Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1978 Lincoln Versailles — 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.
0
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL (EEC) WIRING HARNESS MAY BE MISROUTED. THIS MISROUTING MAY CAUSE THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO ARM TO BE HELD OPEN DUE TO MECHANICAL INTERFERENCE WHEN THE SPEED CONTROL IS ENGAGED. THIS CAUSES A PARTIALLY OPEN THROTTLE CONDITION THAT CANNOT BE CANCELLED BY DRIVER ACTIONS NORMALLY USED TO SHUT OFF THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM.
Remedy
DEALER WILL INSPECT AND WILL CORRECT THE ROUTING OF THE SPEED CONTROL WIRING HARNESS, IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE TO OWNER.
The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1978 Lincoln Versailles. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.