RoadVitals

1995 Lincoln Mark Viii

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
136
Latest Jan 29, 2016
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Apr 1, 2016
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
13
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 136 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1995 Lincoln Mark Viii, most frequently naming the exterior lighting, brakes and body & structure categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 58 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes138.5%
  • Body & structure63.9%
  • Driver assistance53.3%
  • Steering53.3%
  • Transmission42.6%
  • Electrical42.6%
  • Visibility32.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS

Apr 1, 2016
49,635 units potentially affected
The defect: Bosch Brake Components LLC (Bosch) is recalling certain aftermarket replacement front brake pads, models Bosch QuietCast BC598 and BP765, Bosch Blue BE598 and BE598H, Prostop PD598 and PD765M, Duralast Gold DG598, Duralast MKD598, Stop Master ST598, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.
The risk: A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.
Robert Bosch LLCView on NHTSA.gov

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Aug 3, 2007
3,600,000 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
The risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 05S28View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA96019ClosedEngineering Analysis

HEADLIGHT FAILURE

Opened Jul 31, 1996
Closed Jan 26, 1998

EXCESSIVE HEAT IN AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED CIRCUIT BREAKER WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CAUSED THAT CIRCUIT BREAKER TO OPEN FOR TIME PERIODS OF VARYING LENGTH TO COOL OFF.OPENING OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER IN THIS MANNER INTERRUPTS ELECTRIC CURRENT FLOW TO THE HEADLIGHTS, SHUTTING THEM OFF.HEADLIGHT OUTAGES HAVE RANGER FROM BRIEF FLICKERS (LESS THAN ONE SECOND) TO GREATER THAN 20 SECONDS.OVER TIME, THE OUTAGES GROW IN LENGTH AND DURATION BECAUSE OF HEAT-INDUCED DETERIORATION OF THE SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING.RECALL 98V-009 WILL APPLY TO APPROXIMATELY 506,000 TAURUS, SABLE, MARK VIII, AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM 1-DEC.-92 THROUGH 30-SEP-93 AT THE ATLANTA, CHICAGO,AND WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANTS.87% OF MY 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE AND 97% OF MY 1993-1995 MARK VIII WARRANTY REPAIRS (HEADLIGHT SWITCH REPLACEMENT) INVOLVED VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE DEC. 92 - OCT. 93 BUILD RANGE.

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGLed to recall 98V009000
PE95007ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

BRAKE PEDAL SEPARATION FROM PIVOT ARM

Opened Feb 1, 1995
Closed May 4, 1995

There is no summary currently available

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Visibility
Filed Jan 29, 2016
Crash reported

THE HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY DIM AND DO NOT REFLECT ENOUGH LIGHT. AFTER MY MOTHER COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD AND RAN OFF AND HAD AN ACCIDENT I INSTALLED HID BULBS BUT STILL THE SAME PROBLEM DUE TO THE HOUSING GIVING VERY LITTLE REFLECTION OUT TO THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID
10823046
Incident
Jan 21, 2016
Mileage
147,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed May 12, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 LINCOLN MARK VIII. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS WERE DIM CAUSING THE CONTACT TO COAST THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,000.

NHTSA ID
10715954
Incident
Apr 22, 2015
Mileage
179,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 4, 2015
Crash reported1 injury reported

DIM HEADLIGHTS CAUSE POOR STREET VISIBILITY AND HIT VEHICLE PARKED IN THE STREET IN A DARK COMMERCIAL AREA. HEADLIGHTS CANNOT BE OPENED TO SERVICE AND HEADLIGHTS NO LONGER AVAILABLE TO ORDER NEW. NO AFTERMARKET OPTIONS. HAS BEEN USING HIGH BEAMS IN DARK AREAS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10669911
Incident
Jan 3, 2015
Mileage
181,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Dec 26, 2014

HEADLIGHT LENS BECOMES DISCOLORED AND NO REPLACEMENT AND LENS CANNOT BE REMOVED TO CLEAN INSIDE. LIMITS VISUALIZATION OF ROAD AND ONE COULD HIT WILD ANIMALS CROSSING THE STREET. *TR

NHTSA ID
10668376
Incident
Apr 2, 2012
Mileage
150,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Aug 29, 2013

