1997 Lincoln Mark Viii Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Exterior lighting3333.7%
- Visibility2222.4%
- Driver assistance88.2%
- Electrical66.1%
- Steering55.1%
- Other / unspecified44.1%
- Fuel system33.1%
- Brakes33.1%
- Engine33.1%
- Interior & seats33.1%
- Suspension33.1%
- Body & structure22.0%
- Powertrain (other)11.0%
- Heating & air conditioning11.0%
- Airbags11.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE KNOWN TO BURN OUT. THE PARTS ARE NO LONGER BEING MANUFACTURED SO THE ONLY WAY TO REPAIR THEM IS WITH A KIT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS SEEMED LIKE AN EXPENSIVE TEMPORARY REMEDY. IN ADDITION, THE BLEND DOOR, WHICH OPENS THE CONTROL FOR HOT AND COLD AIR TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD, DOES NOT WORK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS COULD BE REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE IT WAS CAUSED BY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS FAILURE, BUT NO DECISION ON HOW THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED. HE WILL WAIT UNTIL A RECALL IS ISSUED FOR THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,985. UPDATED 09/11/09 *BF UPDATED 09/15/09.*JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS BURNED OUT IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPLACEMENT BULB WAS UNAVAILABLE AND WOULD BE PLACED ON BACK ORDER. THEY ALSO REQUESTED A DEPOSIT FOR THE BULB, WHICH COST OVER $100. THE CONTACT CALLED SEVERAL FORD DEALERS AND THE MANUFACTURER, WHO ALL STATED THAT THE BULB WAS OBSOLETE AND WOULD NO LONGER BE MANUFACTURED. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE TO DATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. 4/01/09 *NJ UPDATED 04/06/09. *JB
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE KNOWN TO BURN OUT. THE PARTS ARE NO LONGER BEING MANUFACTURED SO THE ONLY WAY TO REPAIR THEM IS WITH A KIT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS SEEMED LIKE AN EXPENSIVE TEMPORARY REMEDY. IN ADDITION, THE BLEND DOOR, WHICH OPENS THE CONTROL FOR HOT AND COLD AIR TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD, DOES NOT WORK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS COULD BE REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE IT WAS CAUSED BY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS FAILURE, BUT NO DECISION ON HOW THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED. HE WILL WAIT UNTIL A RECALL IS ISSUED FOR THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,985. UPDATED 09/11/09 *BF UPDATED 09/15/09.*JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLINDER DOOR WAS INOPERATIVE WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW HEAT TO COME FROM THE DEFROSTER.. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR FOUR YEARS, BUT WAS NEVER REPAIRED BECAUSE THE PART IS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC. THE CONTACT IS HOPING THAT THE MANUFACTURER CHANGES THE PART TO METAL. DUE TO THE BLINDER DOOR NOT WORKING, THE DEFROSTER FAILS TO WORK PROPERLY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 92,000. UPDATED 3/5/09 *CN UPDATED 03/10/09. *JB
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
FIESTA LINCOLN MERCURY 1720 S MESA DR, MESA, AZ 85210 (480) 719-3090 IS REFUSING TO CORRECT ACTION UNDER RECALL 05S28 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V336000. ASSOCIATED DOCUMENT RCRIT-07V336-8625 LISTED THE CORRECT PART NUMBERS AND PROCEDURE FOR THE SPECIFIC VEHICLE THAT IS IN QUESTION. - SERVICE ADVISER [XXX] AT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY INSTALL A HARNESS ON THE VEHICLE IF NOT LEAKING. FORD HAS PROVIDED SUPPLEMENTAL 14, WHICH LISTS A DIFFERENT PART NUMBER FOR BOTH LEAKING AND NOT LEAKING FOR THE AFFECTED VEHICLE, AND [XXX] WOULD NOT VALIDATE THE INFORMATION BEING PRESENTED TO HIM IN THE RECALL DOCUMENTATION. [XXX] ALSO STATED THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO PERFORM ANY OF THE RECALLS AT THIS TIME DUE TO NO PARTS BEING IN STOCK TO PERFORM THE RECALL. - PARTS DEPARTMENT AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP ([XXX]) CONFIRMED THE PART NUMBER LISTED IN SUPPLEMENTAL 14 ARE IN FACT IN STOCK AND AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL 05S28. 05S28 SUPPLEMENTAL 14 ATTACHMENT V PAGE 1 Q3 EXPLAINS THE USAGE OF THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY FOR THIS APPLICATION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRED. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR AN HOUR AND THEN ADVISED HER THAT SHE WOULD NEED THE BRAKE LINE REPAIRED BEFORE THEY COULD PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO REPORT THIS AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT WHATEVER THE SERVICE DEALER STATED, IS WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO HEED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE POWERTRAIN AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLINDER DOOR WAS INOPERATIVE WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW HEAT TO COME FROM THE DEFROSTER.. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR FOUR YEARS, BUT WAS NEVER REPAIRED BECAUSE THE PART IS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC. THE CONTACT IS HOPING THAT THE MANUFACTURER CHANGES THE PART TO METAL. DUE TO THE BLINDER DOOR NOT WORKING, THE DEFROSTER FAILS TO WORK PROPERLY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 92,000. UPDATED 3/5/09 *CN UPDATED 03/10/09. *JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FAILED. WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE BULB, HE COULD NOT GET THE BULB UNSCREWED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT KIT AND CHARGED HIM $700. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,941 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 50,000. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE RECALL PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE PERTAINING TO THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION. THE CONSUMER PROVIDED A LETTER FROM FORD DENYING HIS CLAIM FOR A PARTIAL REIMBURSEMENT. THE DEALER STATED WARNING LIGHTS TROUBLE. UPDATED 10/03/07 *TR THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT. UPDATED. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING DOWN A BUSY URBAN STREET AND WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE DRIVER BEGIN TURNING SLIGHTLY TO CHANGE LANES AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, LEAVING THE VEHICLE WITH NO STEERING. *TR
STEERING WHEEL SENSOR WOULD MAKE A GRINDING NOISE WHILE OPERATING AND WOULD NOT LOCK IN POSITION. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFUSED TO ASSIST BECAUSE IT NOT A RECALL, AND OUT OF WARRANTY. *AK *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
FAILURE OF BLEND DOOR ACTUATOR ON 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII WHICH RESULTS IN FAILURE OF HVAC. THIS PREVENTS DEFROSTER FROM FUNCTIONING TO CLEAR WINDSHIELD OF FOG OR ICE THUS RESULTING IN A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO POOR VISIBILITY. THIS PART FAILED IN MAY 3, 2002 AND WAS REPAIRED AT DEALERSHIP BY REPLACING THE PART. THE PART HAS FAILED AGAIN IN DECEMDBER 12, 2004. THIS PART HAS FAILED TWICE WITHIN A LITTLE OVER 2 YEARS AND LESS THAN 32,000 MILES SINCE IT WAS REPLACED IN MAY 2002. *AK
ALL 4 WHEELS ARE CRACKING FROM THE HUB OUTWARD, FAILURE IS INCREASING GRADUALLY,BUT AT A DEFINATE HAZARDOUS SITUATION,I THINK THE WHEELS SHOULD LAST FOR MORE THAN 4 YEARS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
PROBLEMS WITH FUEL TANK READINGS ON GAS GAUGE.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE GAS GAUGE MOVED ERRATICALLY WHILE DRIVING. THE CLUSTER FUEL GAUGE AND FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM REMAINED THE SAME. *JB *NM
GAS GAUGE INDICATOR FAILED, IT DID NOT PROVIDE THE RIGHT INFORMATION. *AK THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT WITH LESS THAN 1/4 TANK OF GAS, THE CONSUMER ADDED TWO GALLONS OF GAS AND THE VEHICLE STILL DID NOT START, THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO LEVEL FOR TOWING AND THEN IT STARTED, THE PROBLEM HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN ANGLE TO THE LEFT. THE DEALER REPLACED SEVERAL COMPONETS SUCH AS THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND GAS TANK, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *JB *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAKE'S LIGHT IS ON AND WON'T GO OFF. BRAKE LIGHT IN THE MIDDLE DOESN'T WORK. *AK
WHEN MAKING SUDDEN STOP OR BRAKING HARD VEHICLE WILL PULL TO LEFT OR RIGHT.THIS DEFECT GETS WORSE IN RAINY CONDITIONS, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT .INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. DEALER HAS CHANGED BRAKE PADS, AND CUT ROTORS. DEFECT IS STILL OCCURRING. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
VALVE COVERS ARE VERY HARD TO TAKE OFF. SPARK PLUG SEALS LEAK OIL, INTO SPARK PLUGS AND COILS, THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, AND COULD CASE A SERIOUS FIRE. THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL, IF THIS IS HAPPENING, UNTIL YOU TAKE THE COILS COVERS OFF, BECAUSE THE COILS COVERS HAVE A RUBBER SEAL.
VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY SPEED/ ANY TIME. DEALER CANNOT FIND A CAUSE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
WINSHIELD WASHER BOTTOM, BROKE, ASSEMBLY INCLUDES SIGNAL LIGHT, WIPPERS, LOW/HIGH BEEM AND FLASHERS SWITCH, STEERING WHEEL AND AIR BAG HAVE TO BE REMOVED TO REPLACE PART, ABOUT TWO HOURS OF LABOR AND $200, ACCORDING TO DEALER. DEALER SHOULD MADE THIS A TWO PIECE PART TO MAKE JOB EASIERAND LESS SPENSIVE. DRIVER'S AJUSMENT HAS TO BE RESETED EVERY TIME YOU START THE VEHICLE, CAUSE UNKNOWN.
I HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN FOR THIS SAME REPAIR FOR ABOUT SEVEN OR EIGHT OR MORE TIMES. EACH AND EVERY TIME THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS TO HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THEY STATE THAT BECAUSE THE SEATS ARE WORKING PROPERLY AT THE TIME THAT THEY CANNOT PINPOINT THE PROBLEM, ALTHOUGH THE CAR HAS BEEN IN TO BE FIXED WHEN THE SEATS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, AND THEY STILL FAILED TO FIX THEM. I HAVE SPENT ALOT OF TIME AND GAS TO TRY ON MY END TO GET THIS RESOLVED, BUT TO NO AVAIL. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED TO WHATEVER EXTENT THAT THE LINCOLN COMPANY HAD TO GO TO, TO DO SO. EVEN IF IT MEANS STARTING FROM WHEN THE SEATS WERE ORIGINALLY INSTALLED TO TRACK DOWN THE PROBLEM. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. YOUR PROMPT DIRECT ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER IS SO GREATLY APPRECIATED. IF YOU NEED ANY FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME EITHER BY PHONE OR E-MAIL. MY E-MAIL ADDRESS IS [XXX]. THANKYOU, [XXX]. *AK PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PROBLEM STARTED A YEAR OF TWO AFTER PURCHASE. IT ABRUPTLY JERKS TO THE RIGHT ON LEFT TURNS FROM A STAND STILL OR WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT'S BEEN WORKED ON AT LEAST 4 TIMES BY THE DEALERSHIP BUT WITH NO SUCCESS. I HAVE REPORTED IT TO LINCOLN CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT GOT NO HELP.*AK
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60-65MPH THERE IS VIBRATION IN STEERING WHEEL, AND STEERING WHEEL MOVES BACK AND FORTH. ON BUMPY ROADS VIBRATION SEEMS WORSE. APPEARS TO BE LOOSE OR OUT OF BALANCE, DEALER ADJUSTED SUSPENSION/ NUTS AND BOLTS, AREAS WERE TIGHTENED. THEN THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE. WHEN POPPING NOISE WENT AWAY, VIBRATION CAME BACK AND SO FORTH. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
POWER ADJUSTMENT STEERING COLUMS ACT ERRACTICALLY AND WILL ADJUST BY ITSELF WHILE CONSUMER IS DRIVING . DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE DEFECT, AND CANNOT DETERMINE CAUSE. *AK WATER PUMP LEAKED CAUSING LOW COOLANT LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. DOOR AJAR SWITCH FAULTY AND WAS REPLACED. *SLC
I GOT HE VEHICLE SERVICED TO REPAIR THE CUP HOLDER, THEY TOLD ME I PUT CHANGE IN THE CUP HOLDER THAT DROPPED INTO THE MECHANISM THAT MADE IT NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. THIS IS NOT TRUE. I DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING BECAUSE IT WAS REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SECOND TIME IT WAS REPAIRED THE DEALER GAVE ME A HARD TIME ABOUT THE COST TO REPAIR IT AGAIN AND THE MECHANIC/TECH. SAID THAT I PUT Q-TIPS & CHANGE IN THE CUP HOLDER CAUSING IT TO NOT CLOSE. WHICH IS NOT TRUE. I GOT BRUISES ON MY ARM FROM HITTING IT AGAINST THE HOLDER AS IT WAS SUMMERTIME AND I WAS WEARING A SHORT SLEEVED SHIRT. I LOOKED AT THE HOLDER MYSELF AND NOTICED THAT THE TRACK ON WHICH IT IS SUPPOSE TO CLOSE WAS NOT STRAIGHT AND TOLD THEM SO. I DIDN'T BRING IT IN BECAUSE EVERY TIME I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR A REPAIR/ OIL CHANGE, ET. THEY WOULD KEEP IT FOR A WEEK. I GOT A LOANER THE FIRST COUPLE OF TIMES BUT, AFTER THE AGUMENT ANBOUT PAYING FOR THE CUP HOLDER TO BE REPAIRED THEY WERE RUDE AND WANTED ME TO PAY FOR THE LOANER WHE THEY WERE THE ONES THAT WERTE NOT REPAIN\RING MY CAR IN A TIMELY FASHION. I FELT INTIMIDATED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAR EXHIBITED A HARMONIC VIBRATION AT VARIOUS SPEEDS SINCE THE DAY I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT. NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO BALANCE AND REPAIR TIRE. REPLACE DRIVE SHAFT AND DIFFERENTIAL
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII LSC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REFRIGERATION DISCHARGE LINE FAILED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED AFTER THEY INSTALLED R134A REFRIGERATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STATED HE SHOULD CALL THE DEALER TO GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. UPDATED 07/13/12 *BF A LEAK WAS FOUND IN THE HOSE THAT RAN FROM THE COMPRESSOR TO THE CONDENSER. ALSO, THE METAL PART OF THE HOSE WAS RUSTED. UPDATED 07/31/12
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT BEING INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .