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Lincoln MKSModel year report

2013 Lincoln MKS Problems

Compared with other Lincoln MKS years

More complaints than typical for this model

100/100 3.3× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2010, 2014

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
142filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
71,000miles, 91 complaints with mileage
Recalls
7campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
EPA fuel economy
21 mpgcombined, 3.7L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 27 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2013 Lincoln MKS (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2013 Lincoln MKS most often describe a sudden loss of power steering assist, usually announced by a warning message on the instrument panel, and many say their VIN was not covered by the related recall. A second common theme is stalling or a no-start traced to the fuel pump control module, plus a climate control panel that runs to full heat on its own. Some engine and cooling reports (water pump, turbo oil) appear at lower mileage.

  1. Steering

    Loss of power steering assist

    • 46 complaints (32%)
    • median 102,000 mi at 7.9 yrs old (31 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $2,808 (median of 5 quotes)
    • filed 2015–2026

    Owners describe the power steering assist fault warning appearing and the wheel suddenly becoming very hard to turn, sometimes at speed and sometimes right after starting the car. In several reports restarting the engine temporarily restores assist, while others were told the steering gear or the electronic assist unit needed replacement. Many owners note that they were told their VIN was not included in the steering recall even though the symptoms matched. Reported across a wide mileage range, from near-new to well past 100,000 miles, often with no warning beforehand.

    Recall 15V3400001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Test-start the car and confirm the power steering assist warning does not appear; ask whether the electric power steering recall work was done and whether the VIN is covered. A steering-related service bulletin exists for diagnosing assist noises, so ask if that procedure was applied.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Loss of power assist steering, could not control vehicle on the road. Steering was sticky, not smooth rotation of steering wheel, hard to maintain a straight line it started while driving on the highway with a warning to service steering now and when I turned off the car to look at it, when I started it back up, I lost all power steering assist”

    NHTSA complaint #11386579, filed 2021-01, 97,212 miles

    “Certain Lincoln MKS 2013 have recalls on electric power steering and others do not. Unfortunately the one I own does not and my electric power steering has went out and saying power steering assist fault. I was on hwy 29 doing about 60 MPH when all of a sudden the light comes on and my steering tightened on me.”

    NHTSA complaint #11306301, filed 2020-01, 52,624 miles
  2. Fuel system

    Stall or no-start from fuel pump module

    • 11 complaints (8%)
    • median 59,500 mi at 6.3 yrs old (10 state mileage)
    • filed 2013–2021

    Owners report the engine quitting while driving or the car cranking but not starting, with a dealer diagnosis of a failed fuel pump electric module or fuel pump. Some report a fuel smell at the time of the stall. Several owners say the repair was done at their own cost because their vehicle was not included in the fuel system recall, and some were told the module part was discontinued. Most reports fall between roughly 45,000 and 100,000 miles, with a few at very low mileage.

    Recall 16V621000Recall 15V812000Recall 13V227000

    What to check: Ask whether the fuel pump electric module or fuel delivery module was replaced and whether the fuel system recalls were completed for this VIN. Note any fuel smell around the car after sitting.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While driving the 2013 MKS at 70 MPH on a 3 lane highway the power cut out and the car began to decelerate. I was able to guide the car from far left lane across 2 additional lanes to shoulder of the road with no power, we coasted. Luckily there was light traffic at the time. The car would not restart and a tow truck was called. When our son picked us up roadside he conveyed that the identical problem happened to him in the car. This was approximately a month earlier. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10542485, filed 2013-09, 5,000 miles

    “My fuel pump driver module which supplies power to the fuel pump stopped working and had to be replaced at 48,222 miles. Luckily, the car was not in driving mode. It would just not start in my driveway. It had to be towed to the Lincoln dealership and it was diagnosed that the module located behind the rear seat back failed. That was a $488.64 bill. I now see that this is only covered with the 3.5 turbo MKS, however, they are the same vehicles just with the turbo feature. I do feel that my situation is related to the safety recall. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11395555, filed 2021-02, 48,222 miles
  3. Electrical system

    Climate control jumps to full heat

    • 6 complaints (4%)
    • median 63,200 mi at 7.8 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2018–2024

    Owners describe the climate control panel setting itself to maximum heat and refusing to be turned down, whether the car is moving or parked, and returning after being switched off. Dealers and owners have linked it to the front control interface module, and some report the part was unavailable when they tried to get it repaired. Typically reported between about 50,000 and 90,000 miles, in warm weather as well as cold.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: With the engine running, set the temperature and watch whether the panel holds the setting; ask if the control interface module has ever been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “The power just comes on on my climate control and the temperature starts to go all the way up, and when you try to turn it off it comes back on and if you try to turn it down it goes back up it happens when my vehicle is in motion or stationary, it does that for a little while and stop then it starts doing it again. The first time it happen was 03/12/2021 but it happens almost everyday.”

    NHTSA complaint #11416499, filed 2021-05, 61,400 miles

    “There is a problem with the climate control system (fcim) that causes the temperature to run up to maximum temperature. It cannot be shut off. This is very dangerous because with extremely elevated temperatures in the car you are very liable to fall asleep. Or try to reduce the temp by banging on the controls, this makes you very distracted. This problem exists whenever the car is running, in motion or stopped.”

