1996 Lincoln Mark Viii
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1993 | 239 |
| 1994 | 167 |
| 1995 | 136 |
| 1996 | 106 |
| 1997 | 90 |
| 1998 | 83 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
65% of complaints: exterior lighting — 69 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WE HAVE BEEN NOTING THE HIGH NUMBER OF 1993-1996 LINCOLN MARK 8 OWNERS THAT HAVE BEEN REPORTING SERIOUS HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS WITH THEIR CARS, YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE BY YOUR OFFICES. FORD & LINCOLN WILL APPARENTLY DO NOTHING BECAUSE YOU DO NOTHING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021115
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE VERY DIM AND CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141117
4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.
FIRE4% of complaints: exterior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: exterior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS POOR VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT. THE HEADLIGHT LENSES HAD A CONSTANT FILM, WHICH AFFECTED THE LOW BEAMS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160205
VERY POOR HEADLIGHTS, CAUSING AN UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION WHILE ONLY BEING ABLE TO SEE A SHORT DISTANCE IN FRONT OF YOUR CAR AT NIGHT. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20131109
3% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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, S
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
Campaign 07V336000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
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.
Campaign 16E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Lincoln Mark Viii — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (69 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V336000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16E026000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Lincoln Mark Viii reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Lincoln Mark Viii is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Lincoln Mark Viii?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting:headlights, accounting for 65% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Lincoln Mark Viii have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.