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FN5 · Sedan

1985 Lincoln Continental

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 1985 Lincoln Continental.

Safety record

Recalls on the 1985 Lincoln Continental

Recall·86V109000

Service brakes: hydraulic

UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, CONTACTS IN BRAKE SYSTEM RELAY COULD REMAIN CLOSED, CAUSING THE BRAKE PUMP MOTOR TO RUN CONTINUOUSLY, CAUSING…

Recall·85V040000

Suspension: air suspension system

A MALFUNCTION MAY OCCUR IN THE AIR SUSPENSION ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 18 owners reported

Suspension5
Electrical system5
Service brakes3
Engine and engine cooling2

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

1985 Lincoln Continental at a glance

Engine
2.4L 6-Cylinder, 5.0L 8-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic 4-spd
Drivetrain
RWD
Fuel
Diesel, Gasoline
Body style
Sedan
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 1985 Lincoln Continental?

Owners have filed 18 complaints about the 1985 Lincoln Continental with NHTSA, most often about the suspension. There are 2 recall campaigns covering this model year. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 1985 Lincoln Continental reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 2 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 1985 Lincoln Continental?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 1985 Lincoln Continental listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.