2010 Lincoln MKS Problems
Compared with other Lincoln MKS years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
34/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× that of a typical Lincoln MKS year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 8 of its 51 complaints were filed by the end of 2012.
- Most reported problem: Electric power steering assist loss (15 complaints, median 100,000 mi).
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 51filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 61,000miles, 39 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Lincoln MKS (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2010 Lincoln MKS most often describe electric power steering assist cutting out, sometimes with a warning message and sometimes at highway speed. Sudden or unintended acceleration and sudden power loss, hesitation or stalling are also common themes, and the acceleration reports more often come from cars with under 50,000 miles. Several complaints state that a steering recall covers 2011 and newer models but not the 2010 model year.
- Steering
Electric power steering assist loss
- 15 complaints (29%)
- median 100,000 mi at 10.0 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- filed 2014–2026
Owners describe the electric power steering assist suddenly going out, often with a power steering warning message, which leaves the wheel very hard to turn. Some say it came back after the car was turned off and restarted, while others say the problem returned after a repair. According to complaints, dealers reset the computer, replaced the rack and pinion or the power steering unit, or attributed the problem to low tire pressure. Some owners report losing steering assist while driving at highway speed. Mostly reported between about 47,000 and 135,000 miles, with some cases occurring at highway speed or right after starting the car.
What to check: Ask for the full service history and whether the dealer followed the bulletin that updates diagnosis of electric power steering noises. Check the VIN with the manufacturer for any open steering-related recall.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I started my car and the error power steering failure came on, I was completely unable to turn the steering wheel. I turned the vehicle off and back on and it happened again. There was no warning and I can't turn it at all. I can't imagine what would have happened if I were driving it! This is a known issue and if the 2011's were recalled, and it is happening to this many people with a 2010, maybe they should do a recall on it as well!”
NHTSA complaint #11404491, filed 2021-03, 135,000 miles“While driving, on rt. 264 the epas steering turned off without warning. My wife had to fight to get the vehicle to the side of the road. The effort to turn the steering wheel was so great that I had to take over from my wife. It took all my effort to turn the steering wheel, it was so stiff. I took the vehicle to the dealer today and had it checked out. They reported that it was caused by low tire pressure. There were no warnings from the TPMS. …”
NHTSA complaint #11279383, filed 2019-11, 95,500 miles - Vehicle speed control
Sudden or unintended acceleration
- 10 complaints (20%)
- median 39,000 mi at 3.5 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2017
Owners describe the vehicle accelerating on its own or surging, sometimes with cruise control set and sometimes while braking or pulling into a parking space. Some report the accelerator pedal sticking, or a loose console trim panel that jammed the pedal, and some say the brakes did not slow the car fully. Some describe crashes into another vehicle, a garage or a post. According to complaints, the dealer sometimes found no fault, and in other cases the problem returned after repairs. Mostly reported under 50,000 miles, from as early as about 400 miles up to about 86,000 miles, often at speeds from about 45 to 70 mph.
What to check: Ask whether the dealer applied the bulletin on electronic throttle body diagnosis and whether any accelerator pedal or console trim repairs were recorded. On a careful test drive, check that the accelerator pedal returns freely and that cruise control sets and cancels normally.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was pulling into my parking spot in front of my home, applying the brake, when the engine throttled up and the car bolted forward. Applying the brake even more did not stop the car. I swerved to keep from hitting my house and hit the post holding up the front porch. I applied both feet to the brake and the car came to a stop 10 from my house. It all happened in a matter of seconds.”
NHTSA complaint #10506052, filed 2013-04, 39,000 miles“I was driving 62 MPH in cruise and decided I wanted to go 70 MPH. I then proceeded to hold down the set + button until my speed reached 70 at which point I released the button. To my surprise the vehicle accelerated to 95 MPH and held that speed. I then slowed the car with my brakes to 65 and again held the set+ button until I reached 70mph. This time the vehicle accelerated to 80mph and held this speed.”
NHTSA complaint #10328617, filed 2010-05, 400 miles - Engine
Sudden power loss, hesitation or stalling
- 10 complaints (20%)
- median 72,500 mi at 4.2 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2017
Owners describe the engine suddenly losing power, hesitating, knocking, shaking or stalling, sometimes for only a few seconds and sometimes until the car is restarted. Some report it on the highway or when the air conditioning comes on, and some describe a loud whirling sound and exhaust smoke with the turbocharger. According to complaints, dealers and mechanics sometimes could not find a fault or reported throttle sensor, turbocharger or cylinder problems, and some owners say the symptom returned after repairs. Reported from about 2,300 to about 144,000 miles, mostly between 30,000 and 110,000 miles, and some occur on the highway or when the air conditioning turns on.
