Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
Headlights on my 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII suddenly went out while driving on the highway at 70 MPH causing a near fatal crash. I luckily ran off the road into a muddy grassy area and became stuck and not killed. I took it to the shop only to find I could not afford to get the lights repaired because the headlights on this car cost $1600.00. The bright lights still work, it was only the dimm lights that went out for no reason. The manufacture of these lights should be punished for selling a product that's substandard to much cheaper and safer headlights. If a pair of dimm headlights cost $1600.00 they should last a lifetime. My car has 60,000 miles. I am thinking of filing a law suit.
In November of 2006, the passenger headlight, low beam, went out in my 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII. Approximately one month later, the driver's side, low beam, also failed. I have checked with my local Ford dealership, and two other dealerships. There are no replacement parts for this problem, period, in the entire united states. When you check with after market suppliers, you are told you have to go through Ford. Since the spring of 2007 I call the local dealership monthly to check on when parts will be available. Each month, they check their data base, and learn that the replacement kit, costing hundreds of dollars, has been pushed back a month before it will be available. The current target date of availability is October 2007. So, for almost a year now, I have a Lincoln that cannot be driven at night, nor can it be repaired at any price. …
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. …
Tl contact owns a 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII. The contact stated that the front driver side low beam headlight failed. When he attempted to replace the bulb, he could not get the bulb unscrewed. The dealer replaced the headlight kit and charged him $700. The failure mileage was 49,941 and current mileage is 50,000. The consumer requested to have the recall performed on the vehicle pertaining to the speed control deactivation. The consumer provided a letter from Ford denying his claim for a partial reimbursement. The dealer stated warning lights trouble. Updated 10/03/07 the consumer is seeking reimbursement for the headlight replacement. Updated.
I have a 97 Lincoln Mark VIII and I was told by several Ford/Lincoln Mercury dealers that the headlight low beam bulbs, HID 9500, are not available. I contacted the manufacturer, sylvania, and the customer service rep told me the light bulbs are no longer manufactured. What are the several thousand owners of Lincoln Mark VIII owners expected to do? This is a blatant safety issue and should be addressed by federal authorities. I would like to speak to a ntsb representative, if available, regarding the lighting on these vehicles. Thank you for investigating this issue.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII. The contact stated that the front headlights burned out in the vehicle. The dealer stated that the replacement bulb was unavailable and would be placed on back order. They also requested a deposit for the bulb, which cost over $100. The contact called several Ford dealers and the manufacturer, who all stated that the bulb was obsolete and would no longer be manufactured. No repairs have been made to date. The failure mileage was 45,000 and current mileage was 75,000. 4/01/09 updated 04/06/09.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII. The contact noticed that the low beam headlight on his vehicle had burned out. He went to purchase another one and was informed that they were no longer manufactured. The dealer offered a remedy kit at the cost of $740 to install another lighting system, which would total $1,200 after the installation. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was 145,000 and failure mileage was approximately 144,900. Updated 07/15/08. Updated 07/15/08
When the driver's side low-beam HID headlamp began failing, I took it to the dealer, since parts are not available anywhere else. Then I found out that parts will cost $780 ($200 for the headlamp + $580 for an "upgraded" mounting assembly which is required due to parts obsolescence and a Lincoln engineering mistake). After some complaining, I got Ford and the dealer to reduce cost to $380 for parts plus $120 for labor. $500 to replace a headlight (required safety feature is absolutely unacceptable!
I recently took my 97 Mark VIII to the shop to replace the low intensity beam. The cost of this item spiraled from $262.00 to $1493.00 within a matter of hours to replace one set of lights. This is highway robbery and usury at the highest level .
Dt*: the contact stated the front low beam headlight burned out. When the dealer was contacted, the dealer determined the headlight was on backorder. The manufacturer offered to place an order, although the part was on backorder for two months.
Headlight complaints in other Mark VIII years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the lights of the 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII, 38% of the model year's 90 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (26 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to lights problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.