VehicleVerdict

1985 Lincoln Mark Vii problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1985 Lincoln Mark Vii — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other Mark Vii years?

Mark Vii NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted33 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 8 complaints1986: 10 complaints1987: 9 complaints1988: 33 complaints1989: 16 complaints1990: 13 complaints1991: 18 complaints1992: 6 complaints1993: 3 complaints1994: 1 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 12 complaints
Mark Vii NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mark Vii years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Lincoln Mark Vii problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes225%
Engine225%
Suspension225%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)113%
Electrical System113%

Does the 1985 Lincoln Mark Vii have recalls?

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

86V109000BrakesAugust 8, 1986 · 38,000 units

Defect

UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, CONTACTS IN BRAKE SYSTEM RELAY COULD REMAIN CLOSED, CAUSING THE BRAKE PUMP MOTOR TO RUN CONTINUOUSLY, CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT AND EVENTUALLY FAIL. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SHOULD THE BRAKE SUPPLY MOTOR FAIL, THE POWER ASSIST TO THE FRONT BRAKES WILL BE LOST, AND AFTER ABOUT 10 TO 15 NORMAL BRAKE STOPS, LOSS OF REAR BRAKE FUNCTION WILL RESULT, CAUSING INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. HOWEVER, THE INSTRUMENT BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE PRIOR TO REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY AND IF WARNING IS NOT HEEDED, AN ACCIDENT MAY OCCUR.

Remedy

REPLACE PUMP MOTOR RELAYS.

85V040000SuspensionApril 9, 1985 · 19,200 units

Defect

A MALFUNCTION MAY OCCUR IN THE AIR SUSPENSION ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY.

Consequence

A WIRE TO THE AIR SUSPENSION COMPRESSOR COULD OVERHEAT CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE, PRIMARILY WHEN PARKED AND KEY IS REMOVED.

Remedy

REPLACE CONTROL MODULE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MODULE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“HI MY CAR EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO THE COMPRESSOR MOTOR FOR MY 1985 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MARK VII. I CALLED FORD MOTOR DEALERS AND THEN FORD MOTOR CO. ALL OF THEM SAID THERE WAS NO RECALLS FOR MY 1985. I AM BEING LIED TO BY THEM AS I HAVE FOUND INFORMATION CONTRARY TO THEIR STATEMENTS TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 15, 2005

“WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION, VEHICLE STALLED OUT AND DIED. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *YH ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“HI MY CAR EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO THE COMPRESSOR MOTOR FOR MY 1985 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MARK VII. I CALLED FORD MOTOR DEALERS AND THEN FORD MOTOR CO. ALL OF THEM SAID THERE WAS NO RECALLS FOR MY 1985. I AM BEING LIED TO BY THEM AS I HAVE FOUND INFORMATION CONTRARY TO THEIR STATEMENTS TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 15, 2005

“ENGINE STOPPED COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH. HIT THE RIGHT REAR OF CAR & DAMAGED RIGHT SIDE. FAILURE OF IGNITION MODULE, REPLACED MODULE FOR ENGINE TO FUNCTION.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 27, 2001 · crash

1985 Lincoln Mark Vii — common questions

Is the 1985 Lincoln Mark Vii reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1985 Lincoln Mark Vii have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 Lincoln Mark Vii. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1985 Lincoln Mark Vii under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Lincoln Mark Vii years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mark Vii years to avoid are 1988. The cleanest record among Mark Vii years belongs to 1994.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.