YearToAvoid

2014 Lincoln MKS Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

50/100

#4 most-complained of 7 MKS years

The 2014 Lincoln MKS has 44 NHTSA complaints, a Complaint Index of 50, and 2 recalls, ranking it 4th worst of 7 model years with a "Caution" verdict. Steering (27% of complaints) and Fuel System (23%) are the top problem areas.

Complaints
44
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
21
18 city / 26 hwy

Top 2014 Lincoln MKS problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Steering12 (27%)
  2. Fuel System10 (23%)
  3. Electrical System8 (18%)
  4. Engine6 (14%)
  5. Other6 (14%)
  6. Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (9%)
  7. Structure & Body3 (7%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (7%)
  9. Transmission & Powertrain2 (5%)
  10. Visibility & Wipers2 (5%)

What owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of steering assist accompanied by an "Advancetrac" warning, in one case leading to a crash after the vehicle swerved across lanes.
  • Some drivers describe body roll and a rocking sensation at low speed, with a feeling that the halfshaft has come loose.
  • Fuel system complaints mention delays getting recall parts for the fuel pump control module, with some owners billed despite the recall.
  • One owner reported the speedometer failing to illuminate during heavy rain, obscuring vehicle speed.
  • Another owner described unintended acceleration while stopped at an intersection, requiring hard braking and a shift to neutral.
  • Intermittent no-start conditions paired with an abnormal clicking sound and the air conditioner shutting off on its own were also reported.
2014 Lincoln MKS complaints: complaints filed per month4Aug 2014Dec 2016Mar 2019Aug 2020Feb 2022Nov 2022Jun 2024
58 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2014 to Aug 2026; peak Jun 2019 (4).

2014 Lincoln MKS recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 16V621000Aug 25, 2016Fuel System77,502 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles. A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.

    Risk: A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S31.

  2. NHTSA 14V393000Jul 2, 2014Transmission & Powertrain83,250 vehicles

    Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.

    Risk: If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.

2014 Lincoln MKS fuel economy and fuel cost

City
18 MPG
Highway
26 MPG
Combined
21 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,100
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2014 compared with other MKS years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002010201120122013201420152016
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2012Best1717320
2013Avoid83142721
2014Caution5044221
2015Good3318321
2016No verdict03019

All Lincoln MKS years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2014 Lincoln MKS reliable?
NHTSA data gives the 2014 MKS a Complaint Index of 50 and a "Caution" verdict, ranking it 4th worst among the 7 model years with data. Steering and fuel system issues make up the bulk of its 44 complaints.
What recalls affect the 2014 Lincoln MKS?
The 2014 MKS has 2 recalls: one for the fuel system on 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines (campaign 16V621000) and one for a halfshaft retention issue in the transmission/powertrain (campaign 14V393000). Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
What is the most common problem on the 2014 Lincoln MKS?
Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 27% of complaints (12 of 44), including one crash. Fuel System follows at 23% of complaints.
How does the 2014 MKS compare to other MKS years?
The 2014 model ranks 4th worst of 7 years by Complaint Index. The 2012 (index 17) and 2015 (index 33) MKS score better, while 2011 (index 100) and 2013 (index 83) are rated "Avoid."
At what mileage do 2014 MKS steering problems tend to show up?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 81,049 miles at failure for steering-related complaints on the 2014 MKS.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.