Lincoln

Continental (2002)

2002 · Full-Size Sedan · 1 engine
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.1)
29 NHTSA Complaints
1 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
3 Crash Reports
View all 4 generations of the Lincoln Continental → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

Lincoln Continental Unidentified Engine

Recommended (3.6)
8 complaints 8.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
4
suspension
2
wheels tires
2
engine
1
cooling
1

Known Issues

Suspension Issues (2 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (2 complaints)
Engine Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Lincoln Continental regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (5 complaints)
engine cosmetic
Suspension Issues (5 complaints)
suspension cosmetic

Recalls (1)

16E026000Jan 3, 2016serious
Service Brakes

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, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.

Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2002-2002 Lincoln Continental problems?

The 2002-2002 Lincoln Continental has accumulated 29 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Suspension, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Lincoln Continental engine is most reliable?

The 2002-2002 Lincoln Continental was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.6L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2002-2002 Lincoln Continental a good used car?

The 2002-2002 Lincoln Continental can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 29 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2002 Lincoln Continental have?

The 2002-2002 Lincoln Continental has 29 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2002-2002 Lincoln Continental?

There is 1 NHTSA recall affecting some 2002-2002 Lincoln Continental vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Lincoln Continental?

Before buying a used Lincoln Continental, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Suspension, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Continental have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2002 Lincoln Continental. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 29 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: low. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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