FaultScore

FaultScore report

1997 Lincoln Mark Viii problems

Owners have filed 103 complaints about the 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii with NHTSA between 1997 and 2015. The largest single group is the lights. Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 6 worst.

A

FaultScore 20/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Lincoln Mark Viii.

How this is worked out

The numbers

103

Complaints

1

Crashes reported

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

61,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

2%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 32 vs 50 Severity 10 vs 50 Early failure 4 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 32
Against the median year of the Lincoln Mark Viii. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 10
1.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 4
2% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1997 compares with every other Lincoln Mark Viii

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1997 Lincoln Mark Viii

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Lights 34 33.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 61,000 mi

Median failure at 78,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 8 7.8%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 61,470 mi

Equipment & Accessories 5 4.9%

Median failure at 49,200 miles

Steering 5 4.9%

Median failure at 61,540 miles

Other & Unspecified 4 3.9%
Electrical System 4 3.9%

Median failure at 61,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 3 2.9%
Suspension 3 2.9%
Brakes 3 2.9%
Engine & Cooling 3 2.9%

Median failure at 61,000 miles

Seats 2 1.9%

Median failure at 45,670 miles

Wheels 2 1.9%
Body & Structure 2 1.9%
Transmission & Drivetrain 2 1.9%
Airbags 1 1.0%

Exactly what failed

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 26 49.1%
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System 16 30.2%
Concealment Devices 2 3.8%
Electrical 2 3.8%
Electrical Heating Element 2 3.8%
Steering Wheel/Handle BAR 2 3.8%
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 2 3.8%
Switch/Wiring 1 1.9%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

25,000 – 49,999 miles 13 31.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 13 31.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 9 21.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 6 14.3%
150,000+ miles 1 2.4%

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.

Mar 1997 peak 5 Mar 2015

Recalls on the 1997 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.

Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 73,000 miles Hollywood, FL Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 5-10 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MOVING ERRATICALLY FOR A FEW MINUTES. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE CABIN AND UNDER THE HOOD, ALONG WITH AN ELECTRICAL SMELL SURROUNDING THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER STOPPED THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE SMOKING CEASED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR A MECHANIC. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) WAS REFERENCED. THE SWITCH WAS DEACTIVATED, BUT HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 73,000.

NHTSA complaint #10207414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,000 miles Spring, TX Crash

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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. THE MANUFACTURE OF THESE LIGHTS SHOULD BE PUNISHED FOR SELLING A PRODUCT THAT'S SUBSTANDARD TO MUCH CHEAPER AND SAFER HEADLIGHTS. IF A PAIR OF DIMM HEADLIGHTS COST $1600.00 THEY SHOULD LAST A LIFETIME. MY CAR HAS 60,000 MILES. I AM THINKING OF FILING A LAW SUIT.

NHTSA complaint #10037169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 61,540 miles Bethesda, MD

STEERING

VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING DOWN A BUSY URBAN STREET AND WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE DRIVER BEGIN TURNING SLIGHTLY TO CHANGE LANES AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, LEAVING THE VEHICLE WITH NO STEERING.

NHTSA complaint #10701392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Phoenix, AZ

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

FIESTA LINCOLN MERCURY 1720 S MESA DR, MESA, AZ 85210 (480) 719-3090 IS REFUSING TO CORRECT ACTION UNDER RECALL 05S28 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V336000. ASSOCIATED DOCUMENT RCRIT-07V336-8625 LISTED THE CORRECT PART NUMBERS AND PROCEDURE FOR THE SPECIFIC VEHICLE THAT IS IN QUESTION. - SERVICE ADVISER [XXX] AT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY INSTALL A HARNESS ON THE VEHICLE IF NOT LEAKING. FORD HAS PROVIDED SUPPLEMENTAL 14, WHICH LISTS A DIFFERENT PART NUMBER FOR BOTH LEAKING AND NOT LEAKING FOR THE AFFECTED VEHICLE, AND [XXX] WOULD NOT VALIDATE THE INFORMATION BEING PRESENTED TO HIM IN THE RECALL DOCUMENTATION. [XXX] ALSO STATED THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO PERFORM ANY OF THE RECALLS AT THIS TIME DUE TO NO PARTS BEING IN STOCK TO PERFORM THE RECALL. - PARTS DEPARTMENT AT THE SAME DEALERSHIP ([XXX]) CONFIRMED THE PART NUMBER LISTED IN SUPPLEMENTAL 14 ARE IN FACT IN STOCK AND AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL 05S28. 05S28 SUPPLEMENTAL 14 ATTACHMENT V PAGE 1 Q3 EXPLAINS THE USAGE OF THE SWITCH ASSEMBLY FOR THIS APPLICATION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10619039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 103,000 miles Waterbury, CT

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII LSC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REFRIGERATION DISCHARGE LINE FAILED DUE TO RUST AND CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED AFTER THEY INSTALLED R134A REFRIGERATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STATED HE SHOULD CALL THE DEALER TO GET THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. UPDATED 07/13/12 *BF A LEAK WAS FOUND IN THE HOSE THAT RAN FROM THE COMPRESSOR TO THE CONDENSER. ALSO, THE METAL PART OF THE HOSE WAS RUSTED. UPDATED 07/31/12

