2013 Lincoln MKSProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 143 owner complaints about the 2013 Lincoln MKS, most often about the steering. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-040 the manufacturer reports only 52% of affected cars repaired.

2013 Lincoln MKS

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 5, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2013 Lincoln MKS has problems

143 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Steering623
Electrical system253
Engine2210
Fuel/propulsion system121
Power train90
Seats40
Visibility40
Exterior lighting40
Fuel system, gasoline40
14 other systems296

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

7 recalls

2013 Lincoln MKS recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

81%repaired · 2018 Q1

Delivery: fuel pump

Recall 16V-621 · Aug 25, 2016 · 77,502 vehicles · 62,945 repaired

Risk. A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

80%repaired · 2017 Q1

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 15V-812 · Dec 2, 2015 · 868 vehicles · 696 repaired

Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

69%repaired · 2016 Q4

Steering: electric power assist system

Recall 15V-340 · Jun 2, 2015 · 393,623 vehicles · 272,633 repaired

Risk. If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

52%repaired · 2016 Q2

Body: door

Recall 15V-040 · Jan 28, 2015 · 194,889 vehicles · 101,589 repaired

Risk. If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 3 more recalls
90%repaired · 2015 Q4

Axle assembly: axle shaft

Recall 14V-393 · Jul 2, 2014 · 83,250 vehicles · 75,189 repaired

Risk. If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Latches/locks/linkages

Recall 13V-270 · Jun 26, 2013 · 12,569 vehicles

Risk. If the child lock is deactivated, the door could be unlocked and opened from the inside which could lead to personal injury to an unrestrained child.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lincoln.

Mileage at failure

When do steering problems start?

92kmiles, median

Based on the odometer reading in 41 steering complaints. 56% were reported before 100,000 miles.

median0k50k100k150k200k+
3under 30k miles23under 100k miles18100k miles or more
Best & worst years

2013 vs. every other MKS year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the MKS median. How we score

'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2013 Lincoln MKS safety ratings

2013 Lincoln MKS 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
  • Rollover: 4 stars (11.3% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words

What MKS owners report

Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and merging right onto an exit ramp, the power steering failed to operate properly. The contact decelerated and exited the highway. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was driven to an auto parts store, where the…
Complaint 11775912 · Nov 5, 2026 · 42,338 miles
While driving home in the center lane on the XXX[XXX] Parkway, my steering wheel locked suddenly, preventing me from turning left or right. As I used my full strength to turn right against the tightness of the steering wheel, trying to get off at the next possible exit, the power to the steering…
Complaint 11756815 · Aug 13, 2026
The Lincoln was parked. When I started the car, the steering wheel would not move at all to the right or left. Simultaneously, the warning appeared that said, Power steering fault. The car was towed to the dealership. They diagnosed the car and fixed the software and replaced the steering module.…
Complaint 11679333 · Aug 8, 2025

Own a 2013 MKS?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.