VehicleVerdict

1993 Lincoln Mark Viii problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 286 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median Mark Viii year — the 1993 model ranks #1 of 10 Mark Viii years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 12 deaths and 10 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: lighting issues account for 69% of all reports (196 of 286), far ahead of speed control at 15.

286

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

20

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

10

Injuries

12

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1993 compare to other Mark Viii years?

Mark Viii NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted286 complaints1989: 1 complaints1992: 1 complaints1993: 286 complaints1994: 190 complaints1995: 172 complaints1996: 120 complaints1997: 103 complaints1998: 108 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 1 complaints
Mark Viii NHTSA complaints by model year, 1993 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Mark Viii years to avoid →

What are the most common 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting19669%
Speed Control155%
Visibility & Wipers145%
Brakes135%
Electrical System124%
Transmission93%
Engine62%
Suspension62%
Airbags52%
Body & Structure31%
Steering21%
Tires & Wheels21%
Seat Belts10%
Other10%
Fuel System10%

Does the 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii have recalls?

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

16E026000BrakesApril 1, 2016 · 49,635 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A damaged or broken brake disc may reduce a vehicle's braking power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Bosch will instruct the owners how to have the affected brake pads replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Bosch customer service at 1-888-715-3616.

07V336000Speed ControlAugust 3, 2007 · 3,600,000 units

Defect

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

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.

98V009000LightingJanuary 21, 1998 · 506,000 units

Defect

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

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.

92V166000Seat BeltsNovember 18, 1992 · 2,890 units

Defect

THE LINK LEVER TRUNION ON THE SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING INSTALLATION.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I OWN A 1993 LINCOLN MARK VIII AND THE HEADLIGHTS ARE TERRIBLE. IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE DIM LIGHT OUTPUT WILL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I BELIEVE THE DESIGN OF THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IS FLAWED WHICH CAUSES THE PLASTIC TO BURN AND THE REFLECTORS TO BE DAMAGED. FORD SHOULD REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · October 9, 2004 · crash

“MY SON WAS DRIVING HIS GIRLFRIEND HOME WHEN HIS CAR BURST INTO FLAMES. HE PULLED THE CAR OFF THE ROAD TELLING HIS GIRLFRIEND TO JUMP OUT THE WINDOW AS THE FLAMES CONTINUED TO GROW WITH EACH PRESS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CAR SLID INTO THE DARK HITTING A TREE. BOTH PEOPLE DIED. MY SON WAS 22, HIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · December 9, 2006 · crash · fire

“I HAD THE WIPER MOTOR REPAIRED (EVEN THOUGH I TOLD THE DEALER TO REPLACE IT) ABOUT THREE YEARS AGO. THE WIPERS STILL LOCK IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION. I DO NOT WANT TO GO THROUGH THE EXPENSE OF REPLACING THESE AT HIGH COST WHEN THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU VERY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · July 1, 1995

“THE DISC BRAKE ROTOR DISC SEPARATED FROM ROTOR HUB CAUSING THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE TO LOCK UP FORCING CAR INTO A SPIN RESULTING IN THE CAR COMING TO A STOP IN A DITCH. MY 3 CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT RECEIVED MINOR BUMPS AND BRUISES. I WASTRAVELING AT 45 MPH WHEN THIS OCCURRED. IF I HAD BEEN TRAVELING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 10, 2001 · crash

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR A FEW MONTHS. THE FIRE WAS LOCALIZED NEAR THE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR. ASH WAS SCATTERED OVER THE ENTIRE ENGINE, AND BLOWN ONTO THE FRONT FENDERS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A DEALER FOLLOWING THE FIRE, HOWEVER THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 5, 2006 · fire

1993 Lincoln Mark Viii — common questions

Is the 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 286 complaints put the 1993 model at #1 of 10 Mark Viii years. It is one of the Mark Viii years to avoid.

What are the most common 1993 Mark Viii problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (196 complaints), speed control (15 complaints), visibility & wipers (14 complaints).

Does the 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1993 Lincoln Mark Viii under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Lincoln Mark Viii years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Mark Viii years to avoid are 1993, 1994, 1995. The cleanest record among Mark Viii years belongs to 2000.

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.