NHTSA complaint #10461456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 61,000 miles Harrison Township, MI

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE KNOWN TO BURN OUT. THE PARTS ARE NO LONGER BEING MANUFACTURED SO THE ONLY WAY TO REPAIR THEM IS WITH A KIT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS SEEMED LIKE AN EXPENSIVE TEMPORARY REMEDY. IN ADDITION, THE BLEND DOOR, WHICH OPENS THE CONTROL FOR HOT AND COLD AIR TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD, DOES NOT WORK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS COULD BE REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE IT WAS CAUSED BY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS FAILURE, BUT NO DECISION ON HOW THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED. HE WILL WAIT UNTIL A RECALL IS ISSUED FOR THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,985. UPDATED 09/11/09 *BF UPDATED 09/15/09.

NHTSA complaint #10277640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 61,000 miles Harrison Township, MI

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE KNOWN TO BURN OUT. THE PARTS ARE NO LONGER BEING MANUFACTURED SO THE ONLY WAY TO REPAIR THEM IS WITH A KIT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS SEEMED LIKE AN EXPENSIVE TEMPORARY REMEDY. IN ADDITION, THE BLEND DOOR, WHICH OPENS THE CONTROL FOR HOT AND COLD AIR TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD, DOES NOT WORK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS COULD BE REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT HE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE IT WAS CAUSED BY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS FAILURE, BUT NO DECISION ON HOW THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED. HE WILL WAIT UNTIL A RECALL IS ISSUED FOR THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 61,985. UPDATED 09/11/09 *BF UPDATED 09/15/09.

NHTSA complaint #10277640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 45,000 miles SAN Diego, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS BURNED OUT IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPLACEMENT BULB WAS UNAVAILABLE AND WOULD BE PLACED ON BACK ORDER. THEY ALSO REQUESTED A DEPOSIT FOR THE BULB, WHICH COST OVER $100. THE CONTACT CALLED SEVERAL FORD DEALERS AND THE MANUFACTURER, WHO ALL STATED THAT THE BULB WAS OBSOLETE AND WOULD NO LONGER BE MANUFACTURED. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE TO DATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000. 4/01/09 *NJ UPDATED 04/06/09.

NHTSA complaint #10261551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Rohnert Park, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLINDER DOOR WAS INOPERATIVE WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW HEAT TO COME FROM THE DEFROSTER.. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR FOUR YEARS, BUT WAS NEVER REPAIRED BECAUSE THE PART IS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC. THE CONTACT IS HOPING THAT THE MANUFACTURER CHANGES THE PART TO METAL. DUE TO THE BLINDER DOOR NOT WORKING, THE DEFROSTER FAILS TO WORK PROPERLY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 92,000. UPDATED 3/5/09 *CN UPDATED 03/10/09.

NHTSA complaint #10256647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles Rohnert Park, CA

VISIBILITY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLINDER DOOR WAS INOPERATIVE WHICH WILL NOT ALLOW HEAT TO COME FROM THE DEFROSTER.. THE FAILURE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR FOUR YEARS, BUT WAS NEVER REPAIRED BECAUSE THE PART IS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC. THE CONTACT IS HOPING THAT THE MANUFACTURER CHANGES THE PART TO METAL. DUE TO THE BLINDER DOOR NOT WORKING, THE DEFROSTER FAILS TO WORK PROPERLY. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 92,000. UPDATED 3/5/09 *CN UPDATED 03/10/09.

NHTSA complaint #10256647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 158,400 miles Mariposa, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

UNABLE TO PURCHASE REPLACEMENT BULBS FOR 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII HEADLAMPS "LOW BEAM".....HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE H-95 SYLVANIA. NO LONGER PRODUCED..........RETOFIT KIT IS $1200............CAR IS ELEVEN YEARS OLD........OUTRAGEOUS.

NHTSA complaint #10246936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 76,000 miles Rohnert Park, CA

VISIBILITY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLENDER DOOR IS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC AND BREAKS, WHICH CAUSES THE HEATER AND THE DEFROSTER TO FAIL. AS A CONSEQUENCE, HER VISIBILITY IS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED DURING COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE BLENDER DOOR AT AN EXPENSE EXCEEDING $1,000. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE COMPANY UTILIZES THE SAME PLASTIC PIECE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000. UPDATED 11/12/08 *BF UPDATED 11/13/08.

