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Lincoln MKTModel year report

2010 Lincoln MKT Problems

Compared with other Lincoln MKT years

Fewer complaints than typical for this model

32/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical

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
65filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
77,000miles, 55 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 / 23 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Lincoln MKT (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2010 Lincoln MKT most often report loss of electric power steering assist, in which the wheel suddenly becomes very hard to turn and a power steering warning appears on the dash, sometimes while the vehicle is moving. A second group of complaints covers engine problems on turbocharged models, including oil consumption with smoke, turbocharger failures and coolant reaching the oil through a failed water pump. Many complaints mention that a steering recall covered later model years but not this one.

  1. Steering

    Power steering assist cuts out while driving

    • 29 complaints (45%)
    • median 95,000 mi at 8.8 yrs old (26 state mileage)
    • filed 2010–2023

    Complaints describe the power steering assist quitting with little warning, sometimes at speed and sometimes at start-up while stationary. A warning such as 'Power Steering Assist Fault' or 'Service Steering' appears and the wheel becomes very hard to turn, and owners say turning off and restarting sometimes restores it. Some dealers diagnosed a failed steering gear, steering module or steering angle sensor and quoted replacement; several owners note their vehicle was not covered by the steering recall that applied to later model years. Reported across a wide mileage range, from very low mileage up to about 184,000 miles, with many between roughly 60,000 and 130,000 miles; often at low speed or during a turn but also on the highway.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Check for a stored power steering fault on a scan tool and ask whether the steering gear, module or a steering sensor has been replaced. During a test drive, make slow full-lock turns and confirm the wheel stays easy to turn.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I purchased the car used a month ago. Today is the second day that after starting the car the dash displayed a power steering fault message. Sure enough I can barely steer the car. Each time I turned the car off, waited 30 seconds, turned the car back on and the problem went away.”

    NHTSA complaint #11279758, filed 2019-11, 80,444 miles

    “Although the warning was displayed, I was not aware that my car only had an electronic power steering. This type of issue is one that can truly cause a serious accident should one is driving when their power steering go out. The power steering on this car stops more than just your steering wheel and I for one think that there needs to be a recall. It's a good thing that I was parked and glad because my daughter was with me.”

    NHTSA complaint #11310589, filed 2020-02, 163,646 miles
  2. Engine

    Oil smoke, oil use and turbo failure on turbo engines

    • 13 complaints (20%)
    • median 51,756 mi at 4.0 yrs old (12 state mileage)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2012–2021

    Owners of turbocharged examples describe shuddering, loss of power and clouds of smoke from the tailpipe, sometimes after acceleration or at start-up. Some complaints say a dealer diagnosed turbo underboost or oil getting past the turbocharger and recommended replacing the turbochargers, while others describe repeated turbo replacements. Excessive engine oil consumption and white exhaust smoke are also reported, along with exhaust-type odors entering the cabin. Mostly reported between about 17,000 and 110,000 miles, with several complaints in the 47,000 to 100,000 mile range.

    5 related service bulletins

    What to check: Check the oil level and look for a fuel or oil smell on the dipstick, and ask for service records on turbocharger or valve cover work. Watch for blue or white smoke at start-up and after a hard acceleration during the test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “When I first got the car in 2010, the first incident occurred while I was driving about 40 MPH. I would step on the accelerator and the car would jerk and the RPM's would rev up and nothing would happen. On an oil change service, I reported this to the dealer and they said they could not reproduce the incident and nothing showed up on the computer record chip. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10512170, filed 2013-05, 3,000 miles

    “First time I was driving at about 20 miles per hour and let go of the gas pedal the car jumped out of drive and did a jerking sound they replied it was 2 solenoids were replaced the next time I was diving up a hill with a 20% grade and tried to accelerate and it lost all power. It remained the same on acceleration. No power what so ever until I made it to the top.”

