Lincoln MKS years to avoid (and the best years)
314 NHTSA owner complaints and 11 recalls across 6 model years, 2010 to 2015. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 314complaints
- 11recalls
- 19reported crashes
- 6reported fires
- 49reported injuries
- 58reported deaths
Which Lincoln MKS years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Lincoln MKS years to avoid are 2013 and 2011. The typical Lincoln MKS year has 44 complaints on file.
- 2013: 141 complaints, including 18 reports of a death. Most complaints name the steering (43% of complaints) and the electrical system (18% of complaints).
- 2011: 43 complaints, including 40 reports of a death. Most complaints name the steering (49% of complaints) and the brakes (12% of complaints).
What are the best Lincoln MKS years?
The Lincoln MKS years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2012 (17), 2015 (18) and 2014 (44). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 18 | 0.4× | 3 | 0 | 1 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2014 | 44 | 1.0× | 2 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2013 | 141 | 3.2× | 7 | 6 | 7 | Approach with caution | Steering |
| 2012 | 17 | 0.4× | 3 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Steering |
| 2011 | 43 | 1.0× | 3 | 3 | 39 | Approach with caution | Steering |
| 2010 | 51 | 1.2× | 0 | 8 | 2 | Few red flags | Steering |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 94 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Steering, suspension & tires36 (38%)
- Engine & powertrain28 (30%)
- Brakes8 (9%)
- Structure & body8 (9%)
- Airbags & seat belts7 (7%)
Recalls (11)
Fuel system · 16V621000 · Aug 2016 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
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.
Airbags · 16V247000 · Apr 2016 · model year 2011
An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fuel system · 15V812000 · Dec 2015 · model year 2013
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fuel system · 15V605000 · Sep 2015 · model year 2015
If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Safety · 15V464000 · Jul 2015 · model year 2015
If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Steering · 15V340000 · Jun 2015 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013
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.
Structure · 15V040000 · Jan 2015 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013
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.
Transmission · 14V393000 · Jul 2014 · model years 2013, 2014
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.
Safety · 13V270000 · Jun 2013 · model year 2013
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.
Fuel system · 13V227000 · May 2013 · model year 2013
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fuel system · 13V109000 · Mar 2013 · model year 2012
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.