2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a LKS system with customer complaints of steering wheel vibration, steering pull or vehicle drift may be due to an alert and/or steering aid input from the LKS. The LKS system detects unintentional drifting toward the outside of the lane and alerts and/or aids vehicle to stay in the lane. Be sure the customer understands how the lane departure warning feature settings work for Alert (steering wheel vibration) and Aid (steering input toward lane center). Further information on the LKS can be found in the owners manual. If the customers concern is due to the LKS functioning as intended, do not attempt to repair.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Lincoln MKT steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Lincoln MKT have filed 31 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 111,000 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
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 MKT | 28 |
| 2011 MKT | 11 |
| 2012 MKT | 19 |
| 2013 MKT (this page) | 31 |
| 2014 MKT | 8 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 31 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Lincoln MKT, 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 MKT we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 31.
Steering accounts for 45% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 7 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.
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 ↗LINCOLN/FORD: ONCE PROCEDURE FOR HEATED STEERING WHEEL MODULE PROGRAM COMPLETED, HEATED STEERING WHEEL FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY AND PASSES NETWORK TEST BUT FAILS ON DEMAND SELF TEST. MODEL 2011-15 FUSION F-150, EXPLORER, TAURUS, SUPER DUTY, MKZ, MKC, MKS, MKT, MKX.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: SOME VEHICLES AND TRUCKS ARE EXPERIENCING A MALFUNCTION WITH THE HEATED STEERING WHEEL BECOMING INOPERATIVE AND ON DEMAND TEST FAILURE. MODEL 2014-15 FUSION, 2011-15 MKX, 2013-15 SUPER DUTY, EXPLORER, TAURUS, MKS, MKT, 2015 F-150, MKZ, MKC, 2011-15 MKX.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Electric power steering failure dominates complaints on 2013 Lincoln MKTs. The pattern is clear: the "Power Steering Assist Fault" light illuminates—sometimes at startup, sometimes mid-drive—and owners lose most or all steering assist. Early on, restarting the vehicle temporarily restores function, but eventually the restart trick stops working. The steering wheel becomes stiff or completely locked, making the vehicle difficult or impossible to steer safely. Failures occur at mileage anywhere from 17,000 to 207,000 miles. Owners report being stranded mid-drive, unable to steer even at low speeds, and describe the condition as an extreme safety hazard.
Complicating repair is a recall (15S18 and NHTSA Campaign 15V340000) that covers the same failure on some 2013 MKTs, but many VINs are explicitly excluded. Ford and Lincoln claim only parts manufactured at specific plants qualify, leaving out-of-coverage owners facing $2,000–$3,200 repair bills for steering rack or control module replacement. One owner also reported a cascade of false fault codes (26 codes across 11 modules) tied to a steering rack sensor malfunction. Dealers and manufacturers have refused to expand the recall or issue technical service bulletins despite the widespread pattern.
Same Lincoln MKT steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Assist Control Module Failure
Electronic power steering assist becomes inoperative or intermittently fails. Owners report the 'Power Steering Assist Fault' warning light appearing at startup or during driving. The condition sometimes clears after restarting the vehicle, but eventually becomes permanent. One owner (narrative #18) had the control module replaced at a dealer.
When: Occurs from low mileage (20,000–50,000 miles) through high mileage (200,000+ miles); some failures appear at startup, others mid-drive.
Symptoms owners cite: Power Steering Assist Fault warning light illuminates; Complete loss of power steering assist, making steering wheel very difficult or impossible to turn; Steering wheel locks up or becomes seized; Warning light clears temporarily after vehicle restart, but returns or becomes permanent; No power steering fluid to add (electric power steering system)
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Assist Fault
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership estimates $2,000–$3,200 for steering rack, steering gear assembly, or power steering control module replacement. One owner reported dealer cost of $2,300 for steering gear assembly replacement. One owner (narrative #18) had control module replaced at dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners report Ford/Lincoln recall 15S18 and NHTSA Campaign Number 15V340000 (Steering) exist, but many VINs are excluded from coverage. Lincoln claims only parts manufactured at specific plants are covered under recall. Manufacturer has refused to include many VINs or provide coverage. No TSB or recall expansion reported despite widespread complaints.
Steering Rack or Steering Gear Mechanical Failure
The steering rack, pinion gears, or steering gear assembly develop mechanical defects that reduce steering responsiveness or cause complete steering loss. One narrative indicates a sensor in the steering rack cannot determine wheel direction, generating false alarms. Owners report difficulty turning the wheel in either direction or steering becoming locked.