    NHTSA complaint #10513801, filed 2013-05, 48,012 miles
  3. Other or unknown

    Panoramic roof glass shattering

    • 7 complaints (11%)
    • median 70,295 mi at 6.0 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2011–2022

    Complaints describe the large glass roof panel cracking or shattering with a loud bang while driving at highway speed, with no impact from another vehicle or object reported. In some cases the glass stayed in place with a spiderweb pattern and in others pieces fell into the cabin; owners also report the roof mechanism and side shields needing repeated repair. Lincoln representatives reportedly referred the matter to the roof supplier in at least one case. Occurs at a wide spread of mileages, from a few thousand miles to around 130,000 miles, most often at highway speed in otherwise clear conditions.

    What to check: Inspect the glass roof panel closely for chips, cracks or repaired areas and test that the sunshade and roof open and close smoothly without noise. Ask whether the roof panel or its guides have been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Takata recall. While driving on the highway, with no other vehicles near us, our moonroof exploded. We were not near any overpass. No other vehicle or person was involved. It is apparent that it exploded outward. This vehicle is garage kept. Nothing ever fell on top of car or scraped it. We are out $1000.00 + rental car exp.”

    NHTSA complaint #11044801, filed 2017-11, 70,590 miles

    “07/04/2016, driving home from 4th of july fireworks at approximately 1030pm, speed 55-60 MPH, temperature about 65, heading west bound on straight route, with my husband driving, myself as passenger, and three minor children in the 2nd and 3rd row. (note: no cars around, no external issues, no previous cracks in glass.) boom sounds like a riffle just shot at my car. Pulled over into local markets parking lot. The entire back panel of the cars moon roof is spider webbed and completely shattered with chunks coming out. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10882666, filed 2016-07, 80,000 miles
  4. Engine

    Coolant in the oil from water pump failure

    Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints

    Complaints describe the engine quitting or overheating with no warning, after which the coolant level is found to be dropping without a visible external leak. Owners report being told the water pump failed internally, sending coolant into the crankcase where it mixed with the engine oil, and some say this followed white smoke from the exhaust or engine knocking. Repairs described range from pump replacement to engine work or a replacement engine. Reported from about 38,000 up to roughly 111,000 miles, generally with sudden onset rather than a gradual leak.

    What to check: Check the coolant level and the oil on the dipstick for a milky or overfilled appearance, and ask whether the water pump has been replaced or whether coolant loss has ever been investigated.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “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.”

    NHTSA complaint #11311336, filed 2020-02, 98,704 miles

    “Ipulled into my drive way and my car died out no over heating no warning light no anything. I looked under my hood to check everything and noticed my coolant was gone I then poured more into it realizing that it was all going out of my car I but not onto the ground. I called an mechanic who told me my coolant leaked into my oil my water pump failed. It failed internal to the timing chain cover and dumped a large amount of coolant into the crankcase which then contaminated the engine oil and over filled the oil pan. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11204648, filed 2019-04, 111,000 miles
  5. Transmission and drivetrain

    Harsh or delayed shifts and hesitation from a stop

    • 7 complaints (11%)
    • median 40,000 mi at 3.0 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2013–2022

    Complaints describe jerking, delayed engagement and hesitation when accelerating from a stop, with the engine revving without the vehicle moving normally. Some owners say a dealer could not reproduce the behavior, while others report solenoid or valve body work; a few mention shuddering and momentary loss of power when accelerating onto a highway. Reported mostly from near-new up to about 47,000 miles, often at low speed when pulling away from a stop or turning into traffic.

    4 related service bulletins

    What to check: Test from several standing starts, including a gentle roll into a turn, and note any clunk, delay or revving before the vehicle moves. Ask whether the transmission has been serviced or repaired for shift concerns.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “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.... …”

    NHTSA complaint #11450909, filed 2022-02

    “Getting on to the interstate and tried to accelerate and car started knocking, and shudder had lose of power. This has happened on several other occasions. No check engine lights come on.”

