MODEL
Lincoln Continental Safety
NHTSA safety across every Lincoln Continental model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Lincoln Continental we cover (2019 to 2020), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2020 at 94 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 93. 5 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Lincoln Continental is a full-size luxury sedan that served as the flagship of Ford's premium Lincoln brand through its final model years of 2019 and 2020. Aimed at buyers who prioritize refinement, comfort, and prestige over sportiness, the Continental competed in a demanding segment against long-established European and domestic rivals. It represents the last chapter of a nameplate with deep American heritage.
The 2020 Lincoln Continental earns an Exceptional safety rating, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100. This strong performance is supported by its crash-test results; the 2020 model achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side crash evaluations from NHTSA. The rollover rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, a typical result for its class given the inherent stability of a full-size sedan. Across the 2019 and 2020 model years, NHTSA recorded 5 recalls for the Continental. This is a moderate number for a two-year production span. Prospective buyers should always verify a specific vehicle's recall status using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Owner complaints for both years total 37. While these are unverified allegations, the dataset includes 1 reported crash and 1 reported injury. Thirty-seven complaints warrant attention for a low-volume luxury sedan. Overall, the Continental's crash-test credentials and high Safety Index present a compelling safety profile in its segment for these model years.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Lincoln Continental as a comfortable, well-appointed luxury sedan with a distinctly American character and a smooth, quiet ride that suits long-distance cruising. Most acknowledge that it competes respectably in its segment on refinement, though opinions vary on whether its driving dynamics and technology fully match the most aggressive European alternatives available at similar price points.
- The 2020 Lincoln Continental earned a 94 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Exceptional band - one of the stronger results in the full-size luxury sedan segment.
- Frontal and side crash-test ratings reach the maximum 5 out of 5 stars in the best-performing year, giving buyers confidence in the core structural protection the vehicle offers.
- Five recalls were issued across the 2019 to 2020 model years. Any shopper considering a used Continental should run the VIN through the NHTSA recall database to confirm no outstanding safety recalls remain unaddressed.
- Owner complaints across both model years total 37, including 1 reported crash and 1 reported injury. While these are unverified allegations and the volume is modest for a two-year span, reviewing the specific complaint categories on NHTSA.gov is a prudent step before buying.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Lincoln Continental with 3 recalls.