1993 Lincoln Mark Viii Problems
- Complaints
- 239filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles, 41 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 4.6L 8-cyl RWD · 16 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about the headlights: many describe weak low beams that they attribute to clouded lenses and a dulled reflective surface inside the housing, often noticed within the first several months of ownership and noted at widely varying mileage. A smaller share of complaints involve the cruise control system, including reports of engine fire while parked, and a few describe brake, air suspension and electrical faults on higher-mileage cars.
- Exterior lighting
Dim, yellowed headlights / low night visibility
- 124 complaints (52%)
- median 72,683 mi at 12.6 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $900 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 1997–2014
Owners describe headlights that light only a short distance ahead, making unlit roads and rain especially difficult, and many say they resort to high beams. Complaints attribute the loss of output to plastic lenses that yellow and haze and to the reflective coating inside the housing darkening or burning off; some report replacing bulbs or polishing lenses with little improvement, and a few mention replacing entire housings. Several owners say dealers found nothing wrong electrically, told them the aim was within adjustment, or offered only lamp assembly replacement. Reported across a wide mileage range, from vehicles showing the issue near new to well past 100,000 miles, and frequently described as gradual over years of use.
What to check: View the car at night or in a dark garage and check the low-beam reach, and inspect the lenses for yellowing and the reflector interior for dull or browned chrome. Ask whether the headlight switch circuit-breaker recall (98V009000) was completed and whether the housings have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii and the headlights are terrible. It's only a matter of time before dim light output will cause an accident. I believe the design of the headlight assembly is flawed which causes the plastic to burn and the reflectors to be damaged. Ford should replace the assembly or upgrade the Mark Viii's with the bad design to hid lights.”
NHTSA complaint #10093900, filed 2004-10, 35,000 miles“I am an owner of a generation 1 Lincoln Mark Viii (1993). The headlights on my car (brights and regular) are horrible. I have tried replacing the bulbs with different aftermarket brands, and nothing helps. This is a major complaint about the gen 1 Mark Viii's according to the other owners I know.”
NHTSA complaint #10205191, filed 2007-10, 95,000 miles - Vehicle speed control
Cruise control switch overheating / engine fire while parked
Mentioned in 7 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe fires starting under the hood, sometimes while the car was parked or had been sitting, with one owner told by the dealer that the speed control switch started it. Other owners report the cruise control failing to disengage with the brake or switch, or engaging and changing speed on its own, and in some accounts the car left the road after a fire. Recall paperwork for the speed control deactivation switch is mentioned in several of these complaints. Reported on vehicles ranging from about 35,000 to 159,000 miles, in several cases while the car was parked and unattended.
What to check: Ask whether recall 07V336000 (speed control deactivation switch) has been completed, and have the switch and its connector inspected for leaks, scorching, or brake-fluid residue. Check that the cruise control cancels when the brake pedal is pressed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle caught on fire while parked in the driveway. The fire was extinguished by consumer. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who de informed the consumer that the speed control switch was the cause of the fire, and they were unable to replace the switch.”
NHTSA complaint #10113357, filed 2005-03, 92,000 miles“- while driving the contact's car caught fire and both the driver and a passenger received fatal injuries. The cruise control deactivation switch was not deactivating the cruise control. According to the police, the car caught fire the driver attempted to pull over. The brakes were not operational and he struck a tree. The police reported that there were no skid marks on the road. The contact noticed shortly after purchasing the vehicle that the cruise control would not turn off by hitting the brake or with the switch. …”
NHTSA complaint #10176475, filed 2006-12, 90,000 miles - Exterior lighting
Headlights flicker or go out (switch circuit breaker)
- 12 complaints (5%)
- median 157,000 mi at 13.4 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 1998–2006
Some owners report headlights that intermittently cut out or flicker while driving, sometimes for about a minute, and in one case the lights returned after the car sat parked. Complaints link this to the headlight switch circuit breaker, and some note that the 98V009000 recall was performed on their car but the intermittent shutdown continued, or that their vehicle was not covered. Described at mileages from about 150,000 to 164,000 in the sample, typically while driving at night.
What to check: Ask for documentation that recall 98V009000 was completed, and test the lights with the switch left running for several minutes; ask a shop to inspect the headlight switch and circuit breaker if any flicker is reported.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dt: the contact owns a 1993 Lincoln mark eight. The contact stated that while driving at night the headlights went out, causing the vehicle to almost hit a guard rail. After the vehicle was parked for approximately 35 minutes the headlights turned back on. He did have to place the headlight switch between the on and off indicator to get the headlights to work. The service dealer has not inspected the vehicle to determine the cause of the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10138482, filed 2005-10, 199,222 miles“The vehicles dashboard started smoking then the headlights went out. The recall for the headlight circuit breaker (98v-009000) was performed prior to this incident. This recall was done prior to the consumer purchasing the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10017144, filed 2003-04, 87,000 miles - Brakes
Brake fluid leaks and brake drag or lockup
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe a brake pedal that sank to the floor when a rusted brake line burst, and others report the parking brake not releasing or a rear wheel locking while driving. Some complaints involve the master cylinder, vacuum booster, or anti-lock unit being replaced, with one owner saying the leak was worse after the repair, and another describing the car being returned to the dealer repeatedly for the same problem. Mostly reported between about 86,000 and 172,000 miles, with rusted lines noted on vehicles driven in road-salt conditions.
