2018 Lincoln Continental
The 2018 Lincoln Continental is a full-size luxury sedan that aimed to blend classic American comfort with modern technology. Engine options included a 3.7L Ti-VCT V6 (305 hp, 280 lb-ft of torque), a 2.7L Twin-Turbo V6 (335 hp, 380 lb-ft of torque), and a 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 (400 hp, 400 lb-ft of torque). All engines were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Continental for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and elegant styling. Common criticisms include a less engaging driving experience compared to some European rivals and occasional issues with the infotainment system.
Engine
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine bay, loss of power, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the failed turbocharger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
2.7L Twin-Turbo V6
- Coolant Intrusion
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant seeping into the engine, white smoke from exhaust, potential engine failure.
- Solution: Replacement of the engine.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $7,000 - $10,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
No Issues Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Compressor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, error message on the dashboard, loud noise from the compressor.
- Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
- Description/Symptoms: The SYNC 3 system freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes unexpectedly.
- Solution: Software update. In some cases, hardware replacement of the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) is needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $800+ (APIM replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Ajar Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The “door ajar” warning light illuminates even when all doors are securely closed. This can cause the interior lights to stay on and drain the battery.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty door latch.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Door Handle Alignment Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Flush door handles are misaligned, do not sit flush with the door panel, or have difficulty popping out.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected door handle.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Rear Sunshade Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: The power rear sunshade fails to retract or extend properly.
- Solution: Replacement of the sunshade motor or the entire sunshade assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary:
The 2018 Lincoln Continental is a generally reliable luxury sedan but has a few potential trouble spots. Engine issues, particularly with the 2.7L and 3.0L turbo engines, can be costly to repair, as can air suspension problems. Electrical glitches with the infotainment system and door latches are also relatively common. While some issues are minor, others can lead to significant repair bills, so a thorough inspection is recommended before purchasing a used 2018 Continental.