What to check: Ask whether the turbocharger and throttle system were checked with the updated diagnostic procedures and whether any fault codes were recorded. Ask for invoices for turbo or sensor work, and try a test drive that includes highway speed with the air conditioning on.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“During the first incident, I was driving and heard a loud whirling sound then smoke started coming out the exhaust. I was told the problem was with the turbo charger. Then I had them replaced three months down the road while driving my car lost power. The throttle control light came on and I couldn't move the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11048351, filed 2017-11, 144,000 miles“We have been having ongoing issues over the past 6 months, at least. The car has been in to the dealer 3 times for same thing. Some of the issues I have read regarding the f150 are the issues I am having with my 2010 Lincoln MKS. Driving highway, cruise will fall off, you feel it somewhat jerk off. Cruising later and it falls off again, then you cannot determine if it will continue running or die. It shutters, jerks, it seems to lose power. It seems to happen after about 20 minutes of highway driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10521374, filed 2013-06, 48,123 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal sinking or brakes not slowing the car
- 8 complaints (16%)
- median 21,000 mi at 3.5 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2020
Owners describe the brake pedal sinking nearly to the floor, sometimes when the car is started, and the brakes not responding to pedal pressure. Some report grinding when stopping and an anti-lock brake warning that came on without a clear reason. According to complaints, dealers replaced the brake booster and then the master cylinder without fixing the problem, and in some cases the dealer said the manufacturer was aware of the situation. Where mileage is given, reports fall at about 13,500 to 18,000 miles, and the pedal sinking was described at startup.
What to check: Ask whether the brake booster and master cylinder were replaced and whether any brake or anti-lock warning codes were recorded. On a low-speed test drive, check that the pedal feels firm when the car starts and that the car slows normally.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 2009 Lincoln MKS and I am having a problem with the brakes. Problem 1 is when the vehicle comes to a stop, there is a loud grinding noise. I've returned the vehicle to the dealer many times but they are unable to fix it. They do some type of repair but to no avail. They keep saying ford is aware of the situation and is working on a solution. Problem 2 which is much more serious. The antii-lock brake light keeps going on for no reason and the dealer is not able to determine what the problem is. …”
NHTSA complaint #10307166, filed 2010-02, 18,000 miles“I was driving into my garage with my foot on the brake when car accelerated to full speedc. I applied full pressure to brake. Car failed to stop. Car only stoped when I put shift lever in neuteral after going through rear wall of garage. If someone had been in front of the car they would have been killed.”
NHTSA complaint #10721619, filed 2015-05 - Air bags
Airbag recall repair delays and non-deployment reports
- 5 complaints (10%)
- median 52,186 mi at 10.4 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2023
Owners describe receiving airbag recall notices, then being told the dealer lacked parts or could not say when the repair would be done. Some say the recall repair was delayed beyond a reasonable time. In a separate report tied to a front collision, the owner says the airbags did not deploy and no warning came on before impact. Recall-related reports often list little or no mileage, and the non-deployment report is at about 104,000 miles.
What to check: Check the VIN with the manufacturer for any open airbag recall and ask the dealer for a record of completed recall work. Before buying, ask the seller to show proof that the airbag recall repair was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“There have been 2 separate incidents involving a front collision at high speeds. Both times, the air bags did not deploy as they should have. The 2nd incident was today. The car is now totaled. The impact Both times should have deployed the air bags. My son was injured today due to this. A truck ran a stop sign and we hit him. None of the bags deployed. Speed was 45 mph. The whole front of the car and hood are completely crushed. There were no alarms during or before impact. This is the 2nd wreck.”
NHTSA complaint #11549383, filed 2023-10, 104,272 miles“Takata recall - several months ago, took car to dealership (sabine river ford) in orange tx and they didn't perform work, saying they didn't have the parts. Called them again today (10/23/17) after receiving notice from tk holdings inc.. Notice said to take car to dealership to have work done free of charge. Dealership said they need to check on status of takata bankruptcy to see if recall can be done. Said they would call back.”
