Problems · NHTSA complaints

2015 Lincoln MKS problems

Owners filed 18 complaints about the 2015 Lincoln MKS with NHTSA between Oct 2017 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is engine (5).

Complaints
18
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine5
  2. Electrical system4
  3. Power train3
  4. Back over prevention2
  5. Air bags2
  6. Structure2
  7. Fuel/propulsion system2
  8. Steering2
  9. Service brakes1
  10. Forward collision avoidance1
  11. Engine and engine cooling1
  12. Suspension1
  13. Fuel system, gasoline1
  14. Other / unknown2

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 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20171
20180
20191
20204
20211
20222
20231
20241
20256
20261

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

5 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH or faster, the vehicle lost automotive power. During the failure the vehicle was coasted over to the side of the road and turned off for one minute before the vehicle restarted and continued driving. The failure was intermittent but had occurred twice within 10 minutes during the most recent failure. An unidentified warning light was illuminated during the failure. The failure occurred mainly while driving on highways or freeways. The rear-view camera intermittently failed to display an image of the rear of the vehicle. The failure had become more persistent over time. During an oil change, it was discovered that the drive axle from the rear to the front of the vehicle was leaking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2025Engine, Back over preventionODI 11690252

Electrical system

4 reports1 fire
“LINCOLN IS CURRENTLY RECALLING 2015 CARS FOR REAR CAMERA FAILURES. MINE FAILED ON [XXX]. I AM [XXX] AND USE THE CAMERA FOR BACKING UP AND PARKING. MY MODEL IS NOT IN THE RECALL. I HAD THE REPAIRS DONE AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR $857.00! ON THE REPAIR ORDER IT STATES; "CUSTOMER STATES THAT REAR CAMERA IS UPSIDE DOWN AND HAS NO COLOR AND SCREEN WILL GO BLACK." THIS IS EXACTLY THE REASON FOR THE RECALL #25V695. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MY 2015 MKS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL , AND WOULD LIKE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIRS. THANK YOU, [XXX] [XXX]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 17, 2025Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11699874

Power train

3 reports
“I have noticed a coolant leak that is the result of a faulty water pump design. To make it worse, the rocket scientists at Ford Motor Company buried the water pump internally in the engine. It is a very expensive repair on what should be a component bolted to the exterior of the engine. There are numerous Class Action Lawsuits against FMC for this matter. I think a recall should be issued or compensation for repairs on what is a very expensive endeavor. My wife drives this car. I am going through the repair process. FMC is known to have hidden the problem. Please issue a recall so people are not burdened by a bad corporate decision. Faulty water pumps can cause engine failure resulting in an accident on the public roadway. Cars should have building codes that forbid these stupid designs. Cars should be designed to be easier to repair with modularity. As a government agency, this is in the public interest to make FMC accountable for their faulty design and issue a recall or compensation for repairs related to this faulty part. MK”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 5, 2023Power train, EngineODI 11530492

Back over prevention

2 reports
“The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera displayed a distorted or upside-down image. The failure was intermittent at first but later became a constant failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 14, 2026Back over preventionODI 11764075

Air bags

2 reports
“Water leaks from the drip rail moldings down into the side airbags which could cause a shortage and unintentional air bag deployment.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 30, 2025Air bags, StructureODI 11696540

Structure

2 reports
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS READING 3/4 OF A TANK AFTER FILLING UP THE TANK. THE CONTACT STATED SHE NOTICED A FUEL LEAK INSIDE THE VEHICLE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V605000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT PANELS WERE DETACHING FROM THE VEHICLE AND PREVENTED HER FROM BEING ABLE TO MOVE THE SEATS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND JERKED INTO GEAR WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER RICHMOND FORD LINCOLN (4600 W BROAD ST, RICHMOND, VA 23230, (804) 358-5521) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE SEAT PANELS TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WITH THE FUEL TANK READING. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE WITH THE SEAT PANELS. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,160.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 24, 2021Fuel system, gasoline, Structure, EngineODI 11397673
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.