Recall 16V731 affects 1,827 2017 Lincoln Continental vehicles for incorrect HID headlight lenses. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln is recalling 1,827 2017 Continental vehicles with HID headlights because incorrect headlight lenses reduce turn signal visibility and do not meet federal lighting rules. Reduced signal visibility to drivers and pedestrians can increase crash risk, and Lincoln dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The HID headlights on the 2017 Lincoln Continental use a high intensity discharge light source and a lens to shape and direct the light. The same front lamp assembly also includes the turn signal, so the lens has to let that signal show clearly to other drivers and carry the required lamp information.
On affected Continentals, some headlamp assemblies were built with the wrong lens. Ford traced the problem to a supplier processing issue that put the wrong barcode label on the lens during assembly. That incorrect label let the wrong lens move through production, which left required light-source marking information off the headlamp and reduced turn signal visibility.
There is no warning sign before failure. The lamps can turn on and the vehicle can drive normally, but the defect is in the lens and markings, so an owner is not expected to spot it from normal use.
Who's affected?
| 2017 Lincoln Continental | Headlights |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1,827 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2017 Lincoln Continental is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced turn signal visibility makes your lane changes and turns harder for other drivers and pedestrians to see, which increases crash risk. Schedule the inspection soon and use extra care when signaling until the headlights are checked. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 Lincoln Continental is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the free headlight inspection and any needed headlight replacement that fixes the reduced turn signal visibility.
- Bring the recall notice if one was mailed. Reference recall number 16V731 and recall 16C15 when you call.
- Use extra care until the inspection is complete. Signal early and leave extra space around other drivers and pedestrians.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician inspects the HID headlights and replaces any headlight built with the incorrect lens. The inspection, replacement parts, and labor are free under recall 16V731. The work addresses turn signal visibility and the required lamp markings. If you already paid out of pocket for a related headlight repair before the recall, the manufacturer's general reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring repair paperwork and proof of payment to the Lincoln service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 10, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| October 10, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 12, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| November 7, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 16, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V731?
Recall 16V731 covers 1,827 2017 Lincoln Continental vehicles equipped with HID headlights built with incorrect lenses. The defect can reduce turn signal visibility for drivers and pedestrians, increasing crash risk. Lincoln dealers will inspect the headlights and replace them as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2017 Lincoln Continental is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V731. If it is, contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the headlight inspection. Reference recall number 16V731 or campaign code 16C15 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Lincoln dealers will inspect the HID headlights and replace them as necessary free of charge, regardless of where you bought the vehicle.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced turn signal visibility. If other drivers or pedestrians cannot clearly see the turn signal, they have less notice before a lane change or turn, increasing crash risk. The dealer repair addresses the headlight lens issue for free.
What if I bought my Lincoln Continental used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether this Continental is included, then contact a franchised Lincoln dealer and reference recall 16V731 when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V731000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V731 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V731000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →