NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
A component in the fuel pump's electrical module may overheat, cutting power to the fuel pump.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump electrical module at no cost.
This page covers 6 recalls, 141 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Lincoln Mks.
20–21 mpg combined
11.2–11.8 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Steering is the standout concern owners report for the 2013 Lincoln MKS, accounting for the largest share of complaints by a wide margin. Owners frequently describe the electric power steering losing assist suddenly or locking up entirely, sometimes accompanied by a "power steering fault" warning on the dash. In several accounts, the wheel became immovable at low speeds or at startup, requiring a tow. Electrical complaints are the next most common, with the backup camera drawing repeated attention, owners describe the image appearing inverted, distorted, or blank, and some report the problem persisting even after camera replacement. Engine complaints, while fewer, cluster around cooling system failures, particularly the water pump, with owners describing overheating and stalling at highway speeds after the pump begins leaking.
141
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Lincoln MKS has 6 recalls, the most serious involving a driveshaft that can disengage while driving, cutting power to the wheels, and two separate fuel system issues where leaking or failing fuel delivery components can cause an engine fire or sudden stall.
The fuel concerns cover two distinct problems: a fuel delivery module that can crack and leak fuel, creating a fire risk near any ignition source, and a fuel pump module that can overheat or draw too much current, shutting down the fuel pump and stalling the engine or preventing it from starting. Both apply to vehicles with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. On the steering side, the electric power steering system can lose its assist, requiring significantly more effort to steer, particularly at low speeds. There is also a door concern on certain vehicles built in a specific production window: an interior door handle spring can unseat and leave the handle partially extended, allowing the door to unlatch in a side impact crash.
At a glance
What can fail
A component in the fuel pump's electrical module may overheat, cutting power to the fuel pump.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump electrical module at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump's electric module can be damaged by high electrical current, causing the fuel pump to stop working. This may prevent the engine from starting or cause it to stall while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel pump electric module and replace it if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel delivery module can crack, which may cause fuel to leak from the fuel system.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electric power steering assist system may shut down due to a steering motor sensor fault, potentially eliminating power steering.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the steering control module for fault codes. If found, the steering gear is replaced. If none are found, the steering control module software is updated.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The spring inside the interior door handle may come loose, causing the handle to not snap back to its resting position after you pull it.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect all four door handles and repair or replace them as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The halfshaft retention circlip may not be properly installed, allowing the halfshaft to move outward and disengage from the linkshaft during driving without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the halfshaft retention. If improperly installed, they will replace the linkshaft and halfshaft if damaged, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
