Owners have filed 120 complaints
about the 1996 Lincoln Mark Viii with NHTSA between 1996 and 2016.
The largest single group is the lights.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 37
Against the median year of the Lincoln Mark Viii. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 47
9.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 17
10% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1996 compares with every other Lincoln Mark Viii
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Headlights
7382.0%
Concealment Devices
44.5%
Cruise Control
33.4%
Automatic Transmission
33.4%
Module
22.2%
Disc
22.2%
Flasher Unit
11.1%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
11.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
13.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
26.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
620.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1033.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
723.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
310.0%
150,000+ miles
13.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 1996peak 11Feb 2016
Recalls on the 1996 Lincoln Mark Viii
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
16E026000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
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, UltraStop ULT598, UltraLife MX598 and MX765, BrakeBest MKD765, and Prostop Platinum PGD598. These brake pads, manufactured October 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015 are intended for use on 2001-2007 Ford Taurus, 2001-2005 Mercury Sable, 1995-1999 Ford Taurus SHO, 1995-2002 Lincoln Continental, and 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII vehicles. The brake pad shim may shift out of position causing the shim to contact the brake disc resulting in damage to the disc.
Risk: A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.
07V336000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 58,730 milesClarksville, TNFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE INFORMING HIM THAT THE WIRING HARNESS SWITCH COULD LEAK INTERNALLY, OVERHEAT, SMOKE, AND BURN. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE HAS OCCURRED WITH THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND WAS REPAIRED FOR $3800. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT REPLACED OR REPAIR HIS WIRING HARNESS SWITCH; THEREFORE, HE HAD TO PERFORM THE REPAIR HIMSELF AND HE WILL NOT BE REIMBURSED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT IF THERE WAS A A RECALL THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED OTHER THAN THAT THE CONTACT IS LIABLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. NHTSA 07V336000, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,730
NHTSA complaint #10284198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesReynoldsburg, OHCrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
THE HEADLIGHT COVERS (HOUSINGS?) FOR LINCOLN MARK VIII'S 93-98, CLOUD OVER (TURN GRAY INSIDE AND OUT) QUICKLY. THIS DEFECTIVE CLOUDING IN THE LIGHT COVERS RESULTS IN NIGHT DRIVING TO BE VERY HAZARDOUS, ALONG WITH RAIN AND FOG. THE KITS TO REPLACE THE LIGHTS AVERAGE AROUND 1,000. LINCOLN KNOWS OF THE VISIBILITY PROBLEM WHEN THE COVERS CLOUD OVER AND HAS NOT TAKEN CORRECTIVE ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #10154318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,204 milesMossyrock, WACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER'S VEHICLE SUDDENLY HIT A DEER. WHEN THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED CONSUMER WAS AFFECTED BY THE SUBSTANCE IT RELEASED. THE FIBERS DAMAGED HER NECK, FACE AND LEGS. CONSUMER HAS UNDER GONE SEVERAL SURGERIES FOR THIS INCIDENT. WHEN CONTACTING LINCOLN, THEY DO NOT WANT TO HAVE ANY PART IN ANY OF THIS. CONSUMER CALLED THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE IN WASHINGTON, WHICH WROTE A LETTER TO THE US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ( DOT). CONSUMER WAS STILL WAITING FOR SOME TYPE OF ACTION TO BE TAKEN .*AK...
NHTSA complaint #10107216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mossyrock, WACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG WENT OFF AND BLACK FIBERS WENT INTO MY FACE, NECK AND LEGS. NOW I HAVE CRYSTAL BALLS OVER MY BODY. *BF IT WAS DARK, RAINY AND FOGGY WHEN THE CONSUMER HIT A DEER.
