2010 Lincoln MKS problems
The 2010 Lincoln MKS has 51 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2010 Lincoln MKS has 51 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 15 complaints, typically surfacing around 100,859 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 MKS | 56 | 1 |
| 2010 MKS (this page) | 51 | 0 |
| 2011 MKS | 43 | 3 |
| 2012 MKS | 16 | 3 |
| 2013 MKS | 140 | 7 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2010 Lincoln MKS? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- steering — 15 owner reports · tends to show around 100,859 mi · ~$700 to fix
- cruise control — 9 owner reports · tends to show around 44,654 mi · ~$600 to fix
- engine — 7 owner reports · tends to show around 63,717 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- airbags — 5 owner reports · tends to show around 104,272 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: cruise control is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 44,654 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2010 Lincoln MKS
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Lincoln mks. While driving at any speed, the vehicle would lose acceleration. The dealer diagnosed that the throttle and acceleration control sensors failed. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 83,500.
Tl* lthe contact owns a 2010 Lincoln mks. The contact stated that while driving with cruise control on approximately 70 MPH, and changing lanes, the vehicle suddenly accelerated. The contact depressed the brakes and the vehicle accelerated even farther. After kicking the…
Loss of steering power, took it to dealership, they reset it and reset it. Now one week later it did the same thing. *tr
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…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2010 Lincoln MKS reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Lincoln MKS is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2010 Lincoln MKS?
On the NHTSA data, the 2010 Lincoln MKS does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.2/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2010 Lincoln MKS?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 15 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 100,859 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2010 Lincoln MKS a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 51 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 100,859 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2010 Lincoln MKS?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 15 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 100,859 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 100,859 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Lincoln MKS has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2010 Lincoln MKS?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 51 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.