What year Lincoln MKS should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2011 and 2013 model years stand out, with Complaint Index scores of 100 and 83, the highest among the 2010-2016 MKS lineup.

What is the best year for the Lincoln MKS?

The 2012 Lincoln MKS is rated best, with a Complaint Index of just 17 and only 17 total complaints, the lowest of any year with data.

What is the most common problem with the Lincoln MKS?

Steering is the top problem area across all model years, accounting for 119 complaints, or 37% of all reported issues.

Does the Lincoln MKS have steering recalls?

Yes. NHTSA recall 15V340000 covers Power Steering Control Module diagnostic trouble codes on 2011-2013 MKS models among other Ford/Lincoln vehicles.

Are 2011 and 2013 Lincoln MKS models dangerous?

NHTSA data links the 2011 MKS to 39 injuries and 40 deaths, and the 2013 MKS to 7 injuries and 18 deaths, the highest severity figures in the model's history.

Lincoln MKS Best and Worst Years (2010–2016)

Avoid the 2011 and 2013 Lincoln MKS: they carry Complaint Index scores of 100 and 83, the highest in the lineup, with steering complaints dominating and 2011 tied to 40 reported deaths and 2013 to 18. The 2012 model year is best, with a Complaint Index of just 17.

Avoid 2011 Avoid 2013 Best 2012

Model years: 7; 2010–2016
NHTSA complaints: 318
Recall campaigns: 11
Crashes reported: 19
Fires reported: 6
Top problem area: Steering

MKS Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Lincoln MKS problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Caution	67	51	8	0	0	Engine	19	—
2011	Avoid	100	43	3	1	3	Steering	19	—
2012	Best	17	17	1	0	3	Steering	20	—
2013	Avoid	83	142	6	4	7	Steering	21	5★
2014	Caution	50	44	1	0	2	Steering	21	5★
2015	Good	33	18	0	1	3	Engine	21	5★
2016	No verdict	0	3	0	0	0	Electrical System	19	5★

MKS years to avoid: what went wrong

2011 Lincoln MKS Index 100 · 43 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2011 MKS has the highest Complaint Index (100) of any year and ranks worst overall. Steering complaints lead at 21 (49% share), with a median failure mileage of 57,000 miles. Engine complaints (8) surfaced around 83,000 miles, brakes (7) around 48,800 miles, and electrical issues (5) around 12,290 miles. NHTSA lists 3 recalls covering airbags, steering control module diagnostic codes, and interior door handles. This year also shows the most severe outcomes in the lineup: 39 injuries and 40 deaths reported.

2011 steering problems →

2013 Lincoln MKS Index 83 · 142 complaints · 7 recalls

The 2013 MKS ranks second-worst with a Complaint Index of 83 and the highest complaint volume of any year at 142. Steering problems lead with 61 complaints (43% share) at a median 93,000 miles, followed by electrical issues (27 complaints, 70,000 miles) and engine complaints (26, 65,000 miles). Fuel system complaints (16) showed up around 63,500 miles. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for this year, including two fuel system campaigns tied to fire risk. Owners reported 4 fires, 7 injuries, and 18 deaths for this model year.

2013 steering problems →2013 electrical system problems →2013 engine problems →

Most common Lincoln MKS problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Steering119 (37%)
Engine64 (20%)
Electrical System59 (19%)
Fuel System36 (11%)
Other26 (8%)
Transmission & Powertrain21 (7%)
Structure & Body19 (6%)
Brakes17 (5%)
Airbags12 (4%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras12 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Lincoln MKS should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2011 and 2013 model years stand out, with Complaint Index scores of 100 and 83, the highest among the 2010-2016 MKS lineup.
What is the best year for the Lincoln MKS?: The 2012 Lincoln MKS is rated best, with a Complaint Index of just 17 and only 17 total complaints, the lowest of any year with data.
What is the most common problem with the Lincoln MKS?: Steering is the top problem area across all model years, accounting for 119 complaints, or 37% of all reported issues.
Does the Lincoln MKS have steering recalls?: Yes. NHTSA recall 15V340000 covers Power Steering Control Module diagnostic trouble codes on 2011-2013 MKS models among other Ford/Lincoln vehicles.
Are 2011 and 2013 Lincoln MKS models dangerous?: NHTSA data links the 2011 MKS to 39 injuries and 40 deaths, and the 2013 MKS to 7 injuries and 18 deaths, the highest severity figures in the model's history.