RoadVitals

2013 Lincoln Mks Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
141
Latest Apr 1, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
10

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Lincoln Mks, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

60
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Lose the ability to control the steering of the vehicle

NHTSA ID 11728676 · filed Apr 1, 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. Apparently, there was a recall on Lincoln MKS vehicles in 2015. I did not own the car at that time. The dealership service person said there was no recall on the VIN for this car. The notice on this website said No Unrepaired Recalls. My concern is that if the car was in motion and the power steering turned off there could have been an accident and injuries as a result.

NHTSA ID 11679333 · filed Aug 8, 2025
All 60 reports naming steering

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

25
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Lose the ability to control the steering of the vehicle

NHTSA ID 11728676 · filed Apr 1, 2026

The climate control system malfunctions by raising the temperature for the heater without any input. When turned off, it turns on by itself and resumes raising the temperature until it maxes out. This occurs when first started and also while driving, causing a severe distraction as the beeping is distracting and the temperature will not stop rising even when the My Temperature buttons are pressed to decrease the temperature. Other MKS owners have complained online. The car is available for inspection upon request. Sustained distraction while trying to find the temperature adjustment buttons and the off button lasts too long, creating a serious driving danger and large potential for an accident, even a head on accident. I have only experienced this when using the heater. It has not happened to me in the summer yet. I have not taken it to a dealer, yet. I will soon to find out how much they want to charge me for their vehicle design failure. The vehicle has not been inspected by others. There were no warnings or messages or symptoms. They first appeared within the last six months and have gotten worse with time. Now the runaway climate control occurs more frequently while driving.

NHTSA ID 11652415 · filed Apr 2, 2025
All 25 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Water pump failure or malfunctioned causing the engine to over heat and then to engine stall going 75 mph. After having it towed it was determined the water pump was leaking. It put myself and others at risk of an accident. The water pump sits directly in the center of the engine so it can’t be inspected so easily and only option is to just replace. The water pump was confirmed by a licensed Lincoln Certified Dealer and failed at 69,639 miles. Many others have reported having this same issue. There was a warning signal that flashed as the engine reach an overheating temp, but there were none prior the incident .

NHTSA ID 11687372 · filed Sep 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while reversing, there was a huge blast of white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance and was diagnosed and determined that the water pump was leaking, the turbo charger was losing power, the power transfer unit was overheating, and the water pump was overheating. The water pump was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

NHTSA ID 11670829 · filed Jul 2, 2025
All 24 reports naming engine

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool showed no open recall.

NHTSA ID 11618931 · filed Oct 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted and driven without further failure. Additionally, the contact stated that recently after the vehicle was started, the power steering assists failure warning light illuminated. The contact checked the power steering fluid level, and the level was sufficient. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact researched and discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V621000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 15V34000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not included in the recalls. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,698.

NHTSA ID 11607291 · filed Aug 8, 2024
All 16 reports naming fuel system

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while reversing, there was a huge blast of white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance and was diagnosed and determined that the water pump was leaking, the turbo charger was losing power, the power transfer unit was overheating, and the water pump was overheating. The water pump was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.

NHTSA ID 11670829 · filed Jul 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with several undisclosed messages displayed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

NHTSA ID 11631563 · filed Dec 19, 2024
All 9 reports naming powertrain (other)

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Rear camera backup camera fails to show, says to contact dealership and does not display image although camera is properly intact.

NHTSA ID 11698103 · filed Nov 7, 2025

Power steering assist faulty. To regain power steering control turn the car off. Throughout the past six months, this happened several times.

NHTSA ID 11636122 · filed Jan 15, 2025
All 9 reports naming driver assistance

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the defroster setting malfunctioned, and the contact was unable to defrost and clear the windows, creating a visibility hazard. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 157,000.

NHTSA ID 11653232 · filed Apr 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while attempting to close the front driver's side door, she heard a beeping noise. The contact then stated that when she placed the shifter in reverse(R), the screen failed to display an image and the defogger failed to operate. Additionally, the contact stated that she noticed that the vehicle was overheating and that the hood was discolored. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that when she placed the gear shifter into reverse(R) the defogger failed to operate as needed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ID 11483018 · filed Sep 6, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Ford Port Richey overcharged for diagnosis. Claim on credit report still owe them. Same with Ferman Ford Clearwater overcharged key. Said need two in order to program ECM. Broke two other things. Wiper cord and guitar strings were cracked.

NHTSA ID 11514599 · filed Mar 30, 2023

DRIVER'S SEAT FOLDED IN ON DRIVER WHILE IN MOTION. FIRST INCIDENT WAS MARCH 25 WHEN RETURNING FROM DINNER AS ENTERING THE DRIVEWAY. MARCH 30 THE SEAT FOLDED AS WE WERE DRIVING 70 MPH IN THE LEFT LANE ON INTERSTATE 295 OUTSIDE RICHMOND, VA. MARCH 31, THIRD INCIDENT OCCURRED AS LEAVING THE DRIVEWAY AND ON THE STREET. APRIL 1, 2014 CAR TAKEN TO WILLIAMSBURG FORD WHERE IT WAS LEFT TWO DAYS. CUSTOMER INVOICE NOTES: NOTES: A: CUSTOMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE SEAT BACK WILL FOLD FORWARD/INWARD TOWARDS STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT DUPLICATE CONCERN, NO EVIDENT FAULTS. B: PERFORM MULTI-POINT INSPECTION. 99P PERFORM MULTI-POINT INSPECTION C: QUICK ALIGNMENT CHECK 31 QUICK ALIGNMENT CHECK THIS IS VERY SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENS ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED IN TRAFFIC. CAR NEEDS TO STOP AND SEAT NEEDS TO BE READJUSTED. SOME LOCAL ROADS IN THIS AREA DO NOT HAVE SAFE PLACES TO PULL OFF TO ADJUST THIS SEAT. HAVE THERE BEEN OTHER REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM??? *TR

