1997 Lincoln Mark Viii Problems
- Complaints
- 90filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 64,000miles, 34 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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
- 19 mpgcombined, 4.6L 8-cyl RWD · 16 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about two things: low-beam headlights that burn out and can no longer be bought, and a plastic blend door in the climate system that breaks and leaves no heat for the defroster. Most reports arrive between roughly 45,000 and 105,000 miles, and the speed-control recall letters come up repeatedly. Complaints describe gradual failures rather than sudden ones, with the main burden being parts availability and repair cost.
- Exterior lighting
Low-beam headlights burn out; replacement parts unavailable
- 21 complaints (23%)
- median 61,000 mi at 10.1 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $807 (median of 10 quotes)
- filed 2000–2009
Owners describe the driver or passenger low beam (HID) going dark, sometimes one side and later the other, and in some accounts both at once while driving at night. When they ask for a replacement, dealers and the manufacturer reportedly say the bulb or assembly is discontinued or on back order, and the offered remedy is a conversion kit or a full lamp assembly. Quoted costs in the complaints vary widely, from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per side, and several owners mention that only the low beam is affected while the high beam still works. Reported from roughly 40,000 to 145,000 miles, with many between 45,000 and 90,000 miles.
What to check: Turn on the low beams and confirm both work, then ask whether the car has the early or later headlamp assembly and whether any replacement kit has already been fitted. Get the cost of a spare bulb or assembly in writing before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. I took it to the shop only to find I could not afford to get the lights repaired because the headlights on this car cost $1600.00. The bright lights still work, it was only the dimm lights that went out for no reason. …”
NHTSA complaint #10037169, filed 2003-09, 55,000 miles“When the driver's side low-beam hid headlamp began failing, I took it to the dealer, since parts are not available anywhere else. Then I found out that parts will cost $780 ($200 for the headlamp + $580 for an upgraded mounting assembly which is required due to parts obsolescence and a Lincoln engineering mistake). After some complaining, I got ford and the dealer to reduce cost to $380 for parts plus $120 for labor. $500 to replace a headlight (required safety feature is absolutely unacceptable!”
NHTSA complaint #10023870, filed 2003-06, 65,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Blend door breaks, defroster blows cold
- 17 complaints (19%)
- median 80,000 mi at 7.1 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2002–2009
Owners report that the plastic blend door or actuator arm in the climate system breaks, so the system stays stuck on cold or stops switching between heat and A/C. According to the complaints, the defroster then sends unheated air at the windshield, and windows fog or frost over, especially in cold or humid weather. Dealers quoted repairs ranging from several hundred to over a thousand dollars, largely for labor to reach the part, and some owners say a replaced part failed again within a year or two. Mostly reported between about 35,000 and 100,000 miles, often noticed in cold or damp weather.
What to check: With the engine warm, switch the climate control to defrost and full heat and feel whether hot air reaches the windshield. Ask whether the blend door or actuator has been replaced and when.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1997 Lincoln Mark Viii defroster/heater/AC blend door: the blend door on my 1997 Lincoln has malfunctioned. This is a very common problem on all Mark Viii lincolns causing a malfunction in the windshield defroster. There is no heat applied to the windshield while attemting to defrost. Lincoln/ford has ignored this very common problem and has offered no help. I am suggesting a recall be made on all 1997 and 1998 lincolns.”
NHTSA complaint #10000569, filed 2003-01, 63,000 miles“When proceeding to turn on the heat in my car to defrost the windshield I discovered that my heat did not work, and that the A/C only blew cold air. This is a common problem in the Lincoln Mark Viii. The problem is caused by the blend door breaking over time. This has been an issue that ford has known about; but, will not provide reimbursement for repairs needed. This repair is needed on almost all Mark Viii's after time.”
NHTSA complaint #10106592, filed 2005-01, 89,000 miles - Vehicle speed control
Speed-control recall work and parts delays
- 7 complaints (8%)
- median 73,000 mi at 11.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2014
Owners describe receiving recall notices for the speed control deactivation switch and then being told the replacement part was back ordered, sometimes for months, so the switch stayed disconnected. A few complaints describe smoke or a burning electrical smell from under the hood before the switch was replaced, and one owner was told a brake line needed work before the recall could be performed. Reports cluster on cars around 70,000 to 105,000 miles, filed mainly in 2007 and 2008 after the recall notices went out.
