2013 Lincoln MKS problems
The 2013 Lincoln MKS has 140 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2013 Lincoln MKS has 140 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 59 complaints, typically surfacing around 98,489 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 MKS | 51 | 0 |
| 2011 MKS | 43 | 0 |
| 2012 MKS | 16 | 0 |
| 2013 MKS (this page) | 140 | 0 |
| 2014 MKS | 43 | 0 |
| 2015 MKS | 17 | 0 |
| 2016 MKS | 3 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Steering: 59 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 73,698–115,000 mi
- Reliability score 7.6/10 — 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.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 5 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2013 Lincoln MKS 4 DR AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2013 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 — 59 owner reports · tends to show around 98,489 mi · ~$700 to fix
- electrical — 20 owner reports · tends to show around 64,123 mi · ~$850 to fix
- engine — 17 owner reports · tends to show around 62,118 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- powertrain — 8 owner reports · tends to show around 62,661 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 98,489 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: 7.6/10 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 2013 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
Your road ahead on this 2013 Lincoln MKS
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
- ~45,000 miengine~$3,100
- ~61,400 mielectrical~$850
- ~94,000 misteering~$700
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Lincoln mks. While driving 30 MPH, the advanced service indicator illuminated and the steering wheel became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (tindol Ford, 1901 e. Franklin blvd, gastonia, nc 28054) where it was diagnosed that the…
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with several undisclosed messages displayed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The…
Car was parked when I started it up. I got a steering assist fault message. Guess it's a common problem with Ford's epas. They should be held accountable like takata because of the huge safety risk. According to Ford my VIN isn't part of the recall for the same model and year.…
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Lincoln mks. While driving into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and crashed into a concrete beam. The driver sustained injuries to both knees, the left arm, neck, and back. Medical attention was received. The…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2013 Lincoln MKS reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 140 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 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 2013 Lincoln MKS?
The 2013 Lincoln MKS is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Steering: 59 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 73,698–115,000 mi; Reliability score 7.6/10 — 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 2013 Lincoln MKS?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 59 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 98,489 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 2013 Lincoln MKS a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 140 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 98,489 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 2013 Lincoln MKS?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 59 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 98,489 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 64,123 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 2013 Lincoln MKS?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 140 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, 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.