NHTSA complaint #10103567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silver Spring, MDCrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
WE HAVE BEEN NOTING THE HIGH NUMBER OF 1993-1996 LINCOLN MARK 8 OWNERS THAT HAVE BEEN REPORTING SERIOUS HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS WITH THEIR CARS, YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE BY YOUR OFFICES. FORD & LINCOLN WILL APPARENTLY DO NOTHING BECAUSE YOU DO NOTHING. THESE ARE SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS OF THE OWNERS. THEY CAN'T SEE DOWN THE ROAD AT NIGHT BECAUSE OF THE SERIOUS APPARENT DESIGN FLAWS OF THEIR HEADLIGHTS. WHAT IS THE GOOD OF HAVING A GOVERNMENT TRANSPORTATION AGENCY THAT WILL NOT START AN INVESTIGATION WITH AN ISSUE SUCH AS THIS??? FORD/LINCOLN WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM BEACUSE THEY KNOW YOU HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING . PROBABLY THEY HOPE THAT TIME WILL RUN OUT AND EVERY ONE WILL TRASH THESE $40,000 CARS OR TRADE THEM IN . IT IS INTERESTING THAT THE LATER MODELS, 1997-1998 MARK 8S, HAVE A DIFFFERENT HEADLIGHT SYSTEM. BUT NO HELP OR RETROFIT TO THE OLDER MODEL OWNERS. WHAT GOOD IS THE GOVERNMENT IN THESE CASES WHERE THEY DO NOTHING??? A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY TO THE OWNERS WHO TRUST THAT YOU WILL DO SOMETHING AND INVESTIGATE. HEADLIGHTS, COME ON - HOW MUCH MORE SERIOUS CAN YOU GET??? WHEN YOU REVIEW THE YEARS IN QUESTION, YOU CAN SEE THAT SOME ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED. AND OF COURSE THESE ARE ONLY THE REPORTS OF OWNERS WHO ARE AWARE OF YOUR AGENCY. DT
NHTSA complaint #769545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grapevine, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
ALTERNATOR CAUGHT ON FIRE-CAR DISBLED ON FREEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #764392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 150,000 milesIngram, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS POOR VISIBILITY WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT. THE HEADLIGHT LENSES HAD A CONSTANT FILM, WHICH AFFECTED THE LOW BEAMS. THE CONTACT CLEANED THE LENSES SEVERAL TIMES AND CHANGED THE BULBS, BUT THE VISIBILITY REMAINED POOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION AND REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10824520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesBrookville, IN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE VERY DIM AND CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000. UPDATED 07/07/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO BEYOND 50 FEET. THE REFLECTIVE PART INSIDE THE HEADLIGHTS WERE COMPLETELY BLACK. THE LIGHT BULBS WERE REPLACED THE FAILURE PERSISTED. UPDATED 05/28/2015
NHTSA complaint #10658700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Medford, ME
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
VERY POOR HEADLIGHTS, CAUSING AN UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION WHILE ONLY BEING ABLE TO SEE A SHORT DISTANCE IN FRONT OF YOUR CAR AT NIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10551641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesPlano, TX
TIRES
DRIVING ON TOLLWAY ABOUT 60 MPH AND TIRE BLEW OUT. NO KNOWLEDGE OF HITTING ANYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #10344170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,730 milesClarksville, TNFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE INFORMING HIM THAT THE WIRING HARNESS SWITCH COULD LEAK INTERNALLY, OVERHEAT, SMOKE, AND BURN. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE HAS OCCURRED WITH THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND WAS REPAIRED FOR $3800. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT REPLACED OR REPAIR HIS WIRING HARNESS SWITCH; THEREFORE, HE HAD TO PERFORM THE REPAIR HIMSELF AND HE WILL NOT BE REIMBURSED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT IF THERE WAS A A RECALL THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED OTHER THAN THAT THE CONTACT IS LIABLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. NHTSA 07V336000, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,730
NHTSA complaint #10284198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,726 milesHenrico, VA
TIRES
MY NAME IS J.M. CARTER AND I RESIDE IN HENRICO COUNTY VIRGINIA. ON MAY 12, 2009, ONE OF THE FOUR COOPER TIRES, GOLDEN FURY GFT ON MY CAR EXPLODED. THANK GOD NEITHER I NOR ANYONE ELSE WAS INJURED, BUT THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGES. I SUBMITTED A CLAIM IN GOOD FAITH TO COOPER, AND HAVE RECEIVED THEIR DENIAL STATING THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN IMPACT. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE TIRE, AND A VIDEO OF THE ROAD TRAVELED WHEN THE EXPLOSION (BLOW OUT) OCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10273712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT NINE MONTHS FOR THE PARTS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL MARCH OF 2008. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,321.
NHTSA complaint #10223240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,000 milesFlint, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE VEHICLE HAS HIGH INTENSITY HEADLIGHTS, BUT ONE HEADLIGHT IS BRIGHT WHILE THE OTHER IS DIM. IN 2007, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WAS REPLACED AND NOW THE DRIVER SIDE LAMP NEEDS REPLACING. FORD NO LONGER MAKES THE PART AND COULD NOT PROVIDE INFORMATION ON HOW IT COULD BE OBTAINED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. UPDATE 04-02-08
NHTSA complaint #10219876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brookline, MA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
PRODUCT RECALL = -SPEED CONTROL. AUG. 2007. DEALER DISCONNECTED IN 2007-NOT REPLACED...CAR NOW W/NO OVERDERIVE/SPEED CONTROL = WASTES GAS.
NHTSA complaint #10218516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brookline, MA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
PRODUCT RECALL = -SPEED CONTROL. AUG. 2007. DEALER DISCONNECTED IN 2007-NOT REPLACED...CAR NOW W/NO OVERDERIVE/SPEED CONTROL = WASTES GAS.
