1978 Lincoln Mark V problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1978 Lincoln Mark V — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1978 compare to other Mark V years?

Mark V NHTSA complaints by model year, 1978 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mark V years to avoid →

What are the most common 1978 Lincoln Mark V problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Tires & Wheels	2	100%	▲ up

Does the 1978 Lincoln Mark V have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

79V249000Body & StructureNovember 16, 1979 · 125,000 units

Defect

THE INVOLVED VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH AN ALUMINUM REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT ATTACHED TO TWO STEEL MOUNTING SURFACES. IN CLIMATES WHERE LARGE AMOUNTS OF ROCK SALT ARE USED, THE ALUMINUM REINFORCEMENT COULD EXPERIENCE CORROSION WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALER WILL INSPECT ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES FOR DEGREE OF CORROSION. WHERE CORROSION IS SEVERE, THE ALUMINUM REINFORCEMENT WILL BE REPLACED WITH ONE MADE OF STEEL. WHERE CORROSION IS NOT SEVERE, DEALER WILL INSTALL INSULATION MATERIALS BETWEEN THE ALUMINUM AND THE STEEL COMPONENTS. THIS WILL BE DONE AT NO COST TO OWNER.

77V185000TransmissionOctober 25, 1977 · 19,000 units

Defect

ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES, THE PARK ACTUATION SUPPORT PLATES ARE DEFECTIVE DUE TO THEIR SUSCEPTIBILITY TO CRACKING DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT DURING MANUFACTURE. AS A RESULT, FRAGMENTS FROM A BROKEN PLATE CAN BECOME LODGED IN THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL MECHANISM. THIS COULD PREVENT THE TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL FROM ENGAGING WHEN THE SELECTOR LEVER IS PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION, OR PREVENT THE PAWL FROM BEING DISENGAGED FROM THE PARK GEAR.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PARK ACTUATION CAM SUPPORT PLATES, FREE OF CHARGE, ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES.

77V161000Speed ControlSeptember 23, 1977 · 16,000 units

Defect

SOME OF THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE DEFECTIVE CARBURETORS IN WHICH, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SECONDARY THROTTLE PLATES MAY STICK OPEN.

Remedy

DEALER WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE CARBURETOR AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING LINCOLN MARK V 1978, (2) TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE TRAVELING HIGHWAY SPEED, LOSING TREADS. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels

1978 Lincoln Mark V — common questions

Is the 1978 Lincoln Mark V reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1978 Lincoln Mark V have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1978 Lincoln Mark V. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1978 compare to other Mark V years?

What are the most common 1978 Lincoln Mark V problems?

Does the 1978 Lincoln Mark V have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1978 Lincoln Mark V — common questions

Is the 1978 Lincoln Mark V reliable?

Does the 1978 Lincoln Mark V have recalls?

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