint excerpts
I'M A NEW OWNER I ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR TWO YEARS AND THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS FUNNY WHEN I'M DRIVING OR TURNING THE WHEEL AND I HEAR A NOISE WHEN I TURN IT .
NHTSA ODI report, 20190417
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND LIGHT AND MEDIUM DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. A SWITCH LOCATED IN THE PLASTIC COVER OF THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COULD MALFUNCTION AND OVERHE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON THE WIPER MOTOR. MOTORS BUILT WITH THE SUSPECT TIME FRAME WILL HAVE THE WIPER MOTOR GEAR CASE COVER REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS
Campaign 01V258000 — check if this car was fixed
Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598,...
Remedy: Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.
Campaign 16E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Lincoln Continental — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 01V258000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16E026000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2001 Lincoln Continental reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Lincoln Continental is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Lincoln Continental?
The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Lincoln Continental have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.