NHTSA complaint #10218516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2 milesGlenside, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
THE HEADLIGHTS ON THESE CARS (GENERATION 1 LINCOLN MARK VIII, 1993 TO 1996) ARE AWFUL AND IT IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND REPLACEMENTS-THE REFLECTIVE COATING ON THE INSIDE DETERIORATES, THE OUTER LENS GETS YELLOW AND DULL-DIFFICULT, ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE AT NIGHT, ESPECIALLY LOW BEAMS-FORD SHOULD MAKE GOOD ON REPAIRS FOR THESE MODELS, THERE ARE THOUSANDS ON THE ROAD, ALL ARE A HAZARD TO THE OWNER AND TO OTHER DRIVERS.
NHTSA complaint #10212592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South SAN Francisco, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CUSTOMER WANTS UPDATE TO CASE #10176001*
NHTSA complaint #10187908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesSouth SAN Francisco, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII EQUIPPED WITH LUMINARC HIGH INTENSITY HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE HAS 56,089 MILES. THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT HAS FAILED AND APPARENTLY IS NO LONGER SERVICEABLE. THE MANUFACTURER'S DESIGN DID NOT ALLOW FOR THE SIMPLE REPLACEMENT OF A LIGHT BULB BUT INSTEAD REQUIRES THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $900.00 PLUS LABOR PER SIDE. 97 AND 98 MODELS ARE DESIGNED FOR SIMPLE BULB REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $260.00 PER BULB. WHILE INVESTIGATING THE FACILITATING OF HEAD LIGHT REPAIRS FOR MY AUTOMOBILE I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLIES FOR 1996 MODEL CARS ARE OBSOLETE AND REPLACEMENT BULBS FOR 1997-1998 MODEL CARS HAVE BEEN ON BACK ORDER FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS AND ARE NOT DUE TO BE AVAILABLE FOR ANOTHER 3-4 MONTHS. MY INTERNET RESEARCH HAS LED ME TO AN UNKNOWN NUMBER OF OWNERS IN SIMILAR PERIL. WE ARE ALL SCRAMBLING FOR SOLUTIONS TO KEEP OUR AUTOS ON THE ROAD BOTH SAFELY AND LEGALLY. INTERNET SEARCHES FOR USED PARTS (LINCOLN CUSTOMER SERVICE ACTUALLY REFERS YOU TO PRIVATE USED PARTS DEALERS RATHER THAN SUPPLY PARTS THEMSELVES), POSSIBLE NEW PARTS AND EVEN FABRICATED NEW LIGHT SYSTEMS (QUESTIONABLE LEGALITY) ARE BEING PURSUED. IT HAS BECOME APPARENT THAT THERE ARE NO GOOD SOLUTIONS AND WE OWNERS HAVE FEW OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO US. THE MANUFACTURER HAS DESIGNED A VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM THAT HAS FAILED TO LAST OR BE SUCCESSFULLY SERVICED WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S USEFUL LIFESPAN. IN CLOSING, FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS CREATED A CLASS OF CAR OWNER THAT CAN NOT KEEP HIS CAR STREET LEGAL OR SAFE. FORD HAS ABANDONED THESE OWNERS TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES IN PURSUIT OF SAFETY. THESE ARE NOT ANCIENT CARS, THEY ARE WELL WITHIN THEIR USEFUL LIFESPAN AND FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FACILITATING THEIR SAFE OPERATION DURING THAT TIME. CURRENTLY, FORD HAS NO REASONABLE ANSWERS AND THE SITUATION THEY HAVE CREATED IS WHOLLY ABSURD. CORY A. DAVID.
NHTSA complaint #10176001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saint Cloud, MN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
VERY POOR HEADLIGHTS, CAUSING AN UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION WHILE ONLY BEING ABLE TO SEE A SHORT DISTANCE IN FRONT OF YOUR CAR AT NIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10164620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, AL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
LIGHTS GOES COMPLETELY OUT WHEN PLACED ON DIM.
NHTSA complaint #10162837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesboro, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
HEAD LIGHT ON THE MARK VIII ARE NOT STRONG ENOUGH (LOW BEAM).
NHTSA complaint #10162026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfield, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY 1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII ARE TERRIBLE, I'VE OWNED THE CAR FOR 8 YEARS AND HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS WITH VARIOUS AFTERMARKET BULBS AND NOTHING INCREASES THE HEADLIGHT POWER.
