Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 1984 Lincoln Continental — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
9
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 33% | new |
| Suspension | 3 | 33% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 1 | 11% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
IF THE SELECTOR IS GENTLY OR SLOWLY MOVED TOWARDS PARK, THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT CHANGE TO PARKING GEAR. SIMILARLY, SLOW MOVEMENT OF THE SELECTOR FROM REVERSE TO NEUTRAL MAY NOT REMOVE THE TRANSMISSION FROM REVERSE GEAR.
Remedy
DEALER WILL REPLACE RUBBER-ISOLATED SHIFT ROD WITH A CONVENTIONAL ONE-PIECE ROD AND WILL READJUST THE SHIFT LINKAGE.
Defect
THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE D-SHAPED RING FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ARE INADEQUATELY SUPPORTED BY THE MATERIAL IN WHICH THEY ARE MOUNTED. THE ATTACHMENT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES".
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW ATTACHING HARDWARE TO IMPROVE THE STRENGTH OF THE MOUNTING.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITHT ENGINE. WHEN TURNING VEHICLE OFF, NOTICED THAT IT WOULDN'T RESTART. WHEN CONSUMER LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD NOTICED THAT VEHICLE WAS IN FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK”
“WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE FRONT AND THE REAR ON THE VEHICLE DROP TO THE GROUND CAN NOT SEE THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. TT”
The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1984 Lincoln Continental. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.