What to check: Ask whether the speed control deactivation switch recall has been completed and whether the switch was replaced rather than simply disconnected; check for a jumper harness near the switch.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“In nov 2007 ford mailed me a recall notice on the cruise control system on my 1997 Mark Viii 05s28. I immediately contacted harnish Lincoln mercury, puyallup, wa and was scheduked. It is a 37 mile round trip from my home. They took my Mark Viii for less tha 1/2 hour and advised me that ford had not sent them the replacement part; but they would contact me when it came in. On march 4, 2008, I received a new recall notice instructing me to contact a dealer. Again, I contacted their harnish dealer and was scheduled. …”
NHTSA complaint #10220456, filed 2008-03“1997 ford Mark Viii speed control deactivation. Dealer stated that the part was on back order and would not be in until march 2008. Consumer wants to reinstall his speed control switch.”
NHTSA complaint #10212752, filed 2007-12
Buying note. Check that both low beams work and price a spare lamp or kit, since parts for this year are scarce and expensive. Also confirm the defroster delivers heat and that the speed-control recall has actually been completed on the car.
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 90 consumer complaints for the 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii. 34 of the complaints include a mileage, and 24% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 64,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 5 technical service bulletins 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 lighting33 37%
- Vehicle speed control8 8.9%
- Equipment5 5.6%
- Steering5 5.6%
- Electrical system4 4.4%
- Other or unknown4 4.4%
- Brakes3 3.3%
- Engine cooling3 3.3%
- Fuel system3 3.3%
Also reported: Suspension (3), Seats (2), Body and structure (2), Wheels (2), Air bags (1), Interior lighting (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1).
Example complaints
Exterior lighting: “In november of 2006, the passenger headlight, low beam, went out in my 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii. Approximately one month later, the driver's side, low beam, also failed. I have checked with my local ford dealership, and two other dealerships. There are no replacement parts for this problem, period, in the entire united states. When you check with after market suppliers, you are told you have to go through ford. Since the spring of 2007 I call the local dealership monthly to check on when parts will be available. …”
NHTSA complaint #10201631, filed 2007-08, 88,500 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “The blend door actuator which allows warm air to be directed to the windshield to defrost it broke at a very bad time. My windshield was fogged up on the interstate and when I put the climate control on defrost, all I got was cold air. Not a very safe set of conditions. I have since read that over 40 of my Lincoln car club members have had the same part break. Some report as many as 3 failures. The Lincoln dealership quotes the repair at approx. $700.00. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #10000486, filed 2003-01, 88,095 milesVehicle speed control: “The contact owns a 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii. The contact stated that the front driver side low beam headlight failed. When he attempted to replace the bulb, he could not get the bulb unscrewed. The dealer replaced the headlight kit and charged him $700. The failure mileage was 49,941 and current mileage is 50,000. The consumer requested to have the recall performed on the vehicle pertaining to the speed control deactivation. The consumer provided a letter from ford denying his claim for a partial reimbursement. The dealer stated warning lights trouble. …”
NHTSA complaint #10203307, filed 2007-09, 49,941 milesEquipment: “Owner was driving on the freeway and experienced electrical problem. All the head lights went out. Owner pulled over to the right. Then, contacted the dealership, and was told that the repairs for this defect would cost $2200.00.”
NHTSA complaint #10111103, filed 2005-02, 49,200 milesMileage when problems were reported
24% of the 34 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 50,000 and 89,000 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 1997 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 | 24 | 19 | $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
- 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.
Recall details for the 1997 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. 5 on record; the latest 5 are shown.
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Engine cooling. Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004Transmission and drivetrain. General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004Transmission and drivetrain. General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10011162Aug 23, 2004Engine cooling. Engine misfire or running - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - wds cop kit diagnostic tips. To include various 2005 models. * ar this article 04161 supersedes tsb 03-14-04.
- 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 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii?
Owners of this model year most often write about two things: low-beam headlights that burn out and can no longer be bought, and a plastic blend door in the climate system that breaks and leaves no heat for the defroster. The issues reported most often: Low-beam headlights burn out; replacement parts unavailable; Blend door breaks, defroster blows cold; Speed-control recall work and parts delays.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii have?
NHTSA recorded 90 consumer complaints for the 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii is reported most often?
Exterior lighting is named most often, in 33 complaints (37% of the total), followed by visibility with 22.
Has the 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii get?
The EPA rates the 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii (Mark VIII, 4.6L 8-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 16 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii reported?
Among the 34 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 64,000 miles and the middle half falls between 50,000 and 89,000 miles; 24% 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.