1977 Lincoln Versailles recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-21. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE FITTED WITH TILT STEERING COLUMNS CONTAINING TRANSMISSION CONTROL INSERTS INTENDED FOR TRUCKS RATHER THAN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THIS MAY CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR POINTER TO BE MISALIGNED AND THE POSSIBILITY OF STARTING THE ENGINE WHEN THE SELECTOR IS BETWEEN THE NEUTRAL (N) AND DRIVE (D) DETENTS AND THE TRANSMISSION IS IN DRIVE.
What could happen:
The fix: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL INSERT, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1977 VERSAILLES.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 77V140000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT
Summary: THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE FITTED WITH TILT STEERING COLUMNS CONTAINING TRANSMISSION CONTROL INSERTS INTENDED FOR TRUCKS RATHER THAN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THIS MAY CAUSE THE TRANSMISSION SELECTOR POINTER TO BE MISALIGNED AND THE POSSIBILITY OF STARTING THE ENGINE WHEN THE SELECTOR IS BETWEEN THE NEUTRAL (N) AND DRIVE (D) DETENTS AND THE TRANSMISSION IS IN DRIVE.
Consequence:
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL INSERT, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
Notes: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TILT STEERING COLUMNS ANDAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS.SYSTEM: POWER TRAIN; TRANSMISSION CONTROL INSERTS, STEERING COLUMN.CONSEQUENCES OF DEFECT: SHOULD THE ENGINE START WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN DRIVE,THE VEHICLE COULD UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE FORWARD AND AN ACCIDENT AND PERSONAL INJURYCOULD RESULT.NOTE: PRIOR TO CORRECTIVE ACTION, DRIVER SHOULD BE CAREFUL TO START THE ENGINEONLY WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR INDICATES PARK (P).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1977 Lincoln Versailles owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (1), Gasoline (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (1)
07/23/1996 · Fuel system · fire
VEHICLE FIRE CAUSED BY FUEL TANK LEAKS DUE TO METAL STAMPED TO THIN. *AK