POOR VISIBILITY AT NIGHT DUE TO POOR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. HIGH BEAMS EQUIVALENT TO WHAT LOW BEAMS SHOULD BE. HAVE EVEN REPLACED HEADLIGHTS WITH USED PARTS WITH MORE REFLECTIVE MATERIAL INTACT. HAVE PURCHASE POLISHING KITS FOR LENS. LENS REMAINS YELLOWED AND SCRATCHED, AND LIGHTING DIM DESPITE USE OF SYLVANIA SILVER STAR BULBS. NO NEW HALOGEN LIGHTS AVAILABLE, AND USE PARTS ARE WELL OVER 100 A PIECE, AND CONTAIN THE SAME DEFECTS. HID KITS ARE $150+. OWNER SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR AFTERMARKET ENHANCEMENTS TO VEHICLE TO ALLOW FOR SAFE NIGHT DRIVING WHEN HEADLIGHT DIMNESS IS DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE INHERENT DESIGN OF THE HEADLIGHTS.

NHTSA ID
10537829
Incident
Jun 1, 2009
Mileage
174,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 14, 2013

TRAVELING FROM DALLAS, TX TO ATHENS, AL 7:30PM LIGHTS SO DIM I COULD BARELY SEE THE ROAD AHEAD. I HAVE USED CLEANING KITS SEVERAL TIMES TO CLEAN THE HEADLIGHT LENS WITH NO RESULTS. I ALSO PURCHASED AND INSTALLED REPLACEMENT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES FROM EBAY WITH NO IMPROVEMENT IN THE LIGHTING. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL DIFFERENT BULBS WITH NO IMPROVEMENT. THIS IS REALLY A SAFETY PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN LUCKY SO FAR. ..UPDATED 01/17/2013 *BF

NHTSA ID
10493943
Incident
Jul 13, 2008
Mileage
65,067 mi
Body & structureElectricalExterior lighting
Filed May 3, 2012

HEADLIGHTS DO NOT ILLUMINATE VIEW OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. MOST OF THE TIME I CANNOT EVEN TELL IF MY HEADLIGHTS ARE ACTUALLY ON WHEN I TURN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH. I AM FORCED TO USE MY BRIGHTS JUST TO SEE THE ROAD IN ORDER TO DRIVE SAFELY, BUT THIS IMPAIRS THE VIEW FOR ON COMING TRAFFIC. IN ADDITION, CONVERSION KITS AND LABOR ARE EXPENSIVE, AND I SHOULD NOT BE SUBJECT TO PAY FOR AN AFTERMARKET MODIFICATION TO UPGRADE MY VEHICLE WHEN THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT VIOLATES THE DRIVER'S SAFETY. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS THEMSELVES HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED SO WHEN THEY DO MALFUNCTION FROM NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO PURCHASE THE HEADLIGHT OR AN UPGRADED VERSION. FURTHERMORE, NEWER MARK VIII'S (>1996) HAVE A TOTALLY DIFFERENT HEADLIGHT DESIGN AND DO NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM, BUT PARTS ARE NOT INTERCHANGABLE AND APPLYING AN AFTERMARKET HEADLIGHT REQUIRES PRECISION AND EXPENSIVE BODY WORK. *TR

NHTSA ID
10457406
Incident
May 27, 2011
Exterior lighting
Filed Dec 26, 2007

HEADLIGHTS ON MY 1995 LINCOLN MARK VIII ARE HORRIBLY DIM. DRIVING AT NIGHT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. WHEN IT'S RAINING OR FOGGY IT'S EVEN WORSE. NEW BULBS DO NOTHING SINCE THE PLASTIC LENSES ARE ALL YELLOWED AND THE CHROME REFLECTIVE MATERIAL IS GONE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10212874
Incident
Dec 26, 2007

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

03181

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT

03148

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT

03261

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

NEW SERVICE PART - NUMBER 5 NEEDLE BEARING AND RACE KIT - 4R70W TRANSMISSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT

02208

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH

02176

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ

02107

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

TRANSFER SERVICE TIPS FOR THE FRONT WIPER MOTOR MOUNT BRACKET AND DEPRESSED PARK OUTPUT ARM. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Lincoln Mark Viii by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2000100
1999200
1998832046.8
1997902043.1
19961062050.9
1995Viewing1362259.6
19941673158.5
19932394159.2
1992100
1989100

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.