For Ford and Lincoln vehicles that require positive or negative battery terminal replacement, it is not necessary to replace the complete battery cable harness (14300 and 14301) for this concern. Positive battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-AA and negative battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-BA are available for this type of repair. Do not cut or shorten the battery cable, instead carefully remove the affected battery cable clamp and clean the cable end as necessary to preserve wire length. Some rework may be necessary for some vehicle environments. Bend the new positive battery cable clamp as needed and crimp it to the existing battery cable. Make sure to use heat shrink tubing over the battery cable
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Lincoln MKS electrical problems
critical Owners of the 2013 Lincoln MKS have filed 20 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 61,400 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 MKS | 3 |
| 2011 MKS | 3 |
| 2013 MKS (this page) | 20 |
| 2014 MKS | 5 |
| 2015 MKS | 4 |
1fire
1injury
4fatalities
When does it fail?
Of the 20 electrical complaints filed for the 2013 Lincoln MKS, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Of the 5 model years of Lincoln MKS we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 20.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM). To support the proper diagnosis of this compressor, the EVDC control valve tester has been developed and is available from Rotunda (339-EVDC100). A tester has been provided to each U.S. dealership free of charge with shipments completed 19-Apr-2019 (reference EFC07013 on FMCDealer.com). This tester will help reduce the potential for misdiagnosis and unnecessary compressor replacement. Make sure that this tester is used for warranty repairs and document the test results in
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SOME 2013-2016 FUSION/ESCAPE/MKT/FLEX/MKS/TAURUS, 2015-2016 MKZ/MKC/EDGE AND 2016 MKX VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VARIOUS RADIO CONCERNS INCLUDING: SPEAKER STATIC WITH KEY-OFF, NO AUDIO AFTER VEHICLE IS FIRST STARTED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) U0184, NO VOLUME CONTROL, OR A STUCK CD WITH NO SLOT BLOCKAGE. PRIOR TO STARTING NORMAL DIAGNOSIS FOR ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, VERIFY THE ACM IS AT THE LATEST CALIBRATION USING IDS VERSION 102.03 OR HIGHER. MAKE SURE YOU ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET WHEN ENTERING MODULE PROGRAMMING TO OBTAIN THE LATEST UPDATES. CALIBRATION FILES MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED AT WWW.MOTORCRAFTSERVICE.COM. USE THE APPLICABLE LABOR OPERATION IN SECTION 11 OF THE SLTS MANUAL AND
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SIRI EYES FREE FUNCTIONAL ISSUES USING BLUETOOTH AND APPLE IOS 9.2 AND 9.2.1
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2012-2016 vehicles equipped with a touchscreen navigation system and the language set to Arabic may exhibit a blank screen. This may be the result of the ribbon cables not being fully seated inside the front display interface module (FDIM) or an improper software configuration of the FDIM.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Lincoln MKS shows a consistent electrical pattern centered on the climate control module. Owners report the FCIM (Front Control Interface Module) activating on its own and ramming the temperature to maximum, then refusing to shut off or respond to button presses—it just cycles back to maximum if you try to turn it down. This happens at startup and while driving, sometimes intermittently and sometimes constantly. One owner warmed the touch panel with their hands to stop it; another reported the failure started after a software update at 100k miles. The beeping and cabin heat/cold shock create serious driver distraction, with one owner noting unsafe window fogging when the heater locks on during defrosting attempts.
One narrative describes the push-to-start button failing to cut the engine, leaving no audible warning or dashboard light—a life-threatening defect. Another owner had electrical damage from a clogged sunroof drain flooding the panels. Headlights and instrument panel lights shutting off mid-drive appear in one report, and MyTouch system glitches enabling MyKey speed-limiting without user action show up in another.
Warranty coverage is inconsistent: one owner's FCIM was replaced free at 33k miles (certified vehicle), while others faced $1,000 quotes or dealers claiming the part was unavailable. A TSB exists for the climate control issue, but no formal recall has been issued according to these narratives.
Failure modes owners describe
FCIM/Climate Control Runaway — Temperature Maxing Out
The Front Control Interface Module or climate control system activates on its own and drives the temperature to maximum without user input. Once activated, pressing the temperature-down or off buttons does not stop the runaway behavior; the system either ignores input or immediately reverts to maximum heat. This occurs both at startup and while driving, sometimes intermittently and sometimes continuously.
