LincolnContinental2018Overview/lincoln/continental/2018/base/

2018 Lincoln Continental

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Continental.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2018 Lincoln Continental is a passenger car with a 6.0-quart 5W-30 oil capacity, a straightforward mechanical specification that defines its service requirements. With just 18 owner complaints and two recalls on record, its reliability profile is anchored by concerns in the latches, locks, and linkages category rather than widespread systemic failures. Within the model’s 1990–2020 complaint history—a span that reaches a high of 427 reports for 1993 and a low of seven for 2020—the 2018 edition lands in low-complaint territory, suggesting a relatively quiet year for documented problems without being the least reported in the series.

Model year202020192018201720022001200019991998

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30OEM · verified
Lug nut torque162 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 730 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R · 730 CCAOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Cabin air filterDG9Z19N619D

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length201.6 in
Overall width75.2 in
Overall height58.7 in
Wheelbase117.7 in
Curb weight4224 lb
Track (front / rear)63.4 / 64.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)59/41

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Continental of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

5.0–5.9 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.00 sec — 2017 Reserve Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2017Reserve Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo V65.00 sec13.50 sec400 hpAWD
2017Black Label Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo V65.30 sec13.80 sec400 hpAWD
2017Reserve Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo V65.40 sec13.80 sec400 hpAWD
2017Reserve Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo V65.40 sec13.70 sec400 hpAWD
2017Black Label Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo V65.50 sec14.00 sec400 hpAWD
2017Black Label Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo V65.90 sec14.20 sec400 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 5W-30 engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 162 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity11.6
Brake FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear OilSAE 80W
Differential Gear OilSAE 75W · Synthetic
Differential Gear Oil Capacity0.87-0.91
Differential Gear OilSAE 80W
Differential Gear Oil80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.0-2.5

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)177 lb.in (20 Nm) ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)177 lb.in (20 Nm) ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)3.5 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)3.5 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts162 ft-lbs
Steering Track (Rod End) Bolts111.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub148.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub148.0
Rear Wheel Hub148.0
Front Wheel Hub148.0

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Type12405
Spark Plug Gap.028-.031 in
Spark Plug Torque11 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.25 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity5.24 oz
Standard BCI Group Number94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance730 cca
Standard BCI Cranking Performance730 cca

Service checks

RPM46.0-80.0 rpm
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum46.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum80.0 psi
RPM46.0-80.0 rpm
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum46.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum80.0 psi
RPM51.0-65.0 rpm
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum51.0 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 41; Rear: 21
ABS Sensor Torque6.0 / NS
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 111; Rear: 66
Minimum Pad Thickness0.118 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.118 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 1.201; Rear: 0.374 /; Front: 1.201; Rear: .374
Maximum Rotor Runout.002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
171.0 inch lbs.71 in
245.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 4 stages
124.0 ft. lbs.24 ft. lbs
2Back off 360.0 degrees360 degrees
324.0 ft. lbs.24 ft. lbs
490.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 4 stages
124.0 ft. lbs.24 ft. lbs
2Back off 360.0 degrees360 degrees
324.0 ft. lbs.24 ft. lbs
490.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
117.0 ft. lbs.17 ft. lbs
232.0 ft. lbs.32 ft. lbs
390.0
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1166.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 360 degrees, Step 3: 26.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 270166 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1166.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 360 degrees, Step 3: 26.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 270166 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
189.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 360 degrees, Step 3: 37.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 9089 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep New cylinder head bolts must be installed.

115.0 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
2loosen two full turns.
337.0 ft. lbs.37 ft. lbs
4180 degrees180 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep New cylinder head bolts must be installed.

114.7 ft. lbs.14.7 ft. lbs
2Loosen two full turns.
337.0 ft. lbs.37 ft. lbs
4180 degrees180 degrees
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 6 stages
1Bolt 144 ft. lbs
2Bolt 244 ft. lbs
3Bolt 327 ft. lbs
4Bolt 144 ft. lbs
5Bolt 244 ft. lbs
627
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 6 stages
1Bolt 144 ft. lbs
2Bolt 244 ft. lbs
3Bolt 327 ft. lbs
4Bolt 144 ft. lbs
5Bolt 244 ft. lbs
627
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 4 stages
130.0 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
2Back off 360.0 degrees360 degrees
326.0 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
4180.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 4 stages
130.0 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
2Back off 360.0 degrees360 degrees
326.0 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
4180.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Cap bolts

120.0 ft. lbs.20 ft. lbs
2180.0 degrees; Side bolts180 degrees
133.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
290.0
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.6 ft. lbs., Step 2: 7.42.6 ft. lbs
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.6 ft. lbs., Step 2: 7.42.6 ft. lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
189.0 inch lbs.89 in
245.0
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
189.0 inch lbs.89 in
245.0

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 40,000 miFuel Filter (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Lincoln Continental shows a marked improvement in federal records compared to the preceding 2017 model year data. Consumer complaints dropped significantly from 74 in 2017 to 18 in 2018, while recalls decreased from four to two. Technical Service Bulletins also fell from 195 to 135, though the most frequent complaints involved latches/locks/linkages and back over prevention systems with four reports each, while safety records show zero fire complaints and one crash complaint. Although historical data from 1990-2002 displays higher complaint volumes, the 2017-2020 trend shows complaint volume ticked up to 31 in 2019 before falling to seven in 2020, positioning the 2018 model year as a low point in reported problems. Based on the substantial reduction in complaints and recalls relative to the preceding model year, the 2018 Continental represents a statistically favorable year to buy.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
135
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
18
Owner complaints
1 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 18 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Latches/Locks/Linkages4
Back Over Prevention4
Electrical System3
Unknown Or Other2
Tires1
Latches/Locks/Linkages,Unknown Or Other1
Visibility/Wiper1
Electrical System,Exterior Lighting,Unknown Or Other1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

19V077000Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:LatchReported 11/02/2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Lincoln Continental vehicles. The door latch pawl motors may not function properly, possibly resulting in a door latch not fully engaging. 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…

22V644000Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: CameraReported 26/08/2022

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2020 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and 2017-2020 Lincoln Continental vehicles equipped with the 360-degree camera system. Degradation of the camera's… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 135 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
25E08-S12026-06-30Power TrainPowertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming
25E08 S12026-04-14Power TrainNEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E08 – Supplement #1 Certain 2016 – 2019…
25N172026-03-25Unknown Or OtherAdvance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year…
25E082025-12-12Power TrainCertain 2017 - 2020 Model Year Lincoln Continental Vehicles with 3.7L Engines Powertrain…
TSB 25-25702025-11-26Electrical SystemThis article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

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VIN
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Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 Continental take?

6.0 qt of Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil; Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Super Premium Motor Oil-XO-5W30-QSP; CXO-5W30-LSP12, per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 Continental have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.