1998 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
34% of complaints: visibility — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system and exterior.
16% of complaints: suspension — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front and air suspension system.
Show complaint excerpts
I'VE HAD THIS GEM SINCE 2010, BOUGHT WITH 30,000 MILES...NOW HAS 104,000 MILES. IT WAS GREAT UNTIL 2014. WHERE DO I START? (1) NO HEAT- BROKEN BLENDER DOOR ACTUATOR...MANUALLY SET IT TO THE WARM SETTING FOR THE WINTER BEHIND GLOVE BOX.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160204
Also filed under VISIBILITY/WIPER and WHEELS
13% of complaints: exterior lighting — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and high/low beam dimmer switch.
10% of complaints: service brakes — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
7% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and steering wheel/handle bar.
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
1998 Lincoln Mark Viii — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (11 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 1998 Lincoln Mark Viii reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Lincoln Mark Viii is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Lincoln Mark Viii?
The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Lincoln Mark Viii have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.