What year Lincoln MKS should I avoid?

Avoid the 2011 and 2013 model years. The 2011 MKS has a complaint index of 100 with 40 reported deaths, and the 2013 MKS has 142 complaints with 18 reported deaths, both driven mainly by steering-related problems.

What is the best year for the Lincoln MKS?

The 2012 Lincoln MKS is rated Best, with only 17 complaints and a complaint index of 14, the lowest of any model year. The 2014 and 2015 model years are also rated Good.

Does the Lincoln MKS have steering recalls?

Yes. Steering is the top problem area overall, accounting for 121 complaints (32% of all complaints) across the MKS lineup, with recall campaigns covering the power steering control module in the 2011-2012 and 2013 model years.

Is the 2011 Lincoln MKS reliable?

Compared to other MKS years, the 2011 is the least reliable based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 100, three recalls, and 40 reported deaths among its 43 complaints.

How many complaints does the Lincoln MKS have overall?

Across the 2009-2016 model years, NHTSA lists 374 total complaints and 11 recall campaigns for the Lincoln MKS.

Lincoln MKS Best and Worst Years (2009–2016)

Avoid the 2011 and 2013 Lincoln MKS: 2011 has the highest complaint index (100) and 40 deaths reported, while 2013 has 142 complaints and 18 deaths tied largely to steering and fuel-system issues. The 2012 model year is rated Best with a complaint index of just 14.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2011 Avoid 2013 Best 2012

Model years: 8; 2009–2016
NHTSA complaints: 374
Recall campaigns: 11
Crashes reported: 23
Fires reported: 7
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
2009	Caution	71	56	4	1	1	Brakes	19	—
2010	Caution	57	51	8	0	0	Engine	19	—
2011	Avoid	100	43	3	1	3	Steering	19	—
2012	Best	14	17	1	0	3	Steering	20	—
2013	Avoid	86	142	6	4	7	Steering	21	5★
2014	Good	43	44	1	0	2	Steering	21	5★
2015	Good	29	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 carries the highest complaint index of the lineup at 100, with 43 complaints tied to 39 injuries and 40 deaths. Steering problems dominate, making up 49% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 57,000 miles. Owners also reported unintended acceleration events and engine surging near a median 83,000 miles. NHTSA lists three recalls for this year, covering airbags, steering control module trouble codes, and interior door handles. Electrical complaints, including missing perimeter lighting features, appeared at a much lower median mileage of 12,290 miles.

2011 steering problems →

2013 Lincoln MKS Index 86 · 142 complaints · 7 recalls

The 2013 MKS logged 142 complaints, the highest raw count of any year, with a complaint index of 86 and 18 reported deaths. Steering issues account for 43% of complaints at a median 93,000 miles, while electrical and engine problems followed at median mileages of 70,000 and 65,000 miles. Owners described engine bay fires and airbag deployments during low-speed incidents. NHTSA recorded seven recall campaigns for this year, including two fuel system recalls addressing fuel delivery module and fuel PEM replacement, plus a steering control module recall.

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

Most common Lincoln MKS problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Steering121 (32%)
Engine75 (20%)
Electrical System62 (17%)
Brakes38 (10%)
Fuel System38 (10%)
Other33 (9%)
Structure & Body27 (7%)
Transmission & Powertrain24 (6%)
Airbags20 (5%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires13 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What year Lincoln MKS should I avoid?: Avoid the 2011 and 2013 model years. The 2011 MKS has a complaint index of 100 with 40 reported deaths, and the 2013 MKS has 142 complaints with 18 reported deaths, both driven mainly by steering-related problems.
What is the best year for the Lincoln MKS?: The 2012 Lincoln MKS is rated Best, with only 17 complaints and a complaint index of 14, the lowest of any model year. The 2014 and 2015 model years are also rated Good.
Does the Lincoln MKS have steering recalls?: Yes. Steering is the top problem area overall, accounting for 121 complaints (32% of all complaints) across the MKS lineup, with recall campaigns covering the power steering control module in the 2011-2012 and 2013 model years.
Is the 2011 Lincoln MKS reliable?: Compared to other MKS years, the 2011 is the least reliable based on NHTSA data, with a complaint index of 100, three recalls, and 40 reported deaths among its 43 complaints.
How many complaints does the Lincoln MKS have overall?: Across the 2009-2016 model years, NHTSA lists 374 total complaints and 11 recall campaigns for the Lincoln MKS.