NHTSA complaint #10157611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,325 milesNaples, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
DRIVERS SIDE HID UNIT ON MY 1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII IS NOT WORKING AND I CAN NOT SEEM TO FIND ANOTHER ONE USED OR NEW TO REPLACE IT WITH, SEEMS TO BE A DEALER ONLY PART AND THE PARTS 'DEPTS. I"VE SPOKEN WITH WANT TO CHARGE ME $750.00 TO $850.00 FOR THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WITH THE HID UNIT, I CAN ONLY DRIVE DURING THE DAY AND CANNNOT DRIVE AT NIGHT IN FEAR OF GETTING PULLED OVER OR GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10155999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesBethpage, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE SILVER REFLECTORS INSIDE THE HEADLIGHTS BURNED OUT. THIS MADE DRIVING AT NIGHT DIFFICULT DUE TO THE LACK OF LIGHT PRODUCED FROM THE HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHO DETERMINED THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 05/03/06
NHTSA complaint #10155515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicopee, MA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A COMPLAINT ABOUT MY LINCOLN MARK VIII HEADLIGHTS FROM 1993-1996. THE HEADLIGHTS AFTER A COUPLE YEARS BEGIN TO DEGRADE. THE REFLECTIVE COATING INSIDE THE PARABOLA TURNS CHALKY AND THEREFORE DOES NOT REFLECT LIGHT THE WAY IT WAS INTENDED. THIS MAKES FOR VERY POOR LIGHTING AT NIGHT WHICH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR EVEN DEATH. LINCOLN NEW ABOUT THIS AND SWITCHED TO HID (HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE) UNITS IN 1996, BUT ONLY ON THE LSC MODELS. FORD/LINCOLN SELLS THESE UNITS BUT AT A VERY VERY HIGH PRICE. THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL AND HID'S INSTALLED IN THE CARS WITH THE DEFECTIVE HEADLAMPS BEFORE SOMEONE DIES.
NHTSA complaint #10155029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesMaricopa, AZ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
THE DESIGN OF THE HEADLIGHT LENSES ON THE 1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII PROVIDES POOR NIGHT VISIBILITY DUE TO SEVER DEGRADATION OF OEM HEADLAMP SYSTEM. THE REFLECTIVE LENS ON THE INSIDE OF THE HOUSING HAS MELTED AWAY TO THE POINT THAT THIS MAKES NIGHT DRIVING DANGEROUS IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE WITH OUT SOME SORT OF AFTERMARKET LIGHTING SYSTEM OR OEM REPLACEMENTS WHICH WILL SOON FAIL AND CAUSE THE ISSUE ALL OVER AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10154961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesMaricopa, AZ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
THE DESIGN OF THE HEADLIGHT LENSES ON THE 1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII PROVIDES POOR NIGHT VISIBILITY DUE TO SEVER DEGRADATION OF OEM HEADLAMP SYSTEM. THE REFLECTIVE LENS ON THE INSIDE OF THE HOUSING HAS MELTED AWAY TO THE POINT THAT THIS MAKES NIGHT DRIVING DANGEROUS IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE WITH OUT SOME SORT OF AFTERMARKET LIGHTING SYSTEM OR OEM REPLACEMENTS WHICH WILL SOON FAIL AND CAUSE THE ISSUE ALL OVER AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10154961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,795 milesNeshanic Station, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
THE 1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII WAS PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER 2005 AND THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN DETERIORATING CONSTANTLY SINCE PURCHASE. I NOW HAVE TO USE THE HIGH BEAM AT ALL TIMES AFTER DARK. OTHER CARS DO NOT EVEN FLASH THERE LIGHTS AT ME BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS ARE SO WEAK. ALL OF THE CHROME HAS FALLEN OFF OF THE SURFACES IN THE HEADLIGHTS SO NO LIGHT IS REFLECTED OUT OF THE LIGHTS!
NHTSA complaint #10154915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesReynoldsburg, OHCrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
THE HEADLIGHT COVERS (HOUSINGS?) FOR LINCOLN MARK VIII'S 93-98, CLOUD OVER (TURN GRAY INSIDE AND OUT) QUICKLY. THIS DEFECTIVE CLOUDING IN THE LIGHT COVERS RESULTS IN NIGHT DRIVING TO BE VERY HAZARDOUS, ALONG WITH RAIN AND FOG. THE KITS TO REPLACE THE LIGHTS AVERAGE AROUND 1,000. LINCOLN KNOWS OF THE VISIBILITY PROBLEM WHEN THE COVERS CLOUD OVER AND HAS NOT TAKEN CORRECTIVE ACTION.
NHTSA complaint #10154318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
I OWN A 1993 LINCOLN MARK VIII AND AT NIGHT YOU CAN BARELY SEE THE ROAD EVEN WITH THE BRIGHTS ON. THE HOUSING LOOKS LIKE THE CLEAR PART HAS SEPARATED INTO ABOUT 3 LAYERS. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10154049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.