When: Occurs at startup and while driving; owners report mileage ranging from 33,308 to 100,000+ miles; one case noted symptom onset after OTA software update at 100k miles (111,900 current); another at 60,000 miles; one at 9,300 miles; timeframe of 6 months to years of operation before failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Climate control activates on its own without user input; Temperature setting jumps to maximum/highest setting; Pressing temperature-down or off buttons does not stop the runaway; System reboots or cycles repeatedly; Cabin temperature reaches 90°F or higher on cool/cold days; Loud beeping from the climate control unit; Touch panel becomes unresponsive in some areas; Occurs while driving and while stationary; More frequent when heater is used (winter months); one case noted summer occurrence as well
Codes mentioned: FCIM (Front Control Interface Module) failure, Touch panel sensitivity malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: FCIM module replacement cited by multiple owners; one owner paid $0 under warranty (certified vehicle at ~33k miles); another dealer quoted $1,000 repair cost; another noted replacement cost concern of $1,400 or more post-warranty; one owner diagnosed with AC sensor (not FCIM), coolant sensor leak; dealers in some cases claim part unavailable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Lincoln dealership replaced FCIM under warranty on at least one vehicle (certified pre-owned at 33,308 miles); one owner called Lincoln help line and was directed to report to NHTSA; owner #3 reports dealer stated issue not covered by recalls or warranty; owner #5 references 'a TSB' (Technical Service Bulletin) and notes this is 'a common complaint generating at least 3 NHTSA complaints'; no recall appears to have been issued for this specific failure mode based on narratives.
FCIM/Climate Control Unresponsive or Erratic Operation
The climate control system fails to respond to user input or operates erratically, causing multiple simultaneous issues. The hazard light button, audio volume control, and heating/AC controls housed in the same panel malfunction independently or together, with some controls completely unresponsive and others activating randomly.
When: Ongoing; owner states this is a 'very common issue' among MKS owners; no specific mileage provided in narratives describing this mode.
Symptoms owners cite: Climate control does not respond to user input; Audio volume maxes out randomly without user touching controls; Hazard light button fails to operate; Multiple controls in the touch panel fail simultaneously; Owner must tap or hit the unit to regain control
Codes mentioned: FCIM malfunction, Touch panel control failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report tapping/hitting the unit as a temporary workaround; no specific repair costs cited for this failure mode in narratives.
Headlights and Instrument Panel Lights Shutting Off While Driving
All headlights and instrument panel lights turn off without warning during normal driving, then illuminate again shortly after. The failure cannot be diagnosed by the dealer.
When: Failure mileage 36,344 miles; occurred while driving at unknown speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights turn off while driving; All instrument panel lights turn off simultaneously; Lights return on their own after a short interval
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer was unable to diagnose the cause; vehicle was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not notified.
MyTouch System Malfunction — Speed Limiting and HVAC Shutdown
The MyTouch infotainment system automatically enables the MyKey function, which limits vehicle speed to 59 mph. Additionally, the system automatically reboots and causes the air conditioner blower to shut off during operation.
When: Failure mileage approximately 9,300 miles; current mileage 12,500 at time of report.
Symptoms owners cite: MyKey system activates automatically without user input; Vehicle speed limited to 59 mph; MyTouch system automatically reboots; Air conditioner blower shuts off after reboot
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer was unable to replicate the failure during diagnosis; vehicle was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was made aware of the failure.
Push-to-Start System Does Not Shut Off — Carbon Monoxide Hazard
The push-to-start ignition feature fails to shut off the engine when the button is pressed. No audible warning sounds or dashboard lights alert the driver that the vehicle is still running, allowing carbon monoxide to accumulate in an enclosed space.
When: Failure mileage approximately 30,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine does not shut off when push-to-start button is pressed; No audible warning sounds when engine remains running; No dashboard warning lights illuminate; Carbon monoxide accumulates in enclosed space (garage)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis cited 'lack of shut off features and audible sounds' as the cause; narrative indicates fatality resulted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not notified.
Electrical Damage from Clogged Sunroof Drain
Sunroof drain becomes clogged, causing water to drain into the vehicle's electrical panels and damage the electrical system and air conditioning components. Unknown sensor illuminates on the dashboard.
When: Failure occurred at approximately 100,000 miles; vehicle had salvaged title status.
Symptoms owners cite: Water drains into electrical panels; Air conditioning malfunction; Electrical system damage; Unknown sensor illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: One independent mechanic removed panels and drained water, but the failure recurred; vehicle was not permanently repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
HVAC System Turns Off — Windshield Fogging
The HVAC controls shut off on their own, disabling the defroster function and causing the windshield to fog up while driving.
When: No specific mileage or timing provided.
Symptoms owners cite: HVAC controls turn off without user input; Windshield fogs up; Defroster function disabled
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The contact 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the heating system activated independently and was blowing hot air on a 90-degree summer day. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring and persisted while driving. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact related the failure to the Front Control Interface Module (FCIM). The dealer and the…
The control for temperature in car at any time can go to maximum heat while driving. It is unbearable inside of the car not good for my elder mom when it happens as it is too hot in car
We just purchased this car and shortly after we were driving home and it just starts beeping and suddenly the heat comes on full blast, no one is touching the controls. This happens quite frequently and once it starts rising there doesnt seem to be a way to stop it. A simple google search shows that this is a well known problem by lincoln and happens a lot, there are a lot of forums and videos…
Had electrical trouble with your 2013 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 electrical problem on the 2013 Lincoln MKS?
It's a serious issue. 20 complaints have been filed and 4 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 33,308 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 61,400. A quarter of owners report trouble before 33,308; a quarter make it past 80,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2013/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.