IllustrationSTEERING WHEEL MAKES A LOUD NOISE (SQUEALING NOISE) WHILE DRIVING LEFT OR RIGHT VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER STEERING WHEEL.
2013 Lincoln Mks
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Mks years
Owner complaints for the 2013 Lincoln Mks are substantially higher than the model-year median of 43.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Mks years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
170–25K
1125–50K
2150–75K
1675–100K
17100–150K
9150K+
91 reports with mileage · 51 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 61 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
6 crash reports4 fire reports7 injury reports
What owners actually said
142 reportsTHERE IS A LEAK COMING FROM THE WATER PUMP WHICH IS IN THE ENGINE. IT'S ON AVERAGE A $1700 FIX WHICH IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE. FROM WHAT I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MULTIPLE MECHANICS IS THAT IT IS A DESIGN DEFECT THE FORD DID FOR THAT YEAR. MY MECHANIC SAID HE'S BEEN FIXING THE SAME ISSUE ON FORD ESCAPE, LINCOLN MKZ, LINCOLN MKS, AND SOME …
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THERE IS A LEAK COMING FROM THE WATER PUMP WHICH IS IN THE ENGINE. IT'S ON AVERAGE A $1700 FIX WHICH IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE. FROM WHAT I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MULTIPLE MECHANICS IS THAT IT IS A DESIGN DEFECT THE FORD DID FOR THAT YEAR. MY MECHANIC SAID HE'S BEEN FIXING THE SAME ISSUE ON FORD ESCAPE, LINCOLN MKZ, LINCOLN MKS, AND SOME FORD TRUCKS THAT ARE 2013. MY CAR IS BELOW 75,000 MILES AND THIS IS TYPICALLY A FIX THAT DOESN'T OCCUR UNTIL 120,000 MILES. IF THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT THAN FORD SHOULD BE PAYING FOR IT NOT ME. THE CAR IS NOT OLD NOR DOES IT HAVE A HIGH MILES. THIS OUTRAGEOUS
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, MY 2013 LINCOLN MKS SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING. STEERING WHEEL WAS PRACTICALY LOCKED. WITH TWO HANDS AND ALL MY STRENGTH I WAS ABLE TO JERK THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT WAS A VERY FRIGHTENING SITUATION. WHEN STOPPED, A "SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW" PROMPT APPEARED…
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WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, MY 2013 LINCOLN MKS SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING. STEERING WHEEL WAS PRACTICALY LOCKED. WITH TWO HANDS AND ALL MY STRENGTH I WAS ABLE TO JERK THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT WAS A VERY FRIGHTENING SITUATION. WHEN STOPPED, A "SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW" PROMPT APPEARED. VEHICLE HAS 208K MILES AND ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP, LINCOLN RECALL WOULD ONLY COVER VEHICLES UNDER 150K.
I STOPPED TO PUT GAS IN MY CAR AND WHEN I FINISHED I GOT BACK IN MY CAR AND A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND IT SAID ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM SHUT DOWN I COULD NOT STEER MY CAR THAN I GOT MY MANUAL OUT AND IT SAID SHUT CAR OFF FOR 10 SECONDS AND I WAS ABLE TO STEER AGAIN I'M JUST GLAD I WAS NOT DRIVING
CAR WOULD CRANK. BUT NOT START. THE CAR WAS PARKED @ HOME THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS.*JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED GREY SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED GREY SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FUEL LEAK. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
THE HEATING SYSTEM FOR THE CAR WILL AUTOMATICALLY TURN UP TO 90 DEGREE, ALL ON ITS OWN. I AM UNABLE TO SHUT IT OFF, OR TURN IT DOWN. THIS IS ES[SPECIALLY DANGEROUS WITH THE DEFOGGER.
TAKATA RECALL MY HEADLIGHTS KEEPS GOING OFF IN ON WHILE I'M DRIVING THE CAR.
A/C RANDOMLY GOES TO HIGHEST SETTING AND YOU CAN'T ADJUST IT OR TURN IT OFF. TYPICALLY HAPPENS IN EXTREME TERMPERATURES (HOT AND COLD). BEEPING NOISE AS IF YOU ARE PRESSING THE BUTTONS IS CONTINUOUS. WAS ADVISED IT WAS A FAULTY FCIM BUT THE PART "IS ON BACK ORDER" AND NO ONE CAN ADVISE WHEN THIS PART WILL BECOME AVAILABLE. IN…
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A/C RANDOMLY GOES TO HIGHEST SETTING AND YOU CAN'T ADJUST IT OR TURN IT OFF. TYPICALLY HAPPENS IN EXTREME TERMPERATURES (HOT AND COLD). BEEPING NOISE AS IF YOU ARE PRESSING THE BUTTONS IS CONTINUOUS. WAS ADVISED IT WAS A FAULTY FCIM BUT THE PART "IS ON BACK ORDER" AND NO ONE CAN ADVISE WHEN THIS PART WILL BECOME AVAILABLE. IN DOING RESEARCH, THE FCIM PART SEEMS TO BE FAILING IN MANY VEHICLES AND EVERYONE HAS THE SAME COMPLAINT - THEY CAN'T GET ONE.
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE VEHICLE OWNERS OF A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE CONTACT'S PARENTS LEFT THE VEHICLE UNATTENDED AND ENTERED THEIR HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH KEYLESS ENTRY THAT DID NOT CHIME TO ALERT THE DRIVER THAT THE ENGINE REMAINED AC…
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TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE VEHICLE OWNERS OF A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE CONTACT'S PARENTS LEFT THE VEHICLE UNATTENDED AND ENTERED THEIR HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH KEYLESS ENTRY THAT DID NOT CHIME TO ALERT THE DRIVER THAT THE ENGINE REMAINED ACTIVE. AS A RESULT, CARBON MONOXIDE FILLED THE GARAGE AND THE HOME, CAUSING FATAL INJURIES TO THE CONTACT'S PARENTS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, BUT NO RESULTS WERE AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *DT UPDATED 12/03/18*JB
Official recalls
716V621000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Aug 25, 2016
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S31.
15V812000 · Fuel System, Gasoline
Dec 2, 2015
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.
15V340000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System
Jun 2, 2015
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.
15V040000 · Structure:body:door
Jan 28, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles manufactured December 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, and 2011-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured June 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S02.
14V393000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft
Jul 2, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.
13V270000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Jun 26, 2013
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured November 29, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, with sufficient door openings and closings, the child safety locks may change from an activated position to a deactivated position without notice.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the child lock is deactivated, the door could be unlocked and opened from the inside which could lead to personal injury to an unrestrained child.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the safety locks. If necessary, the locks will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S07. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
13V227000 · Fuel System, Gasoline
May 31, 2013
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S04.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.