VehicleVerdict

1977 Lincoln Continental problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1977 Lincoln Continental — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1977 compare to other Continental years?

Continental NHTSA complaints by model year, 1977 highlighted399 complaints1969: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 1 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 1 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 9 complaints1985: 18 complaints1986: 8 complaints1987: 14 complaints1988: 147 complaints1989: 255 complaints1990: 244 complaints1991: 399 complaints1992: 199 complaints1993: 200 complaints1994: 303 complaints1995: 94 complaints1996: 69 complaints1997: 109 complaints1998: 88 complaints1999: 46 complaints2000: 108 complaints2001: 38 complaints2002: 43 complaints2017: 99 complaints2018: 20 complaints2019: 37 complaints2020: 7 complaints
Continental NHTSA complaints by model year, 1977 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Continental years to avoid →

What are the most common 1977 Lincoln Continental problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels1100%

Does the 1977 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

77V140000TransmissionSeptember 13, 1977 · 9,000 units

Defect

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.

Remedy

DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL INSERT, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“UNIROYAL, TIGERPAW, P225/75R15, DOT ANHHJDUU2001 REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT WITH LESS THAN 10 MILES ON A 1977, LINCOLN, CONTINENTAL. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 27, 2001

1977 Lincoln Continental — common questions

Is the 1977 Lincoln Continental reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1977 Lincoln Continental have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1977 Lincoln Continental. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1977 Lincoln Continental under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Lincoln Continental years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Continental years to avoid are 1991, 1994, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1992, 1988, 1997, 2000, 2017, 1995, 1998, 1996, 1999, 2002. The cleanest record among Continental years belongs to 1980.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.