1986 Lincoln Mark VII Problems
- Complaints
- 8filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 5campaigns 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
- 19 mpgcombined, 5.0L 8-cyl RWD · 16 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1986 Lincoln Mark VII (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 8 consumer complaints for the 1986 Lincoln Mark VII. The part named most often is electrical system, with 3 complaints (38% of the total), followed by engine cooling (2) and brakes (1). Of all complaints, 3 a fire, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign 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.
- Electrical system3 38%
- Engine cooling2 25%
- Brakes1 13%
- Equipment1 13%
- Fuel system1 13%
- Seats1 13%
- Tires1 13%
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1986 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 | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
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
- 87V139000Sep 4, 1987Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Lincoln Mark VII 1986–1988, Ford Escort 1986–1988, Lincoln Town CAR 1986–1988 +18 more
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
- 86V108000Aug 8, 1986Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Lincoln Mark VII 1986, Continental 1986
The ignition lock cylinder may hang up and not fully return to the "on" position from the "start" position after starting the engine. If this occurs, the engine will remain running, but the battery current to the brake system supply motor will be…
- 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…
- 86V023000Feb 10, 1986Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: Lincoln Mark VII 1986, Continental 1986
Wiring connections in an electrical connector to the master cylinder reservoir fluid level sensors were reversed and fail to indicate low fluid levels as specified by fmvss 105, hydraulic brake systems. Consequence of defect: sensor will not transmit signal…
- 85V115000Sep 19, 1985Vehicle speed controlCovers: Lincoln Mark VII 1986, Continental 1986
An aluminum casting flash on the face of the throttle body may break off and become trapped between the throttle plate and the bore in the throttle body. Consequences of defect: throttle may fail to return to idle position when released and could result in…
Recall details for the 1986 Lincoln Mark VII → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1986 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 1986 Lincoln Mark VII have?
NHTSA recorded 8 consumer complaints for the 1986 Lincoln Mark VII as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1986 Lincoln Mark VII is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 3 complaints (38% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 2.
Has the 1986 Lincoln Mark VII been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1986 Lincoln Mark VII get?
The EPA rates the 1986 Lincoln Mark VII (Mark VII, 5.0L 8-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 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 29, 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.