2002 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.
18% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DECELERATE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121003
15% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing coil springs.
Show complaint excerpts
DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING BROKE, AND PUNCTURED THE FRONT TIRE. I WAS JUST BEGINNING TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVE-WAY. I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE SHOP. HAD BOTH FRONT SPRINGS AND THE TIRE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140826
12% of complaints: equipment — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing air conditioner.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING, WINDSHIELD BECAME EXTREMELY FOGGY, DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE ROAD. MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITH THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020318
12% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES THAT PLACE GEAR SHIFTER IN REVERSE AND VEHICLE LUNGE FORWARD INTO WALL. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
NHTSA ODI report, 20021009
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
2002 Lincoln Continental — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for equipment issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 16E026000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Lincoln Continental reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Lincoln Continental is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Lincoln Continental?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Lincoln Continental have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.