NHTSA ID 10577344 · filed Apr 4, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that water was leaking into the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that water was leaking through the sunroof as the drain had not been cleaned. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the front passenger's side headlight failed to illuminate. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlight failed due to water damage. The dealer diagnosed that the front passenger's side headlight needed to be replaced; however, the dealer declined to replace the headlight under the warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was covered under warranty. However, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID 11468637 · filed Jun 10, 2022

EVERY RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE 2013 LINCOLN MKS I HAVE WRONG WITH MY VEHICLES. BUT WHEN I CALL TO HAVE IT SERVICED THEY TELL ME MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS, BUT YET MY VEHICLE HAS ALL THE RECALL PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ID 11361092 · filed Sep 25, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Ill be driving and my car will whip me right off the road

NHTSA ID 11639070 · filed Jan 28, 2025

The control panel that operates the heat/ac, audio controls and also houses the hazard light button has a high failure rate and will do its own thing or fail to operate all together. The volume will randomly max out by itself creating a blaring unbearable loudness and you have to hit the tap/hot the unit for it to stop. The heat /ac will also do whatever it wants randomly. The hazard light button will also not work randomly. I've talked to other MKS owners and this is very common issue to have.

NHTSA ID 11515650 · filed Apr 5, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that water was leaking into the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that water was leaking through the sunroof as the drain had not been cleaned. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the front passenger's side headlight failed to illuminate. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlight failed due to water damage. The dealer diagnosed that the front passenger's side headlight needed to be replaced; however, the dealer declined to replace the headlight under the warranty. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was covered under warranty. However, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID 11468637 · filed Jun 10, 2022

PAINT ON THE HOOD IS CORRODING AND PEELING IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT AREAS.

NHTSA ID 11286676 · filed Dec 3, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving 55-60 mph, she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a guardrail. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. No air bags deployed. The contact did not sustain any injuries nor sought medical attention. No police report was filed. The contact stated she continued driving to her residence. The contact's father inspected the vehicle and noticed the toe link was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA ID 11478662 · filed Aug 10, 2022

lost complete control of my steering on my car can not drive it i had to havve the car towed to hoffman linclon ford in East Hartford Ct i have repair estimate from them i the amount of 3309,11 hear is a break down of the repairs (Primary)steering-steering $140.00 power steering control module:power rack and pinion,both outer tie rod ends $2808.79 alignment check alignment $129.00 total before taxes $3078.74 shop charges $34.87 ct taxes $195.50 i call linclon and they said that the car was not covered on the recall the car has less then70,000 thousand miles on it

NHTSA ID 11425390 · filed Jul 19, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WAS PARKING CAR IN DRIVEWAY AND WHEN TRYING TO BACK INTO SPACE STERRING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO MANEUVER.

NHTSA ID 11244242 · filed Aug 15, 2019

WHENEVER I DRIVE 55 MILES PER HOUR OR HIGHER DEPENDING ON WHERE I AM AND I ATTEMPT TO STOP THE VEHICLE OR I HAVE TO COME TO AN ABRUPT SLOW DOWN, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT SLOW DOWN PROPERLY AND IT MAKES A REVVING NOISE UNTIL THE VEHICLE SPEED GETS TO APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES PER HOUR. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE LINCOLN SERVICE DEPARTMENT SEVEN (7) TIMES, SIX (6) TIMES FOR BRAKES, THEY HAVE DUPLICATED THE ISSUE SIX (6) TIMES, THEY SHAVED THE FRONT ROTORS THREE (3) TIMES AND REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS ONCE. THE LINCOLN DEALER HAS STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN OVER 60 MILES PER HOUR. I ALSO TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT HE DUPLICATED THE ISSUE AT HIGH SPEEDS AND THE ISSUE COULD BE THE TYPE OF BRAKES THE VEHICLE HAS ON IT. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AND I FEARED FOR MY LIFE EACH TIME I GOT BEHIND THE WHEEL.

NHTSA ID 10862553 · filed May 2, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WITH THE SEAT BELT FASTENED, A DEER CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE CORNER PANEL, GRILL, WINDSHIELD, AND BUMPER. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE AIR BAGS IMPACTED THE CONTACT'S ABDOMEN AND PELVIC AREA, BUT THERE WERE NO INJURIES. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND SMOKE EMERGED FROM THE AIR BAGS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ID 11140389 · filed Oct 15, 2018

MY FATHER PULLED AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN ON A CITY STREET, CROSSED TRAFFIC AND HIT THE BACK BUMPER OF A PICKUP TRUCK AFTER WHICH HIS FOOT SLIPPED ON TO THE ACCELERATOR AND DROVE HIS CAR DIRECTLY INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE IMPACT WITH THE POLE WAS HARD ENOUGH TO SHEER OFF POLE AND THE FRONT OF HIS CAR WAS DAMAGED SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THE BUMPER TO THE FRAME PUTTING A V-SHAPED INDENTATION AND THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. HE WAS GOING FAST ENOUGH TO SHEER OFF THE WOODEN UTILITY POLE AND THE WIRES WERE HANGING DOWN OVER THE CAR.

NHTSA ID 10818505 · filed Jan 6, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER UNIT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER WOULD CHANGE FROM COOL TO EXTREMELY HOT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GENE MESSER FORD OF AMARILLO (3400 SONCY RD, AMARILLO, TX 79119, (806)-355-7471) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT CONTROL INTERFACE MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

NHTSA ID 11120446 · filed Aug 16, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT OBSERVED AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WHILE TURNING. THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STREP BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.

NHTSA ID 10899235 · filed Aug 29, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .