NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Lincoln Continental Safety Ratings
The 2019 Lincoln Continental scores 93 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 30 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Lincoln Continental demonstrates an exceptional safety profile, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100. This is anchored by its five-star overall NHTSA crash protection rating. The inclusion of standard crash-avoidance technology across all trims further bolsters its credentials. Its recall record is manageable, contributing to a robust safety assessment for consumers considering this model year.
The 2019 Lincoln Continental received a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Lincoln Continental ranks 24 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 93 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.6% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 30 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 24 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Lincoln Continental?
The 2019 Lincoln Continental enters the MotorCaliber dataset with an Exceptional Safety Index of 93 out of 100, establishing a high benchmark without a prior-year model for comparison. This score is anchored by a robust crash protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash avoidance technology. The standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control contributes to its top-tier avoidance-tech rating. While strong, the defect record component, at 16.5 out of 20, reflects the impact of three recall campaigns. A door latch recall was issued in the 2019 model year itself, indicating a timely response. Two additional recalls, in 2022 and 2025, demonstrate continued safety oversight for the vehicle well beyond its initial sale. The 30 unverified owner complaints, which frequently cite issues with latches and back-over prevention, align directly with the systems addressed in these recall campaigns, lending credence to owner concerns.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Lincoln Continental perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Lincoln Continental demonstrates strong performance in federal crash testing, earning a top overall rating from NHTSA. Both frontal and side impact protection achieved a perfect rating. While rollover resistance was slightly lower, the vehicle still posted a favorable 11 percent rollover risk and a no-tip result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13305
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Lincoln Continental have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. The earliest, from early 2019, targets door latch pawl motors that may not function properly, a latches and locks concern. A 2022 campaign addresses the backup camera sensing system. A 2025 campaign covers back-over prevention software. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Reported 2025-06-27
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA22V644000
Risk: Lack of a clear rearview camera image can reduce the driver's visibility of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 14, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S51.
Reported 2022-08-26
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH19V077000
Risk: A door latch that is not fully engaged may result in a door opening while driving, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the latch assemblies on all four doors, free of charge. The recall began October 14, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S03.
Reported 2019-02-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Lincoln Continental?
Thirty owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, all unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are latches, locks, and linkages at eight reports, followed by structure, electrical system, and back-over prevention at five reports each. One alleged crash is included in the total; no fires, injuries, or deaths are reported.
30 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Lincoln Continental?
Before purchasing this 7-year-old vehicle, any shopper should verify the completion of all three recall campaigns through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. This includes the 2025 back-over prevention software update. An outstanding remedy for a safety critical system, such as a backup camera or door latch, should be a firm negotiating point and a condition of sale.
- The 2019 model year carries three active or previously issued recall campaigns, including a 2025 back-over prevention software recall that may still be open on some vehicles. VIN verification is essential.
- NHTSA awarded this specific model year a five-star overall rating with perfect frontal and side scores. The four-star rollover result is accompanied by an 11 percent risk figure and a no-tip dynamic test outcome.
- The NHTSA Safety Index of 93/100 includes a perfect avoidance-tech sub-score of 10/10, reflecting forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard on this year's build.
- The 30 unverified owner complaints on file show a notable concentration in latches, locks, and linkages at eight reports, which aligns directly with the door latch recall issued in February 2019. Buyers should confirm that recall remedy has been performed.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Lincoln Continental places
The 2019 Lincoln Continental qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Lincoln Continental safety questions
Was the 2019 Lincoln Continental crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Lincoln Continental, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Lincoln Continental crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Lincoln Continental earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Lincoln Continental have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Lincoln Continental. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Lincoln Continental?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 30 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Lincoln Continental. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Continental years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13305), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Continental 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 24 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.