Research · Large Cars
2010 Lincoln MKSRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 51 owner complaints for the 2010 Lincoln MKS. Most complaints involve steering (15) and vehicle speed control (10). The EPA rates it 19–20 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
19–20mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
51
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$3,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2010 Lincoln MKS as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
51 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2010 – Feb 2026
- Steering15
- Vehicle speed control10
- Engine7
- Electrical system6
- Air bags5
- Service brakes4
- Power train3
- Structure3
- Forward collision avoidance1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Steering
15 reports
“No power steering and Power steering assist failure warning message. Took to dealer, and they said the epas needed to be replaced. Also, that the oem part was no longer available, so they had to use after market part and would not guarantee the labor. 3 months later same problem. There is a recall for 2011-2013 same car with the same problem, but not for 2010. Defective epas system causing the failure. Spoke to Lincoln concierge and Ford concierge and they would not help with a remedy or with dealer support.”
Vehicle speed control
10 reports4 crashes
“LETTER IN REGARDS TO THE INVESTIGATION OF HYUNDAI KIA BEEN CONDUCTING WHICH WAS IN THE LAS VEGAS JOURNAL ON MAY 21; SEEKING COMMENTS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSING A 4 CAR ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT COMPLAINING OF THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER FOUND A CLASS ACTION SUIT PERTAINING TO THE SAME ISSUE , BUT THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMS NO LIABILITY. *JS”
Engine
7 reports
“The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that upon placing her vehicle into park(P), the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. The engine then failed to restart after the failure. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where she was informed that the water pump was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl turbo · 3.5L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 6-spd
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive · Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKS AWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| MKS AWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| MKS FWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
- 20mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Lincoln MKS as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 5451
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2010 MKS questions
How many recalls does the 2010 Lincoln MKS have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2010 Lincoln MKS problems?
Owners filed 51 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (15), vehicle speed control (10), engine (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2010 Lincoln MKS get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Lincoln MKS at 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026