Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 41 of 239 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Exterior Lighting. Review the 172 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Visibility. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
16 crash reports7 fire reports5 injury reports
What owners actually said
239 reports
Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2002
Exterior Lighting
THE FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES FOR THE 1993-1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII'S ARE OF EXTREMELY POOR QUALITY WITH VERY LOW LIGHT OUTPUT. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS "FIRST" GENERATION OF THE MARK VIII FAMILY. LINCOLN UPDATED THE "SECOND" GENERATION OF MARK VIII'S (1997-1998) WITH A HIGH INTENSITY BEAM HEADLAMP, THAT SUFFICIENTLY INCRE…
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THE FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES FOR THE 1993-1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII'S ARE OF EXTREMELY POOR QUALITY WITH VERY LOW LIGHT OUTPUT. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS "FIRST" GENERATION OF THE MARK VIII FAMILY. LINCOLN UPDATED THE "SECOND" GENERATION OF MARK VIII'S (1997-1998) WITH A HIGH INTENSITY BEAM HEADLAMP, THAT SUFFICIENTLY INCREASED THE AMOUNT OF LIGHT PROJECTED FROM THE HEADLAMPS. I PERFORM A FAIR AMOUNT OF DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS IN PHOENIX IN THE EARLY EVENING TIMEFRAME, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 65 MPH. THE LOW LIGHT OUTPUT OF THESE HEADLAMPS ON THE MARK VIII MAKES FOR WHAT I AND MANY OTHER MARK VIII OWNERS FEEL IS AN UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. OBSTACLES IN THE ROAD ARE DIFFICULT TO SEE IN A MANNER THAT WOULD ALLOW ME TO SAFELY MANEUVER AROUND THEM, SHOULD THE NEED ARISE. FURTHER, WHILE DRIVING THROUGH RESIDENTIAL AREAS AFTER DARK, THE DIM LIGHT PROJECTED FROM THE HEADLAMPS DOES NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT LIGHTING TO SAFELY MAKE MYSELF AWARE OF NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDREN, PETS, JOGGERS, ETC. I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS DUE TO THE POOR QUALITY OF LIGHT PRODUCED BY THESE HEADLAMPS, WHICH ARE FACTORY INSTALLED ON ALL 1993-1996 LINCOLN MARK VIII'S. I FEEL IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE MYSELF, MY PASSENGERS, OR A PEDESTRIAN WILL COME TO HARM DUE TO THE CARS INABILITY TO ILLUMINATE OBJECTS AFTER DARK IN A MANNER THAT IS SAFELY EXPECTED FOR ALL VEHICLES TRAVELING ON THE ROAD. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME IN THIS MATTER. *AK
NHTSA ODI #756956
Mileage unknown · Jan 16, 2002
Exterior Lighting
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #756949
Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2002
Exterior Lighting
THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY DIM, DANGEROUSLY SO. THE REFLECTORS LOSE THEIR BRIGHTNESS WITH TIME AND THE HEADLIGHTS, WHICH WERE VERY POOR TO BEGIN WITH, BECOME WORTHLESS. IT IS OFTEN NECESSARY TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS TO DRIVE BY IN POORLY LIGHTED OR RURAL AREAS. THIS IS DANGEROUS TO OTHER DRIVERS, BUT THE LOW BEAMS ARE REALLY …
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THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY DIM, DANGEROUSLY SO. THE REFLECTORS LOSE THEIR BRIGHTNESS WITH TIME AND THE HEADLIGHTS, WHICH WERE VERY POOR TO BEGIN WITH, BECOME WORTHLESS. IT IS OFTEN NECESSARY TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS TO DRIVE BY IN POORLY LIGHTED OR RURAL AREAS. THIS IS DANGEROUS TO OTHER DRIVERS, BUT THE LOW BEAMS ARE REALLY THAT BAD.*AK