What to check: Inspect the steel brake lines, especially along the underbody and rear axle, for rust, and check the master cylinder and anti-lock unit for weeping. Confirm the parking brake releases fully and that the pedal holds firm under pressure.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While vehicle was parked emergency brake did not disengage when the lever was released. Also, the brakes would lock up the rear right wheel while driving at any speed. Vehicle had been to the dealer three times in the last six months for these problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10075740, filed 2004-06, 94,000 miles“Consumer had the master cylinder, and the vacuum booster replaced. The anti lock brake unit started to leak and was replaced. After the repair, it was leaking worse than before.”
NHTSA complaint #10001481, filed 2003-01, 87,000 miles
Buying note. Night visibility is the recurring theme on this model year, so check the headlight housings and low-beam output before buying and confirm the headlight switch and speed control recalls were completed. On higher-mileage cars, also look at the brake lines for rust and confirm the air suspension holds height.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 239 consumer complaints for the 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii. 41 of the complaints include a mileage, and 22% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 90,000 miles. Of all complaints, 16 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 7 an injury, 8 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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.
- Exterior lighting172 72%
- Vehicle speed control15 6.3%
- Electrical system12 5.0%
- Brakes9 3.8%
- Engine cooling6 2.5%
- Suspension6 2.5%
- Air bags5 2.1%
- Body and structure3 1.3%
Also reported: Interior lighting (2), Steering (2), Tires (2), Equipment (1), Fuel system (1), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Exterior lighting: “Problem with the headlight low beams. The are so low that you cant use them. I just got the car and was driving using the low beams went around a corner that was not lit and went on to the shoulder. Almost had an accident. From that point I just use the high beams. It is against the law but I have no choice. Please help resolve this problem make ford do the right thing.”
NHTSA complaint #10021115, filed 2003-06, 107,235 milesVehicle speed control: “My son was driving his girlfriend home when his car burst into flames. He pulled the car off the road telling his girlfriend to jump out the window as the flames continued to grow with each press on the brake pedal. The car slid into the dark hitting a tree. Both people died. My son was 22, his girlfriend was 21.”
NHTSA complaint #10176288, filed 2006-12, 89,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “I had the wiper motor repaired (even though I told the dealer to replace it) about three years ago. The wipers still lock in the upright position. I do not want to go through the expense of replacing these at high cost when this is obviously a manufacturer defect. Please advise. Thank you very much.”
NHTSA complaint #723253, filed 2000-05Electrical system: “Theft alarm goes off when ever it wants to. Doesn't matter if day or night. The battery has to be disconnected to shut it off. The car doesn't need to be disturbed for this to happen.”
NHTSA complaint #10683462, filed 2015-02, 90,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
22% of the 41 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 55,000 and 110,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii 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 VIII RWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 18 | $4,550 |
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
- 07V336000Aug 3, 2007Vehicle speed controlCovers: Lincoln Mark Viii 1993–1998, Ford E-150 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-350 1992–1993, 1997–2003 +18 more
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, smoke, or burn.
- 98V009000Jan 21, 1998Exterior lighting › Headlights › SwitchCovers: Lincoln Mark Viii 1993–1994, Mercury Sable 1993–1994, Ford Taurus 1993–1994 +1 more
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The headlights can flash intermittently as a result of the circuit breaker opening. The vehicle's headlights can go out for brief intervals.
- 92V166000Nov 18, 1992Seat belts › Front › RetractorCovers: Lincoln Mark Viii 1993
The link lever trunion on the safety belt retractor may have been damaged during installation.
Recall details for the 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10013060Oct 14, 2002Equipment. Climate control a/c service tech tips.
Other model years of the Lincoln Mark Viii
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 83 | 64,844 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 90 | 64,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 106 | 59,365 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 136 | 84,978 | 1 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 167 | 84,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 239 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Lincoln Mark Viii model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii?
Owners of this model year most often write about the headlights: many describe weak low beams that they attribute to clouded lenses and a dulled reflective surface inside the housing, often noticed within the first several months of ownership and noted at widely varying mileage. The issues reported most often: Dim, yellowed headlights / low night visibility; Cruise control switch overheating / engine fire while parked; Headlights flicker or go out (switch circuit breaker).
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii have?
NHTSA recorded 239 consumer complaints for the 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii is reported most often?
Exterior lighting is named most often, in 172 complaints (72% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 15.
Has the 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii get?
The EPA rates the 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii (Mark VIII, 4.6L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii reported?
Among the 41 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 90,000 miles and the middle half falls between 55,000 and 110,000 miles; 22% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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.