YearToAvoid

2014 Lincoln MKS Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Good The 2014 Lincoln MKS ranks 5th out of 8 model years with a complaint index of 43 and a Good verdict. It had 44 complaints, 2 recalls, and no fires or deaths reported, with steering issues being the top concern.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
43/100
#5 of 8 MKS years
Verdict
Good
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
44
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
2
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
1
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Top issue
Steering
Best nearby year
2012
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
21
18 city / 26 hwy
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Top 2014 Lincoln MKS problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)

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

What owners report

  • Some drivers reported a total loss of power steering assist accompanied by a warning for steering assist fault, in one case leading to a crash after the vehicle swerved across lanes.
  • Owners described intermittent failure to start along with abnormal clicking sounds and the air conditioner shutting off on its own, suspected to be linked to a malfunctioning fuel pump.
  • Several owners reported the recalled fuel pump control module issue, with some noting delays in getting the free repair completed.
  • One owner reported the speedometer failing to illuminate in heavy rain, obscuring the vehicle's speed at various driving speeds.
  • A driver reported an episode of unintended acceleration at a stop where the engine revved hard even with the brake applied.
2014 Lincoln MKS complaints: complaints filed per month3Aug 2014Dec 2016Mar 2019Aug 2020Feb 2022Nov 2022Jun 2024
44 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2014 to Aug 2026; peak Feb 2018 (3).

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)025507510020092010201120122013201420152016
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2012Best1417320
2013Avoid86142721
2014Good4344221
2015Good2918321
2016No verdict03019

All Lincoln MKS years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2014 Lincoln MKS reliable?
Compared to other MKS model years, the 2014 ranks 5th out of 8 with a complaint index of 43 and a Good verdict, based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
What problems does the 2014 Lincoln MKS have?
NHTSA data shows steering complaints made up 27% of reports, followed by fuel system issues at 23% and electrical system issues at 18%. The median mileage at failure for steering complaints was 81,049 miles.
Does the 2014 Lincoln MKS have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2014 MKS: one for the fuel system involving the fuel pump control module (campaign 16V621000) and one for the transmission and powertrain halfshaft retention (campaign 14V393000). Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2014 MKS compare to other years like 2013 or 2011?
The 2013 MKS is rated Avoid with a complaint index of 86 and 142 complaints, and the 2011 MKS is also rated Avoid with a complaint index of 100. The 2014 MKS performs better than both, with a complaint index of 43.
What is the fuel economy of the 2014 Lincoln MKS?
The EPA rates the 2014 MKS at 21 mpg combined, 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, with an annual fuel cost of $3,100.

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.