    NHTSA complaint #10512729, filed 2013-05, 47,000 miles

Buying note. This model year draws a large share of its complaints about the electric power steering, so confirm the assist works at low speed and that no steering fault is stored before buying. Also check oil and coolant condition and ask for turbocharger and transmission service history, since several complaints center on those areas.

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 65 consumer complaints for the 2010 Lincoln MKT. 55 of the complaints include a mileage, and 31% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 77,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 33 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 4 Lincoln MKT model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 32 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.

Also reported: Brakes (3), Suspension (2), Air bags (1), Engine cooling (1), Exterior lighting (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1).

Example complaints

Steering: “Sudden loss of steering assist. Messages appeared to service advancetrack and service steering . Two incidences within 3 days. Both times the vehicle was in motion, once on an exit ramp and once on a state highway. Near loss of control due to the extremely difficult manual steering mode that resulted. Very unnerving and dangerous to suddenly lose steering while on the highway. Fortunately I was strong enough to maintain vehicle control. My wife may not have been so fortunate.”

NHTSA complaint #10872257, filed 2016-06, 77,000 miles

Engine: “A gas type odor enters cabin of vehicle. I believe it to be carbon monoxide. I often have to roll down the windows even in cold winter weather to prevent carbon monoxide from overtaking the cabin when the heating system is on.”

NHTSA complaint #11065256, filed 2018-01, 60,000 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “I have a 2010 Lincoln MKT and I have been having trouble with the power steering. It randomly stops working and it difficult to steer the car. I almost hit a mailbox today because the steering became so stiff and the alert came up on my dash. There is a recall for the 2011 and 2012 models but the NHTSA recall should include the 2010 models as well. I have children and this is a huge safety hazard! I won't even be able to resell the car in this condition as it is random. …”

NHTSA complaint #11278100, filed 2019-11, 90,988 miles

Other or unknown: “After driving at high speed or high load and then coming to a stop, an exhaust smell will fill the cabin with visible smoke coming from under the hood. My friend was driving my car and said he almost passed out, while driving 50 MPH, before opening a window. I have personally experienced this problem as well, thinking my car was on fire. Ford dealer says there is no recall or known fix for this problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10957256, filed 2017-02, 110,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

31% of the 55 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 38,932 and 100,125 miles.

15%0–105%10–2511%25–5016%50–7525%75–10018%100–1509%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (55 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 77,000 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.

’09’11’13’15’17’199’21’23
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 2010 Lincoln MKT. 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
MKT · sedan FWD/AWDnot rated5 / 5——4 · 15.1% 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 MKT 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
MKT AWD3.5L 6-cyl6-speed automatic162218$3,700
MKT AWD3.5L 6-cyl6-speed automatic162218$3,700
MKT FWD3.5L 6-cyl6-speed automatic172319$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 MKT 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. 33 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 33 bulletins →

Other model years of the Lincoln MKT

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
201918103,9374—19—Rising
2018791,1002—19—Not enough data
2016958,0003—21—Not enough data
20152539,5676—2350 · TypicalRising
20145492,0004—2354 · TypicalFalling
20137088,5008—2368 · MoreFalling
20122883,2221—200 · FewerFalling
20111984,0001—19—Falling
20106577,0000—1932 · FewerFalling

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

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Lincoln MKT?

Owners of the 2010 Lincoln MKT most often report loss of electric power steering assist, in which the wheel suddenly becomes very hard to turn and a power steering warning appears on the dash, sometimes while the vehicle is moving. The issues reported most often: Power steering assist cuts out while driving; Oil smoke, oil use and turbo failure on turbo engines; Panoramic roof glass shattering.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Lincoln MKT have?

NHTSA recorded 65 consumer complaints for the 2010 Lincoln MKT as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2010 Lincoln MKT is reported most often?

Steering is named most often, in 28 complaints (43% of the total), followed by engine with 11.

Has the 2010 Lincoln MKT 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 MKT get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Lincoln MKT (MKT FWD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 23 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 MKT reported?

Among the 55 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 77,000 miles and the middle half falls between 38,932 and 100,125 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.