BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
2017 Lincoln Continental
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 74 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Lincoln Continental, most frequently naming the body & structure, interior & seats and electrical categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 195 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| May 2017 | 1 | 1 |
| Aug 2017 | 1 | 2 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 3 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 4 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 5 |
| Mar 2019 | 3 | 8 |
| Apr 2019 | 2 | 10 |
| Aug 2019 | 1 | 11 |
| Sep 2019 | 2 | 13 |
| Jan 2020 | 2 | 15 |
| May 2020 | 1 | 16 |
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 17 |
| Dec 2020 | 1 | 18 |
| Mar 2021 | 3 | 21 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 22 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 23 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 24 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 25 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 26 |
| Jul 2022 | 1 | 27 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 28 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 29 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 30 |
| Mar 2023 | 3 | 33 |
| Apr 2023 | 3 | 36 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 37 |
| Aug 2023 | 2 | 39 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 40 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 41 |
| Feb 2024 | 2 | 43 |
| May 2024 | 2 | 45 |
| Jun 2024 | 4 | 49 |
| Oct 2024 | 1 | 50 |
| Dec 2024 | 2 | 52 |
| Jan 2025 | 2 | 54 |
| Feb 2025 | 1 | 55 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 56 |
| Apr 2025 | 2 | 58 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 59 |
| Aug 2025 | 2 | 61 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 62 |
| Jan 2026 | 3 | 65 |
| Feb 2026 | 1 | 66 |
| Mar 2026 | 4 | 70 |
| Apr 2026 | 2 | 72 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 73 |
| Jun 2026 | 1 | 74 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Body & structure2024.4%
- Interior & seats1923.2%
- Electrical1417.1%
- Driver assistance1315.9%
- Engine44.9%
- Brakes33.7%
- Steering33.7%
- Airbags22.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
4 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govLATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Date of Incident: XXX Location: [XXX] Vehicle Speed: 0 Description: The right front and right rear doors on my 2017 Lincoln Continental (VIN: [XXX]) became completely inoperable from the outside — the exact same safety defect addressed under recall 19S03. The recall repair was previously performed by an authorized Ford/Lincoln dealer, however that repair has since failed, leaving me with the same dangerous condition the recall was issued to correct. A door that cannot be opened from the outside while driving creates a serious safety risk to both the driver and passengers. I was forced to hire a locksmith just to access my vehicle and subsequently paid $1,142 out of pocket for professional diagnosis and parts. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the adequacy of the recall 19S03 repair, as it has clearly failed to permanently resolve the defect. Ford should be held accountable for ensuring their recall repairs are effective and lasting. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11742865
- Incident
- Feb 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln Continental. The contact stated while at various speeds, the contact noticed that there was an abnormal burning oil odor coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound, unexpectedly bounced and stalled. The message "4WD Off" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to different independent mechanics, and the transfer case was replaced twice; however, the failure persisted while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired; however, the contact expressed safety concerns that the repair might only be temporary. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11740862
- Incident
- May 29, 2025
- Mileage
- 110,000 mi
Vehicle: 2017 Lincoln Continental Black Label VIN: [XXX] I am reporting a seriously catastrophic brake system safety failure. The brake pedal intermittently travels to the floor with little to no resistance, resulting in a sudden loss of hydraulic braking pressure and significantly increased stopping distance. The braking response is spongy, inconsistent, and unreliable. A “Low Brake Fluid” warning appears despite no visible external leak, suggesting an internal hydraulic failure. I almost hit a vehicle from behind on several occasions before finally stopping to safety due to these issues that occurred. All of this occurred without any warning indication. The master brake cylinder has already been replaced with a true Lincoln/Ford part; however, the issue persists. This indicates a deeper system-level defect rather than normal wear and tear. The vehicle is currently unsafe and dangerous to operate due to the risk of complete or partial brake failure. Lincoln/Ford have already acknowledged that there is definitely an issue with the braking system. The failure symptoms are consistent with internal hydraulic brake system defects and are similar in nature to known issues reported in other Ford/Lincoln vehicles built on related platforms, including 2017–2018 Ford F-150 and Lincoln Navigator models (TSB 21-2241 and Recall [XXX] ), although this VIN is not currently included in a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11731147
- Incident
- Apr 6, 2026
I have a 2017 Lincoln Continental that the passenger side front door will not open from the inside.