NHTSA ODI #756721
Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2002
Exterior Lighting
THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE WEAK STOCK HEADLIGHTS. THEY MAKE VERY LITTLE DIFFERENCE WHEN ITS ON AND OFF. I FEEL FOR A $40,000 CAR I SHOULD HAVE SOME EFFECTIVE HEADLIGHTS. ON DARK STREETS WITH NO STREET LIGHTS IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE AND AS A RESULT I MUST DRIVE EXTREMLY SLOW AND HOLD UP TRAFFIC, DUE THE ABILITY OF MY HEADLIGH…
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THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE WEAK STOCK HEADLIGHTS. THEY MAKE VERY LITTLE DIFFERENCE WHEN ITS ON AND OFF. I FEEL FOR A $40,000 CAR I SHOULD HAVE SOME EFFECTIVE HEADLIGHTS. ON DARK STREETS WITH NO STREET LIGHTS IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE AND AS A RESULT I MUST DRIVE EXTREMLY SLOW AND HOLD UP TRAFFIC, DUE THE ABILITY OF MY HEADLIGHTS TO SHOW ME THE WAY. I HAVE SEEN FLASH LIGHTS MORE EFFECTIVE. I FEEL IF MY HEADLIGHTS CAN'T GUIDE ME THROUGH A DARK STREET THEN IT'LL ONLY PUT MY LIFE AND EVERYONE'S LIFE AROUND ME AT THE TIME IN DANGER. I WOULD GO TO A SHOP AND ADD NEW LIGHTS ON MY OWN BUT I FEEL THIS IS THE COMPANY'S PROBLEM THAT THEY SHOULD DEAL WITH. THEY MAKE MILLIONS A YEAR AND YET THEY CAN'T PUT DESCENT HEADLIGHTS IN. THEY TALK ABOUT SATISFYING THE CUSTOMER, BUT HOW IS PUTTING BAD HEADLIGHTS ON MY CAR SATISFYING ME.*AK
NHTSA ODI #756685
Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2001
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, CONSUMER CHANGED CIRCUIT BREAKER AND FOUND THAT HARNESS WAS DAMAGED, VEHICLE HAS NOT HAD ANY MORE PROBLEMS SINCE HEADLIGHTS CIRCUIT BREAKER WAS REPLACED. VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 98V009000. *AK CONSUMER STATED THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR HAD SOME HEAT DAMAGE DUE TO…
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HEADLIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, CONSUMER CHANGED CIRCUIT BREAKER AND FOUND THAT HARNESS WAS DAMAGED, VEHICLE HAS NOT HAD ANY MORE PROBLEMS SINCE HEADLIGHTS CIRCUIT BREAKER WAS REPLACED. VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 98V009000. *AK CONSUMER STATED THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR HAD SOME HEAT DAMAGE DUE TO THE FAILED CIRCUIT BREAKER, BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED.*SLC
NHTSA ODI #899024
Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2001
Exterior Lighting
ALL 1993-1996 MARK VIII'S WERE BUILT WITH VERY LOW OUTPUT LOW BEAM LIGHTS. THESE LIGHTS MAKE IT VERY HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE HEADLAMPS ARE THE NUMBER ONE COMPLAINT OF MARK VIII OWNERS AND MANY HAVE RESORTED TO AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS TO ENSURE THEIR OWN SAFETY. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM FORD SHOULD RECOGNIZE AND RECTIFY IMME…
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ALL 1993-1996 MARK VIII'S WERE BUILT WITH VERY LOW OUTPUT LOW BEAM LIGHTS. THESE LIGHTS MAKE IT VERY HAZARDOUS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE HEADLAMPS ARE THE NUMBER ONE COMPLAINT OF MARK VIII OWNERS AND MANY HAVE RESORTED TO AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS TO ENSURE THEIR OWN SAFETY. THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM FORD SHOULD RECOGNIZE AND RECTIFY IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA ODI #754016
Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2001
Exterior Lighting
I HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THIS SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE, AND SEVERAL OTHER MARK VIII'S I AM PERSONALLY FAMILIAR WITH ARE VERY DIM, TO THE POINT OF BEING DANGEROUS. ONLINE INVESTIGATION SHOWS MANY MARK VIII OWNERS HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT. THE ONLY OPTION FORD/LINCOLN OFFERS IS AN UPGRADE TO THE NEWER …
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I HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THIS SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE, AND SEVERAL OTHER MARK VIII'S I AM PERSONALLY FAMILIAR WITH ARE VERY DIM, TO THE POINT OF BEING DANGEROUS. ONLINE INVESTIGATION SHOWS MANY MARK VIII OWNERS HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT. THE ONLY OPTION FORD/LINCOLN OFFERS IS AN UPGRADE TO THE NEWER HID SYSTEM, FOR NEARLY $1000.00. NOT A GOOD OPTION FOR A DESIGN FAILURE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #753179
Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2001
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS DO NOT PROVIDE SUFFICIENT LIGHTING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #753082
Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2001
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS CLOUD AND YELLOW OVER. THE REFLECTIVE MATERIAL ON THE INSIDE HAS WORN AWAY LEAVING DANGEROUS LIGHTING CONDTIONS. MANUFACTURE REQURIES TOTAL REPLACEMENT WITH THE SAME LIGHT HOUSINGS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN CORRECTED TO STOP THE PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA ODI #753079
Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2001
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingSuspension
AIR RIDE SYSTEM WAS NOT PERFORMING PROPERLY. ALSO, AIRBAGS SYSTEM LEAKED AND WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THEY STATED AIRBAGS AND PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION CAN AFFECT A DRIVER'S ABILITY TO NAVIGATE THE ROADWAY AND REDUCE THE VISIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A HEADLIGHT SWITCH THAT INCORPORATES A CRICUIT BREAKER OF REVISED DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR AND WIRING, IF NEEDED.
THE LINK LEVER TRUNION ON THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING INSTALLATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DAMAGED COMPONENT MAY BECOME DISLODGED DURING VEHICLEOPERATION, MAKING THE RETRACTOR VEHICLE-SENSITIVE LOCKING SYSTEM INOPERATIVE.THIS INCREASES THE POSSIBILTY OF A SERIOUS INJURY IN A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
Remedy: THE RETRACTORS WILL BE REPLACED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
EA96019 · Headlight Failure
Opened Jul 31, 1996 · Closed Jan 26, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting
EXCESSIVE HEAT IN AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED CIRCUIT BREAKER WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH CAUSED THAT CIRCUIT BREAKER TO OPEN FOR TIME PERIODS OF VARYING LENGTH TO COOL OFF.OPENING OF THE CIRCUIT BREAKER IN THIS MANNER INTERRUPTS ELECTRIC CURRENT FLOW TO THE HEADLIGHTS, SHUTTING THEM OFF.HEADLIGHT OUTAGES HAVE RANGER FROM BRIEF FLICKERS (LESS THAN ONE SECOND) TO GREATER THAN 20 SECONDS.OVER TIME, THE OUTAGES GROW IN LENGTH AND DURATION BECAUSE OF HEAT-INDUCED DETERIORATION OF THE SWITCH AND ASSOCIATED WIRING.RECALL 98V-009 WILL APPLY TO APPROXIMATELY 506,000 TAURUS, SABLE, MARK VIII, AND CONTINENTAL VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM 1-DEC.-92 THROUGH 30-SEP-93 AT THE ATLANTA, CHICAGO,AND WIXOM ASSEMBLY PLANTS.87% OF MY 1992-1995 TAURUS/SABLE AND 97% OF MY 1993-1995 MARK VIII WARRANTY REPAIRS (HEADLIGHT SWITCH REPLACEMENT) INVOLVED VEHICLES BUILT DURING THE DEC. 92 - OCT. 93 BUILD RANGE.
1993 Lincoln Mark Viii Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year