SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Lincoln MKS steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2010 Lincoln MKS have filed 15 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 100,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 MKS (this page) | 15 |
| 2011 MKS | 21 |
| 2012 MKS | 8 |
| 2013 MKS | 59 |
| 2014 MKS | 11 |
When does it fail?
Of the 15 steering complaints filed for the 2010 Lincoln MKS, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 5 model years of Lincoln MKS in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Steering accounts for 29% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2010 Lincoln MKS vehicles report that the electronic power steering assist (EPAS) fails to function intermittently or completely, forcing drivers to manually turn the steering wheel with extreme physical effort. The problem occurs at startup—where the steering wheel may lock and a "Power Steering Assist Fault" warning displays—and unpredictably during driving at all speeds from 40 to 70 mph. One owner experienced failure at 168,000 miles; others reported it as early as 47,000 miles.
When assist is lost, the steering wheel becomes so stiff that it requires both hands and maximum effort to turn, making the vehicle unsafe to control. Some owners report temporary relief by shutting off the engine and restarting, though the fault frequently returns immediately or recurs within days. Dealers have attempted fixes including computer resets, rack and pinion replacement, and EPAS unit replacement (using aftermarket parts when OEM became unavailable), but these repairs have not permanently resolved the problem for most owners.
One owner reported that when EPAS fails, the traction control and anti-lock braking systems also appear to shut down. Another owner had EPAS failure blamed on low tire pressure despite no TPMS warning, with the dealer stating a diagnostic computer reset would be required to prevent recurrence.
Lincoln and Ford concierge services refused to provide remedy or dealer support. Multiple owners noted that identical failures in 2011–2012 MKS models triggered NHTSA Recall 15V340000, but the 2010 models were excluded despite experiencing the same defect.
Same Lincoln MKS steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Power Steering Assist Failure
EPAS system loses power assist intermittently or on startup, forcing the driver to manually steer the vehicle with extreme physical effort. The system either fails to provide assist when the ignition is turned on, or cuts out unpredictably while driving. Some owners report the fault can be temporarily reset by shutting off and restarting the engine.
When: Occurs at startup, during highway speeds (40-70 mph reported), and intermittently while driving. Mileage range: 47,000 to 168,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist completely unavailable or intermittent; Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and difficult to turn, requiring both hands and maximum effort; Steering wheel may lock up on startup; 'Power Steering Assist Fault' or 'Power Steering Failure' warning message displayed; Fault persists despite multiple engine restarts and computer resets; System may temporarily resume normal operation after vehicle is shut off and restarted
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing rack and pinion assembly and EPAS units. One owner stated OEM EPAS part was unavailable and dealer installed aftermarket part without labor guarantee. Another owner's rack and pinion replacement did not resolve the issue. Computer resets have been attempted multiple times without permanent resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls exist for 2011 and 2012 MKS models (NHTSA Campaign 15V340000) for the same steering failure. Multiple owners report 2010 models were excluded from recall despite identical failure symptoms. Ford dealers referred owners to file NHTSA complaints. One owner stated Ford and Lincoln concierge would not provide remedy or dealer support.
EPAS Shutdown Triggering Secondary System Failures
When the electronic power steering assist fails, the vehicle's traction control and anti-lock braking systems also appear to shut down or become affected, compounding the loss of vehicle control.
When: Occurs concurrent with EPAS failure events
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control disengages when power steering fails; Anti-lock braking system appears to disable or malfunction when EPAS fails; Vehicle becomes extremely difficult to control due to combined loss of steering assist and brake system functionality
EPAS Failure Linked to Low Tire Pressure
In one instance, dealer attributed EPAS shutdown to low tire pressure, though no TPMS warning was generated. The dealer indicated that tire inflation alone would not prevent recurrence and that the EPAS system would require diagnostic computer reset.
When: Occurred during highway driving; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: EPAS suddenly turned off without warning; No tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning received prior to steering failure; Steering wheel became extremely stiff
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer initially attributed failure to low tire pressure and recommended tire inflation. However, dealer also stated that if the problem recurs, a Ford diagnostic computer reset would be required rather than simple tire pressure correction.
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Loss of steering power, took it to dealership, they reset it and reset it. Now one week later it did the same thing. *tr
While driving, on rt. 264 the epas steering turned off without warning. My wife had to fight to get the vehicle to the side of the road. The effort to turn the steering wheel was so great that I had to take over from my wife. It took all my effort to turn the steering wheel, it was so stiff. I took the vehicle to the dealer today and had it checked out. They reported that it was caused by low…
2010 Lincoln mks power steering would not function, did this 5 times . Had to turn car off turn steering very hard a couple times and then restart power steering returned. Last time this happened 10/31/2010
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Lincoln mks. While driving 60 MPH, the power steering completely failed and the steering warning indicator illuminated as the power steering failed. The contact was able to take the vehicle to crescent Ford (100 old winston rd, high point, nc 27265, 336-869-2181) where the contact was informed that there was a recall on the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact…
The 2011 through 2013 Lincoln MKS were recalled for the electric power steering assist suddenly going out and it is the same on this car and could have gotten someone seriously hurt these need to be added to the recall thanks for looking.
My car will intermittently (more times than not) lose its power steering assist, making it almost impossible for me to drive. I've had the car looked at, replaced the rack and pinion assembly, put on new tires, ran a diagnostic, and the car still lacks power steering most of the time. When starting the vehicle, the wheel will lock up, and the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" displays, no…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Lincoln mks. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the power steering seized and the contact was unable to maneuver the vehicle. The power steering assist warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle had to be turned off and restarted several times in order to resume normal operation. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, mac haik's southway Ford (located at…
Had steering trouble with your 2010 Lincoln MKS?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2010 Lincoln MKS?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 15 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 78,000 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 100,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 78,000; a quarter make it past 130,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Lincoln/MKS.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.