RoadVitals

2017 Lincoln Continental

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
74
Latest Jun 9, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Aug 26, 2022
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Aug 26, 2022
277,040 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2020 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental vehicles equipped with the 360-degree camera system. Degradation of the camera's anit-reflective lens coating can lead to a foggy or cloudy rearview camera image.
The risk: Lack of a clear rearview camera image can reduce the driver's visibility of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S51.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 22S51View on NHTSA.gov

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Feb 11, 2019
27,609 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Lincoln Continental vehicles. The door latch pawl motors may not function properly, possibly resulting in a door latch not fully engaging.
The risk: A door latch that is not fully engaged may result in a door opening while driving, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the latch assemblies on all four doors, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S03.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 19S03View on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Feb 27, 2017
27,531 units potentially affected
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles and 2017 Lincoln Continental vehicles. In the event of a crash, the driver's frontal air bag may not fully inflate or the air bag cushion may detach from the air bag module. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
The risk: During deployment, if the air bag does not fully inflate or the cushion detaches, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began June 16, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C02.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 17C02View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structureElectrical
Filed Jun 9, 2026

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
EngineTires & wheels
Filed May 29, 2026

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
Brakes
Filed Apr 14, 2026

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
Filed Apr 9, 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
Body & structure
Filed Mar 30, 2026

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
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Mar 22, 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
Engine
Filed Mar 17, 2026

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
Body & structureDriver assistance
Filed Mar 11, 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.

25E08-S1

ENGINE; POWER TRAIN

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming

25E08 S1

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

25N17

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

SSM 54504

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

25E08

POWER TRAIN

Certain 2017 - 2020 Model Year Lincoln Continental Vehicles with 3.7L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming

TSB 25-2570

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

Lincoln Continental by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2020720
2019323054.7
2018182053.5
2017Viewing744055.9
2002331042.1
2001322044.0
2000634261.9
1999423260.9
1998722052.5
1997962047.3
1996483048.2
1995702257.4
19941905258.0
19931214556.8
19921263859.2
19912033764.2
19901585665.1
19891585866.7
19888491168.2
1987916
1986854
1985152370.0
1984622
1983231
1982121
1981100
1980010
1979220
1978100
1977111
1976010
1975130
1974010
1969010

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.