Problems · NHTSA complaints
2010 Lincoln MKT problems
Owners filed 65 complaints about the 2010 Lincoln MKT with NHTSA between Dec 2009 and Feb 2023. The most-cited component is steering (28).
Complaints
65
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Steering28
- Engine11
- Power train8
- Structure6
- Visibility4
- Vehicle speed control4
- Electrical system4
- Electronic stability control (esc)4
- Fuel/propulsion system4
- Service brakes, hydraulic3
- Suspension2
- Air bags1
- Seat belts1
- Exterior lighting1
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, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
4
2
1
7
4
4
7
5
7
9
7
2
4
1
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2019 | 9 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 1 |
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.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
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.”
Structure
6 reports1 crash
“Front sub frame rusted out completely on drivers side, passenger side is fine. The frame could separate at any time which could cause you to loss control of car without warning. Took car to get lower control arm replaced and repair shop saw rust damage to sub frame and took pictures. Called Ford to tell them about issue, they are having a dealer inspect it on 11/25/2022.”
Visibility
4 reports
“4th time in 12 years that the moonroof has broken and the side shields that hold each side in place need to be replaced. This is a recurrent issue at least with me on this vehicle causing my roof to stay open until fixed. Not sure if tis because the roof is so big or if its just faulty equipment/engineering. But I think every three years is a bit much”
Vehicle speed control
4 reports1 crash
“TURBO HAS GONE OUT BUT THIS MAKES THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS HAD HAPPENED. I HAVE INVESTIGATED THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHERS AND HAVE FOUND THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE TURBOS! I NOTICE IT SMOKES EXCESSIVE AND WAS TOLD ITS A FIRE HAZARD AND NOT TO DRIVE ON HIGHWAY. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREET WHEN IT BEGAN LOSING POWER TO ACCELERATE!”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.