The 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. Updated 09/11/09 updated 09/15/09.

- Harrison Township, MI, USA

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.

- Downers Grove, IL, USA

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.

- Dallas, TX, USA

Problems with defrost blowing out cold air instead of heat to defrost windshield.

- Elgin, IL, USA

The heater blend door has failed preventing defrosting of the windshield.

- Campbell, CA, USA

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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln.

- Cordele, GA, USA

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.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

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.

- El Paso, TX, USA

Known issue with manufacturer. Failure prevents windshield defrosting and climate control.

- Braenton, FL, USA

This blend door part on almost all 97 & 98 model of the Mark viii fails it is a saftey factor. When this part fails, there is no heat with no heat the de-froster does not work!!. how many times, have had to use a towel to wipe the window, so I could see! the part is about $30 but the labor can run between $400 and $600.

- Lewiston, ID, USA

This part fails on almost all 97 & 98 model years for these cars. The replacement part fails as well. It can be a bad issue in temperature where the window defogger is necessary. Often I have to stop along the road and wipe my windows down as the defogger doesn't operate properly due to this failed part. The part is about $30 but the labor can run over $700.

- Elgin, IL, USA

With the blend door actuator broken, the windshield can not properly clear due to fog and ice as there is no heat coming through the defroster ducts.

- Roswell, NM, USA

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 but costs $800 to replace due to the labor to get at the part. With as many failures the dot needs to do something asap about this.

- Elgin, IL, USA

Blend door part failure for climate control system. There is no funcitonal defogger. This is a very common problem with Mark viii's and I am just making it known that mine is faulty as well and I belive it is a saftey hazard. I know there have been many other entries rearding this topic. Lets make something happen.

- North Riverside, IL, USA

The climate control will allow the user to select heat and which area for it to come out but once the blend door actuator has been switched to air conditioning mode it will not turn back to the heater mode. This inhibits the ability to defrost the windsheild and heat the car.

- Villa Park, IL, USA

The blend actuator plastic arm breaks on most 97/98 models leaving you with no heat or air. This can be very dangerous in cold climates when you need to defrost the windshield.

- Ontario, CA, USA