2013 Lincoln MKS
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 56 |
| 2010 | 51 |
| 2011 | 43 |
| 2012 | 16 |
| 2013 | 141 |
| 2014 | 43 |
| 2015 | 17 |
| 2016 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
40% of complaints: steering — 56 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was driving my 2013 limcoln mks and all of the sudden I could not turn the vehicle left or right. Then I had these 2 warnings: power assist fault and service advancetrac. This is very dangerous.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240712
Steering system made a whining, humming noise while driving, and steering control was not completely possible as the vehicle wandered both left and right.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231208
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the Electronic Power Steering Assist warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel was stiff with very limited maneuverability.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230919
18% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS ELECTRICAL. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR MAKE, MODEL, & YEAR TO FIX A PROBLEM WHICH WOULD LEAD TO A FIRE. HOWEVER, THE RECALL NOTICE WAS NEVER RECEIVED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140821
16% of complaints: engine — 22 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
SAFETY FEATURES FOR KEYLESS IGNITION EXIT FROM CAR FAILURE. NO AUDIBLE & NO ENGINE SHUT OFF 2 DEATHS
NHTSA ODI report, 20180125
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FLAMES WERE EMERGING FROM THE ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151023
9% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicl
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1
Campaign 13V227000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured November 29, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, wit
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the safety locks. If necessary, the locks will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S07. Owners m
Campaign 13V270000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30,...
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained.
Campaign 14V393000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles manufactured December 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, and 2011-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured June 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 15V040000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT...
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge.
Campaign 15V340000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.
Campaign 15V812000 — check if this car was fixed
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 16V621000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Lincoln MKS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (56 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V227000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V270000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V393000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V040000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V340000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V812000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V621000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2013 Lincoln MKS reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Lincoln MKS?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Lincoln MKS have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.