NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 141 owner complaints for the 2013 Lincoln MKS. Most complaints involve steering (60) and electrical system (25). The EPA rates it 20–21 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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. A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.
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. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
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 vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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 wheel abruptly returned, causing me to swerve out of control, past the right lane, onto the shoulder and into the grassy roadside area. The vehicle didn't suffer any bodily damages. I struggled mightily with the steering but was able to drive home safely and park it. The next morning, I took the car to a mechanic, who after checking the power steering, informed me that the E.P.A.S. motor sensor at fault and that there's an active service recall on vehicles fitting the year, make, and model of my car. I called Lincoln of Queens Center, and was told that my vehicle was not on the list for recalls. This was after I provided them with my VIN number. The customer service representative couldn't give a valid or specific reason why my VIN number was excluded from the list, except to say, "that's the way it's always been, I don't make the policies." In search for a better…”
“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.”
“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 .”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKS AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 424 |
| MKS FWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $2,950 | 422 |
| MKS AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,100 | 446 |
| 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 |
7 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 141 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (60), electrical system (25), engine (22). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2013 Lincoln MKS at 20–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Lincoln MKS 5 out of 5 stars overall.