AI Damage1998 Lincoln Mark: common problems
Owners of the 1998 Lincoln Mark filed 8 complaints with NHTSA, most often about steering and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 8
What fails most often
- 1 Steering 38% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 25% of all complaints
- 3 Exterior lighting 25% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 25% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 13% of all complaints
- 6 Structure 13% of all complaints
- Steering: 3 complaints (38% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 2 complaints (25% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 2 complaints (25% of all).
- Service brakes: 2 complaints (25% of all).
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (13% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 8 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The telescope portion of the steering column is not operational. It is adjusted all the way out and will not retract.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 55 mph on normal road conditions one of the head lights burned out. The contact researched many sources for parts, however the bulb was an out of the market product. The manufacturer suggested salvage yards for the part.
Primary symptom was shuddering during overdrive gear shifts. (79k) heater will not work. Unit only blows cold air. Vehicle eats rotors. Rotors need to be turned or replaced at least once a year. Electric steering adjustment won't go up or down. Temporarily fixed by beating on steering wheel.
While driving vehicle stalled. Smoke was coming in through the vents. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for analysis, and mechanic determined that the valve cover to engine needed to be replaced.
When applying brakes vehicle proceeds forward causing extended stopping distance. Dealer notified.
While driving steering column was very loose, making it difficult to drive vehicle. Consumer adds that the steering wheel came off the vehicle.
Vehicle is experiencing moisture in the headlamp housing. Problem is on the right front side of vehicle, with the possibility that the left headlamp may be affected. Also, the rear brake stoplight has signs of moisture in it as well. A tsb was issued by ford (98-13-10) in july of 1998 regarding the moisture problem.
A small bulb put in trunk dome light melted the protective plastic shield cover which then burnt a pillow, causing a fire. Dealer cannot determine problem,and no electrical check was given.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 11,896 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 32% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Mark has 5 complaints (15 years in the data). This year has 8, above average.
What to check before buying
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Lincoln Mark?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: steering, engine and cooling, exterior lighting. Total complaints: 8. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (25%), A/C or heater (13%), jerking, harsh shifts (13%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1998 Lincoln Mark?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1998 Lincoln Mark from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1998 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.