1986 Lincoln Mark VII Recalls, Complaints & Specs
5 safety recalls list the 1986 Lincoln Mark VII, and owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.
5 safety recalls for the 1986 Lincoln Mark VII
Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.
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Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)
Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.
Remedy: Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.
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Ignition (electrical system)
The ignition lock cylinder may hang up and not fully return to the "on" position from the "start" position after starting the engine. If this occurs, the engine will remain running, but the battery current to the brake system supply motor will be interrupted. Consequence of defect: with power to most accessories and the brake system…
Remedy: Replace ignition lock cylinders with revised design cylinders.
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Hydraulic (service brakes)
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…
Remedy: Replace pump motor relays.
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Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (service brakes)
Wiring connections in an electrical connector to the master cylinder reservoir fluid level sensors were reversed and fail to indicate low fluid levels as specified by FMVSS 105, hydraulic brake systems. Consequence of defect: sensor will not transmit signal to brake warning light when the fluid level is less than one fourth full.…
Remedy: Re-configure wiring to the fluid level sensor connector.
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Vehicle speed control
An aluminum casting flash on the face of the throttle body may break off and become trapped between the throttle plate and the bore in the throttle body. Consequences of defect: throttle may fail to return to idle position when released and could result in loss of vehicle control which may cause an accident.
Remedy: Remove excess casting flash.
8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Owners of the 1986 Lincoln Mark VII have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA; 3 describe a fire. Reports cite 0 injuries and 1 death. Complaints peaked in 1996 with 3 filed that year.
Most-reported components
What owners are reporting
“Air conditioner shut off/ dash buttons stopped working, and brakes failed while driving. *ak”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, December 12, 2003 · Equipment
“Consumer does not have original rcall letter 87v139000 from dealer concerning fuel line leak. *ak”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, April 12, 2002 · Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel economy and specs
EPA ratings for the 1986 Lincoln Mark VII. Ranges cover every tested configuration.
| Combined | 19 mpg |
|---|---|
| City / Highway | 16 / 24 |
| Fuel | Regular |
| EPA class | Midsize Cars |
| Engine | 8 cyl, 5 L |
| Transmission | Automatic 4-spd |
Compare Lincoln Mark VII model years
Recall and complaint counts for every Lincoln Mark VII model year in NHTSA's database.
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 Lincoln Mark VII | 3 | 1 |
| 1985 Lincoln Mark VII | 2 | 6 |
| 1986 Lincoln Mark VII | 5 | 8 |
| 1987 Lincoln Mark VII | 1 | 7 |
| 1988 Lincoln Mark VII | 1 | 26 |
| 1989 Lincoln Mark VII | 0 | 13 |
| 1990 Lincoln Mark VII | 0 | 12 |
| 1991 Lincoln Mark VII | 0 | 14 |
| 1992 Lincoln Mark VII | 0 | 3 |
| 1993 Lincoln Mark VII | 0 | 3 |
| 1994 Lincoln Mark VII | 0 | 1 |
| 1995 Lincoln Mark VII | 0 | 3 |
| 1996 Lincoln Mark VII | 0 | 2 |
| 1997 Lincoln Mark VII | 0 | 2 |
| 1998 Lincoln Mark VII | 0 | 5 |
Checking a specific 1986 Lincoln Mark VII
How do I know if my 1986 Lincoln Mark VII has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 5 campaigns currently list the 1986 Lincoln Mark VII; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Lincoln dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 85V115000).
What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?
A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.
Other Lincoln models
- Town Car3,308 complaints
- Continental1,678 complaints
- Mkz1,665 complaints
- Mkx1,417 complaints
- Navigator1,353 complaints
- LS982 complaints
- Mark VIII826 complaints
- Mkc599 complaints
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.