1985 Lincoln Mark VII Problems
- Complaints
- 6filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 5.0L 8-cyl RWD · 14 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1985 Lincoln Mark VII (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 1985 Lincoln Mark VII. The part named most often is brakes, with 2 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling (2) and suspension (2). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the hydraulic filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes2 33%
- Engine cooling2 33%
- Suspension2 33%
- Electrical system1 17%
- Equipment1 17%
Example complaints
Brakes: “Hi my car experienced an electrical short to the compressor motor for my 1985 Lincoln continental Mark Vii. I called ford motor dealers and then ford motor co. All of them said there was no recalls for my 1985. I am being lied to by them as I have found information contrary to their statements to me. Nhtsa campaign number : 85v040000 I have also experienced brake problems similar to NHTSA campaign number : 86v109000. I believe they should be responsible enough to at least acknowledge there were recalls for my model. …”
NHTSA complaint #10156476, filed 2006-05Electrical system: “Engine stopped completely shut down while driving at 45mph. Hit the right rear of car & damaged right side. Failure of ignition module, replaced module for engine to function.”
NHTSA complaint #9004073, filed 2001-09Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1985 Lincoln Mark VII version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark VII RWD | 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 22 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Mark VII RWD | 2.4L 6-cyl · diesel | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $4,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 86V109000Aug 8, 1986Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › HydraulicCovers: Lincoln Mark VII 1985–1986, Continental 1985–1986
Under certain conditions, contacts in brake system relay could remain closed, causing the brake pump motor to run continuously, causing it to overheat and eventually fail. Consequence of defect: should the brake supply motor fail, the power assist to the…
- 85V040000Apr 9, 1985Suspension › Front › Springs › Air suspension systemCovers: Lincoln Mark VII 1985, Continental 1985
A malfunction may occur in the air suspension electrical circuitry.
Recall details for the 1985 Lincoln Mark VII → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1985 Lincoln Mark VII.
Other model years of the Lincoln Mark VII
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1991 | 14 | 100,120 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1990 | 12 | — | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1989 | 13 | 177,000 | 0 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1988 | 26 | — | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 7 | — | 1 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 8 | — | 5 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 6 | — | 2 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
All Lincoln Mark VII model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1985 Lincoln Mark VII have?
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints for the 1985 Lincoln Mark VII as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1985 Lincoln Mark VII is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 2 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 2.
Has the 1985 Lincoln Mark VII been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1985 Lincoln Mark VII get?
The EPA rates the 1985 Lincoln Mark VII (Mark VII, 5.0L 8-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 14 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.