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1985 Lincoln ContinentalProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 1985 Lincoln Continental, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints158 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem4Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 5, 2002. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1985 Lincoln Continental has problems

15 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system43
Service brakes, hydraulic30
Suspension32
Engine and engine cooling22
Seat belts10
Fuel system, gasoline11
Tires10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1985 Lincoln Continental recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Springs: air suspension system

Recall 85V-040 · Apr 9, 1985 · 19,200 vehicles

Risk. A WIRE TO THE AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR COULD OVERHEAT CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE, PRIMARILY WHEN PARKED AND KEY IS REMOVED.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lincoln.

Best & worst years

1985 vs. every other Continental year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Continental median. How we score

'69'74'75'77'78'79'81'82'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'17'18'19'20
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1985 Lincoln Continental, and the recalls they led to.

  1. BRAKE FAILUREPE86067 · closed Sep 9, 1986
    Led to recall 86V-108
  2. ABS FAILUREPE88100 · closed Apr 17, 1989
    No recall
  3. AIR SUSPENSION FAILUREPE93036 · closed Aug 4, 1993
    No recall

Own a 1985 Continental?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.