- NHTSA ID
- 11730206
- Incident
- Oct 1, 2025
Doors open while driving , happened 4 times in the last month . Back right door and drivers door 2 occasions on both doors . On line it says all Lincoln Continentals from 2017 2018 and 2019 were recalled and there telling me mine is not on the recall . This is a very dangerous situation this is my wives car and she does not like driving it anymore .
- NHTSA ID
- 11727962
- Incident
- Mar 18, 2026
The rear doors on my 2017 Lincoln Continental do not open from the outside when the exterior handle button is pressed. The doors do open from the inside. This failure is very similar to the symptoms described in Ford’s existing recall for defective door latches on 2017 Continental vehicles, but my VIN is not included in the recall. This is a safety hazard because first responders or bystanders may be unable to open the rear doors from outside during an emergency such as a fire or crash. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether the recall should be expanded to include additional VINs, including mine. The failure was intermittent initially and then the door latches eventually stopped working completely (from the exterior.
- NHTSA ID
- 11726206
- Incident
- Dec 18, 2025
My car has had 1 or all 4 of the outside door latches fail for 3-4 times now over its lifetime. Only under warranty for 10 years or 100k miles. Very expensive repair, at $1500 for 1 latch, or $5500 for all 4. This is almost the value of the whole car now. This happens to ALL Lincoln Continentals and is very infamous & common for them & should be a lifetime recall warranty item for safety. Also, both Catalytic convertor show to be failing within 150k-165k miles which is way too soon. And another very expensive fix.
- NHTSA ID
- 11724828
- Incident
- Jan 9, 2026
Upon startup 2 error messages appear. Driver Side Door Defaults Adaptive Cruise Control Default
- NHTSA ID
- 11723575
- Incident
- Feb 27, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ENGINE; POWER TRAIN
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
POWER TRAIN
NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E08 – Supplement #1 Certain 2016 – 2019 Model Year Lincoln MKT, 2016 Model Year MKS, and 2017 - 2020 Model Year Continental Vehicles with 3.7L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING; BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS; LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
EXTERIOR LIGHTING; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Some 2016-2017 Edge/MKX, 2017 Continental/Fusion/MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine and built on 1-Apr-2016 and through 1-Jan-2017 may exhibit white or blue smoke from the exhaust, rough idle in neutral or park at normal operating temperature or after a hot restart. The vehicle may also exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306 and/or P0316, P0524 and/or P06DD with excessive oil consumption. Oil consumption may be 1 Liter (1 quart) in less than 4,800 km (3,000 miles). This may be due to the valve guides. To correct the condition replace the cylinder heads. During service and repair, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in timing gear failure and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair. The bolt requires a 4 stage torque procedure. Hold the pulley using a universal holding tool OTC 4754 or equivalent. Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 303-01. The bolt torque procedure can be
POWER TRAIN
Certain 2017 - 2020 Model Year Lincoln Continental Vehicles with 3.7L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 7 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2019 | 32 | 3 | 0 | 54.7 |
| 2018 | 18 | 2 | 0 | 53.5 |
| 2017Viewing | 74 | 4 | 0 | 55.9 |
| 2002 | 33 | 1 | 0 | 42.1 |
| 2001 | 32 | 2 | 0 | 44.0 |
| 2000 | 63 | 4 | 2 | 61.9 |
| 1999 | 42 | 3 | 2 | 60.9 |
| 1998 | 72 | 2 | 0 | 52.5 |
| 1997 | 96 | 2 | 0 | 47.3 |
| 1996 | 48 | 3 | 0 | 48.2 |
| 1995 | 70 | 2 | 2 | 57.4 |
| 1994 | 190 | 5 | 2 | 58.0 |
| 1993 | 121 | 4 | 5 | 56.8 |
| 1992 | 126 | 3 | 8 | 59.2 |
| 1991 | 203 | 3 | 7 | 64.2 |
| 1990 | 158 | 5 | 6 | 65.1 |
| 1989 | 158 | 5 | 8 | 66.7 |
| 1988 | 84 | 9 | 11 | 68.2 |
| 1987 | 9 | 1 | 6 | — |
| 1986 | 8 | 5 | 4 | — |
| 1985 | 15 | 2 | 3 | 70.0 |
| 1984 | 6 | 2 | 2 | — |
| 1983 | 2 | 3 | 1 | — |
| 1982 | 1 | 2 | 1 | — |
| 1981 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1980 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1979 | 2 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1978 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1977 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 1976 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1975 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1974 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1969 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.