When: Reported from approximately 17,000 miles through 207,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes difficult to turn in either direction; Steering wheel locks or seizes; Firm steering feel when attempting to turn; Steering gear sensor malfunction (per one narrative)
Codes mentioned: 26 diagnostic trouble codes across 11 modules reported in one instance
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite steering rack replacement, steering gear assembly replacement, or entire steering shaft assembly repair. Costs mentioned: $2,300 (steering gear assembly), approximately $3,000–$3,200 (unspecified steering repair).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners reference NHTSA Campaign 15V340000 but report VINs are not included in recall despite matching symptom descriptions.
Front Suspension and Steering Linkage Wear or Looseness
Owners report loose or unstable steering feel, knocking or grinding noises from the front end, and rapid tire wear despite multiple wheel alignments. One owner purchased the vehicle used at 103,000 miles and reported immediate steering instability that worsened over 6 months.
When: Owner acquired vehicle at 103,000 miles; symptoms appeared immediately and worsened over 6 months.
Symptoms owners cite: Light knocking noise over uneven roads; Wheel feels slightly unsteady; Very loose feeling when turning or on uneven roads; Grinding noise while turning at speeds under 30 mph; Wheel feels like it has no control at times; Rapid tire wear (brand new tires nearly destroyed in 3 months)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed. Owner obtained two wheel alignments with a third planned; new tires installed but worn prematurely. Two independent mechanics could not diagnose the root cause.
Steering Shaft Assembly Defect and Related Suspension Issues
One narrative reports a loud clunking noise when turning. Dealer identified the entire steering shaft assembly as needing repair, which was completed, but the failure persisted. Dealer then recommended replacing both lower suspension arms and bushing brackets, which was not completed.
When: At 17,243 miles (early failure).
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking noise when turning
Repairs/costs cited: Steering shaft assembly replaced, but problem persisted. Subsequently diagnosed as requiring both lower suspension arms and bushing brackets replacement—not completed.
Traction Control and Electrical Multiplexing Fault Cascade
One owner reports the 'AdvanceTrac' warning lamp illuminating, followed by signal turn lights not working, then multiple bogus error messages across numerous modules. The dealer reset 26 diagnostic trouble codes across 11 modules and blamed the owner for excessive 12V DC outlet use. The owner attributes this to a steering rack sensor malfunction generating widespread false alarms.
When: Timing not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: AdvanceTrac warning lamp illuminates; Turn signal lights stop working (unless turn stalk held in place); Multiple error messages across vehicle systems; Unable to crank or start vehicle (after errors occur)
Codes mentioned: 26 fault codes across 11 modules
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership reset 26 codes across 11 modules at warranty; no permanent fix identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer blamed owner for excessive 12V outlet use. Owner states Ford refuses to acknowledge the problem with TSB or recall action, despite it being well-known on forums.
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated while exiting out of a parking spot, the steering wheel locked up and would not turn. The power steering fault warning light was illuminated. The contact shifted the vehicle into PARK and restarted the vehicle for the power steering functionality to return. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the failure might be related…
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds, the power steering became inoperable. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact called and made the local dealer aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the…
Was driving under 35mph and suddenly alarm warning sign came on and steering got too hard to turn. I struggled to turn left with a lot force. Steering system adult, lane keeping system serve required all came on
I lost all steering control while driving and within one minute of the check steering light illuminating. I was in the road and could not even steer to get to the side of the road. I reported this extremely dangerous condition to Lincoln but got no helpful response and had to pay the full bill of nearly 2000 to make the car drivable again. I live in new york and this happened in ohio
I was driving and the power steering went out while driving. The power steering warning light came on as the steering went out. It was extremely difficult to steer the car. I was fortunate to keep my car under control and stop. Upon investigating how to fix the issue, I discovered the power steering in this vehicle is "electric power steering" thus no way for me to fix it by adding fluid,…
the electric power steering in my 2013 Lincoln MKT fails to operate.. making this vehicle very dangerous to drive.Ford has issued a recall 15s18 for this problem, but they say my car is not included in the recall. how can that be, I have the same problem on my car... why isn't my car included?
Had steering trouble with your 2013 Lincoln MKT?
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 2013 Lincoln MKT?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 31 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 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 65,000 and 135,000 miles, with the median around 111,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 65,000; a quarter make it past 135,000. 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/2013/Lincoln/MKT.
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.