Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Lincoln mks. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 13v227000 (fuel system, gasoline). The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was scheduled to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The…
2013 Lincoln MKS engine problems
critical 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
1injury
10fatalities
When does it fail?
Of the 17 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Lincoln MKS, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 4 model years of Lincoln MKS we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 17.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2013 Lincoln MKS has serious reported issues: timing chain failure in the 70k range, water pump leaks well below typical service life (costing $1,700+), and dangerous stalling problems during acceleration and traffic. Most troubling are multiple fatal carbon monoxide incidents linked to a keyless ignition with no engine-running alert or automatic shutoff.
Owners of the 2013 Lincoln MKS describe multiple engine and fuel system failures. Timing chain wear appears around 72,500 miles with an engine tapping noise that worsens over time; repair cost one owner $2,300. Water pump leaks are common—occurring between 69k and 112k miles but often well below 75k—with typical replacement costs around $1,700. Owners note the pump sits deep in the engine, making inspection impossible; replacement is the only fix. This same water pump issue appears across 2013 Ford and Lincoln models (Escape, MKZ, F-150), suggesting a design problem rather than individual failures.
Stalling during acceleration and traffic scenarios happens intermittently with no warning. One owner's EcoBoost engine died repeatedly when accelerating from stops; a Ford dealer acknowledged Ford knows of the problem but said nothing can be done. Another owner documented code P2111 (throttle control) with sudden power loss and deceleration. A fuel control module failure prevented cold start at 65k miles.
Critically, multiple complaints describe the keyless ignition system lacking an audible alert when the engine is running or an automatic shutoff timer. This design deficiency led to carbon monoxide accumulation in enclosed garages, resulting in at least two reported family fatalities. One engine fire occurred at 18k miles; the vehicle was destroyed.
Failure modes owners describe
Timing chain failure
Timing chain and related components wear or fail prematurely, requiring replacement. This is a major engine repair. In at least one case, dealer accidentally damaged motor mount during the repair.
When: 72,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine tapping sound on startup; Noise worsens over time; No warning lights before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain and related components replaced; initial estimate $1,800, final bill $2,300 at dealer. Motor mount damaged during repair but owner was not informed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Lincoln offered $500 discount on repair cost after complaint.
Water pump failure
Water pump leaks, causing engine overheating and stalling. The pump's location in the center of the engine makes inspection difficult; replacement is the only option. Owners report this is a recurring issue across 2013 Lincoln and Ford models (MKS, MKZ, Escape, F-150), occurring well below typical service life.
When: 69,639 miles; 112,000 miles; below 75,000 miles (one report)
Symptoms owners cite: Water pump leak visible; Engine overheating; White smoke from exhaust; Engine stalling while driving at highway speeds (75 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement required; typical cost $1,700. Pump cannot be easily inspected and sits in center of engine block.
Engine stalling under acceleration or traffic conditions
Engine cuts out unexpectedly when accelerating from a stop or in traffic, requiring multiple attempts to restart. Occurs intermittently with no prior warning. One owner reports this same issue occurred on both a 2010 and 2013 MKS with EcoBoost engine. Another owner with code P2111 (throttle actuator control stuck open) reports sudden power loss and deceleration.
When: Multiple mileages reported: 11,000; at highway speed (75 mph); low-speed traffic incidents
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sputters and dies after coming to near-stop when attempting to accelerate; No warning lights in some cases; Immediate shutdown with no prior indication; Intermittent, unpredictable pattern; Occurs at traffic speeds and acceleration scenarios
Codes mentioned: P2111 (throttle actuator control issue)
Repairs/costs cited: Ford dealer stated in one case that Ford knows about the problem but nothing can be done.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall NHTSA 13V227000 mentioned in one report; fuel control module replaced in another case (NHTSA 16V621000 fuel system campaign).
Fuel control module failure
Fuel control module fails, preventing cold start. This is a fuel system component failure that requires replacement.
When: 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start on cold start attempt
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel control module replaced at dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repair completed; NHTSA 16V621000 fuel system campaign exists but vehicle was not included.
Engine fire
Engine catches fire while vehicle is in operation. Vehicle was completely destroyed. No clear root cause identified in complaint, but fire originated from engine compartment.
When: 18,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoking under hood while driving at 55 mph; Flames emerging from engine; No warning lights mentioned
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed and destroyed; no repair attempted.
Keyless ignition system lacks protective features
Push-button start system has no audible alarm to alert driver when engine is running, and no automatic engine shutoff if driver walks away with key fob. This has led to carbon monoxide accumulation in enclosed spaces. Multiple family deaths reported linked to this design deficiency.
When: Multiple incidents: 45,000 miles; 18,900 miles; fatal incident at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine remains running without audible alert when keyless entry used; No automatic shutoff timer; Carbon monoxide accumulation in garage/home; Owner/occupants exposed to dangerous CO levels
Repairs/costs cited: Push-button start did not chime; no warning system present. Dealer confirmed no alarm or automatic shutoff exists.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case; no design changes or recalls mentioned.
Low engine oil pressure warning with stalling
Low engine oil pressure warning light illuminates and vehicle stalls. Issue resolves after restart but root cause not diagnosed.
When: 18,000 miles
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer but not diagnosed or repaired.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact called on behalf of the vehicle owners of a 2013 Lincoln mks. While the vehicle was parked in the garage with the engine running, the contact's parents left the vehicle unattended and entered their home. The vehicle was equipped with keyless entry that did not chime to alert the driver that the engine remained active. As a result, carbon monoxide filled the garage and the home,…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2013 Lincoln MKS?
It's a serious issue. 17 complaints have been filed and 10 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 18,000 and 72,500 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,000; a quarter make it past 72,500. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.