    NHTSA complaint #11351164, filed 2020-08, 70,000 miles
  4. Engine

    Coolant leak and engine overheating

    • 11 complaints (8%)
    • median 68,000 mi at 6.1 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2013–2025

    Owners report coolant leaking from the water pump area, overheating, and white smoke from the exhaust, with dealers confirming a leaking water pump in some cases. Complaints also describe turbocharger oil leaks and engine smoke on the turbocharged version. Some owners mention repair costs in the four-figure range. Often reported between about 60,000 and 115,000 miles, sometimes earlier.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Look for coolant residue or staining around the water pump and front of the engine, check the coolant level, and ask whether the water pump or turbo oil lines have been serviced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “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. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11223157, filed 2019-06, 71,000 miles

    “The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while attempting to close the front driver's side door, she heard a beeping noise. The contact then stated that when she placed the shifter in reverse(R), the screen failed to display an image and the defogger failed to operate. Additionally, the contact stated that she noticed that the vehicle was overheating and that the hood was discolored. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11483018, filed 2022-09, 65,000 miles

Buying note. Check that the steering and fuel system recalls were actually completed for the specific VIN, since many owners report the same symptoms without recall coverage, and budget for a possible power steering gear or fuel pump module repair. A pre-purchase inspection that includes the cooling system and climate controls is worth the cost on this model year.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 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 142 consumer complaints for the 2013 Lincoln MKS. 91 of the complaints include a mileage, and 31% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 71,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 7 an injury, 18 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns and 55 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 100 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more 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.

Also reported: Equipment (3), Body and structure (3), Suspension (3), Air bags (2), Brakes (2), Engine cooling (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Wheels (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Electronic stability control (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Tires (1).

Example complaints

Steering: “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”

NHTSA complaint #11195820, filed 2019-04, 5 miles

Electrical system: “Every recall associated with the 2013 Lincoln MKS I have wrong with my vehicles. But when I call to have it serviced they tell me my VIN number is not included in any recalls, but yet my vehicle has all the recall problems.”

NHTSA complaint #11361092, filed 2020-09, 100,000 miles

Engine: “I read in the paper that you are investigating ford f150 trucks with the ecoboost engine for sudden stalling problems when attempting to accelerate. I have experienced the same problem several times with my 2013 Lincoln MKS with the ecoboost engine. Previously I owned a 2010 Lincoln MKS with the ecoboost engine that also occasionally experienced the same problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10513781, filed 2013-05, 11,000 miles

Fuel system: “My vehicle's fuel pump electronic control module failed and my vehicle would not start. There is a recall for this issue for the same model year, however my VIN number is not included in this recall. I paid for and had the fuel pump electronic control module replaced at the Lincoln dealership. The date notated below is in reference to when this incident occured. The other issue involves the manufacturer's optional 20 inch wheels. When the vehicle is equipped with these wheels, it causes the adaptive suspension to not work properly, creating a very harsh ride. …”

NHTSA complaint #11280218, filed 2019-11, 68,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

31% of the 91 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 36,344 and 102,650 miles.

7%0–1012%10–2512%25–5023%50–7518%75–10019%100–15010%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (91 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 71,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

’12’14’16’18’2023’22’24’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 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.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
MKS · sedan AWD★★★★★5 / 5554 · 11.3% risk
MKS · sedan FWD★★★★★5 / 5554 · 11.3% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2013 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.

Neighbouring years: 2014: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2013 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).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
MKS AWD3.5L 6-cyl6-speed automatic172520$3,350
MKS AWD3.7L 6-cyl6-speed automatic182621$3,200
MKS FWD3.7L 6-cyl6-speed automatic182721$3,200

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

See all 7 recalls for the 2013 Lincoln MKS → · Check a 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. 55 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 55 bulletins →

Other model years of the Lincoln MKS

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20151849,0003522—Stable
20144477,000252225 · FewerFalling
201314271,0007521100 · MoreStable
20121774,6253—20—Rising
20114350,0003—1950 · TypicalRising
20105161,0000—1934 · FewerFalling
20095666,0001—1967 · MoreFalling

All Lincoln MKS model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Lincoln MKS?

Owners of the 2013 Lincoln MKS most often describe a sudden loss of power steering assist, usually announced by a warning message on the instrument panel, and many say their VIN was not covered by the related recall. The issues reported most often: Loss of power steering assist; Stall or no-start from fuel pump module; Climate control jumps to full heat.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013 Lincoln MKS have?

NHTSA recorded 142 consumer complaints for the 2013 Lincoln MKS as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2013 Lincoln MKS is reported most often?

Steering is named most often, in 61 complaints (43% of the total), followed by electrical system with 25.

Has the 2013 Lincoln MKS been recalled?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2013 Lincoln MKS do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2013 Lincoln MKS 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2013 Lincoln MKS get?

The EPA rates the 2013 Lincoln MKS (MKS FWD, 3.7L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2013 Lincoln MKS reported?

Among the 91 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 71,000 miles and the middle half falls between 36,344 and 102,650 miles; 31% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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.