Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl 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. …
There is a part in the heater/defroster on the Lincoln Mark VIII that is prone to failure causing loss of heat or A/C for use in defrosting the windshield. This part has failed repeatedly, and as quickly as 1 year after replacement by the dealer. I purchased a 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII within in the past month from weisleder Lincoln Mercury, among the problems with the vehicle was there was no heat. The dealer repaired the the blend door, but I am concerned that this repair will be necessary again in short time because the construction/ design of the part is poor.
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 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
Failure of blend door actuator on 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII which results in failure of HVAC. This prevents defroster from functioning to clear windshield of fog or ice thus resulting in a safety hazard due to poor visibility. This part failed in May 3, 2002 and was repaired at dealership by replacing the part. The part has failed again in decemdber 12, 2004. This part has failed twice within a little over 2 years and less than 32,000 miles since it was replaced in May 2002.
The blend door actuator which allows warm air to be directed to the windshield to defrost it broke at a very bad time. My windshield was fogged up on the interstate and when I put the climate control on defrost, all I got was cold air. Not a very safe set of conditions. I have since read that over 40 of my Lincoln car club members have had the same part break. Some report as many as 3 failures. The Lincoln dealership quotes the repair at approx. $700.00. Ts
When proceeding to turn on the heat in my car to defrost the windshield I discovered that my heat did not work, and that the A/C only blew cold air. This is a common problem in the Lincoln Mark VIII. The problem is caused by the blend door breaking over time. This has been an issue that Ford has known about; but, will not provide reimbursement for repairs needed. This repair is needed on almost all Mark VIII's after time.
1997 Lincoln Mark VIII defroster/heater/ac blend door: the blend door on my 1997 Lincoln has malfunctioned. This is a very common problem on all Mark VIII lincolns causing a malfunction in the windshield defroster. There is no heat applied to the windshield while attemting to defrost. Lincoln/Ford has ignored this very common problem and has offered no help. I am suggesting a recall be made on all 1997 and 1998 lincolns.
The A/C blend door module arm has failed on my car; this arm controls the amount of heat that is sent through the A/C, heating and defrost vents. If it does not operate properly, it will not remove frost or fog from the windshield, thus creating an unsafe condition.
The blend door lever is a common safety complaint with these cars. It is made of cheap plastic and many owners have replaced this part at considerable cost. My experience with this problem occurs on cold days with high humidity. The windows fog and when you turn on the defroster, cold air comes out and the fog remains or gets worse. This is a safety issue as how am I to see where I am driving with windows that are foggy? Since this occurs while driving down the interstate am I to constantly clean the windows while driving. Thereby creating another safety issue? Please look into this problem. It is a safety issue and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Dt
The keys are not available at any dealership or afternarket. Imagine losing your keys in a strange town. It took the dealer 5 days to replace the key they lost. As for the blend door, go to the site markviii.org and there are many complaints about this componant that is only $30.00 but costs $800.00 to replace due to the labor to get at the part. With as many failures the dot needs to do something asap about this. Dt
AC & Heater complaints in other Mark VIII years
Frequently asked questions
How common are ac & heater problems on the 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the a/c & heater of the 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII, 22% of the model year's 90 complaints. The component named most often is defroster/defogger/hvac system (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for the 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII ac & heater problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.