1985 Lincoln Continental Reliability ReportKeepScore 68/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 1985 Lincoln Continental
- Outscores the 1983 Lincoln Continental by 6 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.
- The system most likely to surface first: air suspension system (major severity).
- Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:hydraulic.
1985 Lincoln Continental: Buy or Avoid?
The 1985 Lincoln Continental is a classic American luxury cruiser, but it is unequivocally a 'Proceed With Caution' recommendation for most buyers. While its robust 5.0L V8 engine and comfortable ride offer undeniable appeal, potential owners must brace for extensive age-related maintenance, particularly with its notoriously problematic air suspension and complex electrical systems. This car demands a dedicated enthusiast willing to invest time and money to keep it gracefully on the road.
Biggest Strengths
- Durable 5.0L V8 engine (when properly maintained)
- Classic American luxury styling and spacious interior comfort
- Relative parts availability for common Fox platform components
1985 Lincoln Continental — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 1985 Lincoln Continental. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 1985 Lincoln Continental
2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, CONTACTS IN BRAKE SYSTEM RELAY COULD REMAIN CLOSED, CAUSING THE BRAKE PUMP MOTOR TO RUN CONTINUOUSLY, CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT AND EVENTUALLY FAIL. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SHOULD THE BRAKE SUPPLY MOTOR FAIL, THE POWER ASSIST TO THE FRONT BRAKES WILL BE LOST, AND AFTER ABOUT 10 TO 15 NORMAL BRAKE STOPS, LOSS OF REAR BRAKE FUNCTION WILL RESULT, CAUSING INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. HOWEVER, THE INSTRUMENT BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE PRIOR TO REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY AND IF WARNING IS NOT HEEDED, AN ACCIDENT MAY OCCUR.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
A MALFUNCTION MAY OCCUR IN THE AIR SUSPENSION ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY.
What breaks on the 1985 Lincoln Continental?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Lincoln Continental — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Lincoln Continental. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 1985s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 1985 Lincoln Continental
Parts and accessories matched to your 1985 Lincoln Continental
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Frequently Asked Questions
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