NHTSA complaint #10246123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 144,900 miles Altamonte Springs, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT ON HIS VEHICLE HAD BURNED OUT. HE WENT TO PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WERE NO LONGER MANUFACTURED. THE DEALER OFFERED A REMEDY KIT AT THE COST OF $740 TO INSTALL ANOTHER LIGHTING SYSTEM, WHICH WOULD TOTAL $1,200 AFTER THE INSTALLATION. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 144,900. UPDATED 07/15/08. *LJ UPDATED 07/15/08

NHTSA complaint #10228974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Flint, MI

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRED. THE DEALER KEPT THE VEHICLE FOR AN HOUR AND THEN ADVISED HER THAT SHE WOULD NEED THE BRAKE LINE REPAIRED BEFORE THEY COULD PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO REPORT THIS AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT WHATEVER THE SERVICE DEALER STATED, IS WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO HEED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE POWERTRAIN AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

NHTSA complaint #10223396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

DES Moines, WA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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. AGAIN ,I DROVE THE 37 MILE ROUMD TRIP ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT FORD HAD NOT PROVIDED THE WITH THE MARK VIII REPLACEMENT PART. THEY WOULD CONTACT ME WHEM THE RECEIVED IT. I BELIEVE FORD MAY BE TRYING TO LEAD YOU TO BELIEVE THEY ARE FIXING THE PROBLEM; BUT, STALLING! AFTER ALL IT HAS BEEN 5 MONTHS SINCE I WAS FIRST NOTIFIED, AND I WOULD LIKE TO BE DRIVING A SAFE AUTO. PLEASE DO WHAT YOU CAN TO GET FORD TO STEP UP TO THEIR ASAP.

NHTSA complaint #10220456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Trinity, FL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE IN AUGUST OF 2007 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. HE WAS INFORMED EVERY MONTH THEREAFTER THAT THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE THE FOLLOWING MONTH. HE RECEIVED ANOTHER NOTICE IN MARCH OF 2008, WHICH STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. WHEN HE CALLED, THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO MORE PARTS AVAILABLE AND DID NOT KNOW WHEN MORE WOULD ARRIVE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,000. UPDATED 03/26/08.

NHTSA complaint #10220343 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kansas City, MO

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL. THE DEALER HAS NOT YET RECEIVED THE PART TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE NOTICE STATED THAT THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN DECEMBER OF 2007. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,000. UPDATED 03/11/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER HAS SCHEDULED AN APPOINT FOR THE REPAIR. UPDATED

NHTSA complaint #10218807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,000 miles Warrensburg, MO

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT (HID) ON RIGHT SIDE HAS FAILED AND NO REPLACEMENTS ARE OFFERED BY FACTORY OR DEALER.

NHTSA complaint #10214224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pine Hill, NJ

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

HID LIGHTS KEEP BURNING OUT AND RUINING THE LENSES ON MY LINCOLN MARK VIII 1997 LSC.

NHTSA complaint #10212619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Germantown, TN

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 73,000 miles Hollywood, FL Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LINCOLN MARK VIII. WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 5-10 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MOVING ERRATICALLY FOR A FEW MINUTES. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE CABIN AND UNDER THE HOOD, ALONG WITH AN ELECTRICAL SMELL SURROUNDING THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER STOPPED THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE SMOKING CEASED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR A MECHANIC. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) WAS REFERENCED. THE SWITCH WAS DEACTIVATED, BUT HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 73,000.

NHTSA complaint #10207414 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 49,941 miles Beaumont, TX

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

TL*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. UPDATED 10/03/07 *TR THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT. UPDATED.

NHTSA complaint #10203307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 49,941 miles Beaumont, TX

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*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. UPDATED 10/03/07 *TR THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT. UPDATED.

NHTSA complaint #10203307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 49,941 miles Beaumont, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL*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. UPDATED 10/03/07 *TR THE CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT. UPDATED.

NHTSA complaint #10203307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 88,500 miles Parsons, KS

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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. EACH MONTH, THEY CHECK THEIR DATA BASE, AND LEARN THAT THE REPLACEMENT KIT, COSTING HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS, HAS BEEN PUSHED BACK A MONTH BEFORE IT WILL BE AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT TARGET DATE OF AVAILABILITY IS OCTOBER 2007. SO, FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW, I HAVE A LINCOLN THAT CANNOT BE DRIVEN AT NIGHT, NOR CAN IT BE REPAIRED AT ANY PRICE. I WROTE A LETTER TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY EARLY IN 2007 ABOUT THIS, AND RECEIVED A FORM LETTER TELLING TO GO TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER FOR PARTS.

NHTSA complaint #10201631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,000 miles SAN Dimas, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

I HAVE A 97 LINCOLN MARK VIII AND I WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL FORD/LINCOLN MERCURY DEALERS THAT THE HEADLIGHT LOW BEAM BULBS, HID 9500, ARE NOT AVAILABLE. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, SYLVANIA, AND THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REP TOLD ME THE LIGHT BULBS ARE NO LONGER MANUFACTURED. WHAT ARE THE SEVERAL THOUSAND OWNERS OF LINCOLN MARK VIII OWNERS EXPECTED TO DO? THIS IS A BLATANT SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY FEDERAL AUTHORITIES. I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK TO A NTSB REPRESENTATIVE, IF AVAILABLE, REGARDING THE LIGHTING ON THESE VEHICLES. THANK YOU FOR INVESTIGATING THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #10174745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 104,000 miles Sound Beach, NY

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BURNED OUT. WHEN THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, THE DEALER DETERMINED THE HEADLIGHT WAS ON BACKORDER. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO PLACE AN ORDER, ALTHOUGH THE PART WAS ON BACKORDER FOR TWO MONTHS.

NHTSA complaint #10173060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.