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
- 33
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Vehicle speed control
Campaigns on file for 2002
None on file
18% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 33 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Vehicle speed control
18% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control.
Show 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, 2012-10-03
Suspension
15% · 5 reportsMost 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, 2014-08-26
Equipment
12% · 4 reportsMost 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, 2002-03-18
Service brakes
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Engine and engine cooling
12% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Consumer states that place gear shifter in reverse and vehicle lunge forward into wall. Cause is unknown. Please provide any further information.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-09
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2016-05-26Service brakes, hydraulic16E026000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Lincoln Continental — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Equipment: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16E026000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.