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2018 Lincoln Continental Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated Jun 11, 2026·Ethan Miller
2018 Lincoln Continental Report

Overall Score

7.1/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • The 2018 Continental earns top NHTSA safety marks, including 5-star ratings for frontal and side impacts.
  • A 3.7L V6 engine delivers 305-400 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed automatic and all-wheel drive for confident traction.
  • Combined fuel economy is rated at 19 MPG, contributing to moderate running costs.
  • While no consumer complaints are logged, three recalls, particularly for door latches and rearview cameras, require verification.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2018 Lincoln Continental

The 2018 Lincoln Continental presents itself as a refined American luxury sedan, emphasizing comfort and a quiet cabin. It boasts excellent NHTSA safety ratings, achieving 5 stars overall, in frontal, and side crash tests, with a respectable 4 stars for rollover. Under the hood, a 3.7L V6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive provides smooth, if not overtly sporty, motivation. Fuel economy is adequate for its class, with a combined EPA rating of 19 MPG. While it lacks consumer complaints in NHTSA data, a history of three recalls, notably concerning door latches and rearview cameras, warrants attention.

Critical Failure Risk

The door latch mechanism can fail, preventing doors from latching securely. This was subject to a recall.

Early detection can help you avoid a $300-$600 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls3
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

0

No primary complaint themes found.

Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Horsepower
305–400HP
Torque
280–400 lb–ftLB-FT
Fuel Efficiency
Combined
19
MPG
City
16
MPG
Highway
24
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

9.0/ 10

Practicality

5.1/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Drivers seeking a comfortable, quiet, and well-equipped luxury sedan with strong safety credentials.

+3 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Enthusiasts looking for a performance-oriented or dynamically engaging driving experience.

+3 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2018 Lincoln Continental Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2018 Lincoln Continental.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Seating Capacity
5
Horsepower
305-400 hp
Torque
280-400 lb-ft
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Chassis Cab
MSRP Range
$45,160 - $70,625
EPA Combined MPG
19

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Most Common Issues

1. Door Latch Malfunction

Most reported

Usage data observed

2. Rearview Camera Image Degradation

Usage data observed

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake System Inspection

Est. shop cost: $120 - $180

5,000 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (4 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
3 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2018 Lincoln Continental reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2018 Lincoln Continental is 9.0/10. Reliability score is 9.0/10. NHTSA recalls: 3. Owner complaints: 0.

How practical is the 2018 Lincoln Continental for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.1/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 19 MPG. Seating capacity is 5. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 473 litres.

What is the overall score for the 2018 Lincoln Continental?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2018 Lincoln Continental is 7.1/10. Overall score is 7.1/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 7.2/10. Practicality 5.1/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2018 Lincoln Continental?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation and Inspection - Brake System Inspection at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $1,200 - $1,800. Repair prediction highlight: Door Latch Assembly (typical at 75,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $300 • Max: $600).

What is the MSRP range for the 2018 Lincoln Continental?▾

MSRP range is $45,160 - $70,625.

What engine is in the 2018 Lincoln Continental?▾

Engine specs list V6 • 6 • 3.7. Output is 305-400 hp • 280-400 lb-ft.

What transmission does the 2018 Lincoln Continental use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Lincoln Continental, transmission is Automatic. The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2018 Lincoln Continental?▾

EPA combined estimate is 19 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2018 Lincoln Continental?▾

6 standard and 5 optional driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

What is the fuel economy range for the 2018 Lincoln Continental?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Lincoln Continental, fuel economy range is 16-21 mpg combined.

How many people fit in a 2018 Lincoln Continental?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Lincoln Continental, seating capacity is 5.

What body style is the 2018 Lincoln Continental?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Lincoln Continental, body style is chassis_cab.

What drivetrain does the 2018 Lincoln Continental use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2018 Lincoln Continental, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2018 Lincoln Continental?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

Are there open safety recalls on the 2018 Lincoln Continental?▾

This model year has 3 official safety campaigns listed.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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