Lincoln MKS Problems by Year
NHTSA has 374 owner complaints and 11 safety recalls on file for the Lincoln MKS, across 8 model years (2009–2016). The 2013 model year has the most complaints (142). The most reported problem area overall is steering.
Lincoln MKS years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical MKS year: 2013. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2013 MKS: 142 complaints, 7 recalls
- 2009 MKS: 56 complaints, 1 recall
- 2010 MKS: 51 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2016 MKS: 3 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2012 MKS: 17 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2015 MKS: 18 complaints, 3 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Lincoln MKS problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering problems | 121 | 7 | 3 |
| Electrical System | 55 | 8 | 2 |
| Engine | 47 | 7 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 24 | 6 | 0 |
| Power Train | 24 | 8 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 24 | 5 | 8 |
| Service Brakes | 21 | 6 | 3 |
| Air Bags | 20 | 6 | 6 |
| Structure | 17 | 7 | 2 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 14 | 7 | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 12 | 2 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 11 | 5 | 0 |
| Suspension | 9 | 5 | 1 |
| Seats | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| Back Over Prevention | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Equipment | 6 | 3 | 1 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 6 | 6 | 1 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Lane Departure | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Tires | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Parking Brake | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Traction Control System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Lincoln MKS problems by model year
Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.
All Lincoln MKS model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 MKS | 3 | 0 | 5★ | Electrical System | |
| 2015 MKS | 18 | 3 | 5★ | Engine | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2014 MKS | 44 | 2 | 5★ | Steering | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2013 MKS | 142 | 7 | 5★ | Steering | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2012 MKS | 17 | 3 | — | Steering | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2011 MKS | 43 | 3 | — | Steering | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2010 MKS | 51 | 0 | — | Steering | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2009 MKS | 56 | 1 | — | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | More complaints than other years |
More from Lincoln: all Lincoln models · Lincoln VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Lincoln MKS years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2013 (142) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical MKS year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Lincoln MKS?
Steering, with 121 complaints across 7 model years.
How many recalls does the Lincoln MKS have?
11 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.