Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2010 Lincoln MKTRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 65 owner complaints for the 2010 Lincoln MKT. Most complaints involve steering (28) and engine (11). The EPA rates it 18–19 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18–19mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
65
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$3,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2010 Lincoln MKT as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
65 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2009 – Feb 2023
- Steering28
- Engine11
- Power train8
- Structure6
- Visibility4
- Vehicle speed control4
- Electrical system4
- Electronic stability control (esc)4
- Fuel/propulsion system4
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 Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Steering
28 reports
“I was driving home from work thru a construction area and all of a sudden my power steering/collision warning came on and the signal with the slippery tire car symbol. My power steering went out i almost hit a concrete wall but was able to steer car in development off main road Power steering out and will not operate. Says no recalls on 2010 but online same issue with 2012 and has recall im lucky i was seriously hurt or killed. Shooken up in Florida”
Engine
11 reports
“CATASTROPHIC WATER PUMP FAILURE. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING AND WHITE PLUMES BURST FROM THE EXHAUST. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY AND TO A SAFE PLACE BEFORE THE ENGINE FAILED COMPLETELY.”
Power train
8 reports
“There is an apparent transmission issue and, according to my research, it is somewhat common with this model vehicle. There is an intermittent problem with shift delay and/or "jumping" during acceleration from first gear. Often happens at stopped position at light and is dangerous if turning in front of oncoming traffic. I was hoping for a recall on this issue, but guess I'll have to take it to a repair shop at my expense. As for any warning lights.... about a month ago, the check engine light came on while we were traveling, but went away on its own by the time we got home a couple days later, so don't know if it is related or not? Below ask when "incident"occurred, but it has happened multiple times so I will just list first approximate date.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive · All-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 Oct 30, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKT FWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| MKT AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| MKT AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
- 19mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 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 MKT as of Oct 30, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 5586
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 MKT questions
How many recalls does the 2010 Lincoln MKT have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 30, 2026.
What are the most common 2010 Lincoln MKT problems?
Owners filed 65 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (28), engine (11), power train (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2010 Lincoln MKT get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Lincoln MKT at 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026