1997 Lincoln Mark Viii
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
29% of complaints: exterior lighting — 26 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
HEADLIGHTS ON MY 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII SUDDENLY WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH CAUSING A NEAR FATAL CRASH. I LUCKILY RAN OFF THE ROAD INTO A MUDDY GRASSY AREA AND BECAME STUCK AND NOT KILLED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030903
18% of complaints: visibility — 16 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 8 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 5-10 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MOVING ERRATICALLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20071030
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140805
3% of complaints: exterior lighting — 3 distinct reports on file.
2% of complaints: wheels — 2 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
1997 Lincoln Mark Viii — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (8 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 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting:headlights, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 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.