NHTSA complaint #11035900, filed 2017-10
Buying note. Buyers considering this model year should ask for full service and recall records, especially for power steering, acceleration and airbag recall work, and have those systems checked before purchase. Complaints describe repairs that did not stop the symptoms, so documented, verified fixes are worth asking about.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 49 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 51 consumer complaints for the 2010 Lincoln MKS. 39 of the complaints include a mileage, and 41% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 61,000 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 26 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 4 Lincoln MKS model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 34 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering15 29%
- Vehicle speed control10 20%
- Engine7 14%
- Electrical system6 12%
- Air bags5 9.8%
- Brakes4 7.8%
- Body and structure3 5.9%
- Fuel system2 3.9%
- Other or unknown2 3.9%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (1), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Exterior lighting (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “The power steering intermittently fails upon starting the vehicle, or twice while driving. Both times driving, I was traveling about 40 MPH on a rural street, and was able to pull directly into a parking lot that was parallel to the road which required little steering. If you shut the vehicle off, and restart the car, it usually resets itself. Please be advised that when the power assist stops working, it takes extreme strength to maneuver the vehicle. I have a 1965 mustang without power steering. …”
NHTSA complaint #10860262, filed 2016-04, 85,230 milesVehicle speed control: “We had a 2009 MKS which accelerated by it self on april 21, 2014 and caused my wife to hit a tree and spend three days in the hospital and also totaled out our car. Not knowing that there was a problem with the car, we brought a 2010 MKS on may 7, 2010 and on may 8, 2014 when my wife pulled into our driveway, that car also had an unintended acceleration opposite causing it to surge at a high speed running through our garage door and the corner of our house. …”
NHTSA complaint #10587351, filed 2014-05, 86,345 milesEngine: “Just bought this car about a month ago off the used lot at a ford dealership 59,000 miles now is at 63,000 and on every start up it makes a loud clicking noise took it back they told me they new right what it was because the f150s and the taurus shos with the 3.5 eco boost I guess they have the problem more often then the lincolns. The timing chain tensionor is losing its prime they told me and will be $3000 to fix sucks being I just paid $15,000 cash for it a month ago.”
NHTSA complaint #11014800, filed 2017-08, 61,000 milesElectrical system: “Lincoln 2009/2010 throttles down when A/C engages. After 1 year of replacement of parts. Including A/C compressor. Mass air flow sensor. Throttle system. Car replaced 1&1/2 later with 2010. At first use of A/C 2010 car throttled down causing it to jerk..reported to service manager who stated without inspection it was a characteristic of the car. I requested a field engineer to inspect. Car inspected and 2010 MKS did throttle down 50-70 RPM . The car throttles down going down the road. Engineer stated he would replace mass air flow sensor at 1st service of car on5/28/10. …”
NHTSA complaint #10332074, filed 2010-05, 2,300 milesMileage when problems were reported
41% of the 39 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 30,000 and 95,500 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Lincoln MKS. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKS · sedan FWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 11.8% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2010 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning not available, automatic emergency braking not available.
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2010 Lincoln MKS version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKS AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| MKS AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| MKS FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2010 Lincoln MKS in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 26 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10235153Apr 4, 2023Body and structure. For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement…
- 10180428Sep 25, 2020Engine cooling. Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may…
- 10164508Aug 9, 2019Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash…
- 10160931May 10, 2019Transmission and drivetrain. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the…
- 10159494Apr 26, 2019Engine. SSM 47948 - 2010-2019 Various Vehicles - Turbocharged Engines - Oil Supply Filter Replacement When Replacing The Turbocharger Or The Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with…
- 10152473Nov 14, 2018Engine cooling. For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including…
- 10137131Apr 11, 2018Engine cooling, Equipment. Some 2007-2016 Edge/MKX/Flex/MKT/MKZ/MKS/Taurus/Police Interceptor Sedan/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD and built on or before 30-Jun-2016 may exhibit a propane or…
- 10137113Mar 30, 2018Equipment. Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended…
- 10136597Feb 14, 2018Equipment. 2010-2018 various vehicles equipped with SYNC or SYNC 3 may not function when attempting to find or use the Spotify app via AppLink. As of an update released on 1/15/2018 Spotify will no longer be…
- 10095858Feb 27, 2017Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain. Some 2007-2016 edge/mkx/flex/mkt/mkz/mks/taurus/taurus police/explorer/explorer police equipped with all wheel drive (awd) and built on or before 30-jun-2016 may exhibit a ticking and/or knocking…
Other model years of the Lincoln MKS
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 18 | 49,000 | 3 | 5 | 22 | — | Stable |
| 2014 | 44 | 77,000 | 2 | 5 | 22 | 25 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 142 | 71,000 | 7 | 5 | 21 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2012 | 17 | 74,625 | 3 | — | 20 | — | Rising |
| 2011 | 43 | 50,000 | 3 | — | 19 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2010 | 51 | 61,000 | 0 | — | 19 | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 56 | 66,000 | 1 | — | 19 | 67 · More | Falling |
All Lincoln MKS model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Lincoln MKS?
Owners of the 2010 Lincoln MKS most often describe electric power steering assist cutting out, sometimes with a warning message and sometimes at highway speed. The issues reported most often: Electric power steering assist loss; Sudden or unintended acceleration; Sudden power loss, hesitation or stalling.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Lincoln MKS have?
NHTSA recorded 51 consumer complaints for the 2010 Lincoln MKS as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 Lincoln MKS is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 15 complaints (29% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 10.
Has the 2010 Lincoln MKS been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Lincoln MKS get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Lincoln MKS (MKS FWD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Lincoln MKS reported?
Among the 39 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 61,000 miles and the middle half falls between 30,000 and 95,500 miles; 41% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.