What is the worst year for the Lincoln MKT?

The 2013 Lincoln MKT is the worst year, with a Complaint Index of 100, the highest of all model years, plus 7 recalls and 2 reported fires.

Which Lincoln MKT years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2010, 2013, and 2014 model years, which have Complaint Index scores of 78, 100, and 89 respectively — the three highest in the lineup.

What is the best year for the Lincoln MKT?

The 2011 and 2018 model years are rated Best, with Complaint Index scores of 22 and 11, the lowest among all years covered.

What is the most common problem with the Lincoln MKT?

Steering is the top problem area across all model years, accounting for 100 complaints and 34% of all reported issues.

Does the Lincoln MKT have steering recalls?

NHTSA lists a rear suspension toe link recall covering the 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack, which can affect steering and handling.

Lincoln MKT Best and Worst Years (2010–2019)

Avoid the 2010, 2013, and 2014 Lincoln MKT, which carry Complaint Index scores of 78, 100, and 89 — the three highest in the lineup. The 2011 and 2018 model years score lowest (22 and 11) and are rated Best based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.

Avoid 2010 Avoid 2013 Avoid 2014 Best 2011 Best 2018

Model years: 10; 2010–2019
NHTSA complaints: 292
Recall campaigns: 14
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 3
Top problem area: Steering

MKT 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 MKT problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	78	64	1	1	0	Steering	18	—
2011	Best	22	19	0	0	1	Steering	18	—
2012	Caution	56	27	0	0	1	Steering	19	—
2013	Avoid	100	69	1	2	7	Steering	19.5	—
2014	Avoid	89	54	2	0	4	Structure & Body	19.5	—
2015	Caution	67	24	2	0	6	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	19.5	—
2016	Good	33	9	0	0	3	Structure & Body	18.5	—
2017	No verdict	0	3	0	0	3	Engine	17	—
2018	Best	11	7	0	0	2	Structure & Body	17	—
2019	Good	44	16	0	0	4	Collision Avoidance & Cameras	17	—

MKT years to avoid: what went wrong

2013 Lincoln MKT Index 100 · 69 complaints · 7 recalls

The 2013 MKT ranks worst overall with a Complaint Index of 100. Steering issues account for 45% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 111,000 miles, followed by electrical system and fuel system problems each at 16%. NHTSA recorded 2 fires and 1 crash for this year. Owners reported a parked vehicle catching fire near the tail light, steering locking up during driving leading to a crash, a fully drained battery that trapped items in the trunk, and fuel fumes entering the cabin from a ruptured fuel delivery system. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for 2013, including rear suspension toe link fractures and fuel delivery module replacement.

2013 steering problems →

2014 Lincoln MKT Index 89 · 54 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2014 MKT carries a Complaint Index of 89, with 2 crashes and 2 injuries reported to NHTSA. Structure & Body complaints lead at 24% (median 92,000 miles), followed by Visibility & Wipers issues at 20% with an unusually low median failure mileage of 9,000 miles. Owners described involuntary steering wheel movement causing loss of control and crashes, as well as moonroof glass spontaneously shattering while driving. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this year, including a vacuum pump relay replacement for limousine and hearse package vehicles.

2010 Lincoln MKT Index 78 · 64 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2010 MKT has a Complaint Index of 78, the third-worst of all model years. Steering complaints dominate, making up 44% of issues for the year, with a median failure mileage of 97,000 miles. Owners also reported engine problems (23% of complaints, median 51,756 miles) and transmission and powertrain issues (13%, median 47,506 miles). Sample complaints describe recurring turbocharger failures accompanied by flames and smoke, pulling and vibration while braking, uncomfortable head restraints, and a rattling rear window. NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2010 model year.

2010 steering problems →2010 engine problems →

Most common Lincoln MKT problems (all years)

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

Steering100 (34%)
Structure & Body50 (17%)
Other44 (15%)
Electrical System34 (12%)
Engine31 (11%)
Fuel System25 (9%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras24 (8%)
Visibility & Wipers22 (8%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires20 (7%)
Transmission & Powertrain16 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

What is the worst year for the Lincoln MKT?: The 2013 Lincoln MKT is the worst year, with a Complaint Index of 100, the highest of all model years, plus 7 recalls and 2 reported fires.
Which Lincoln MKT years should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2010, 2013, and 2014 model years, which have Complaint Index scores of 78, 100, and 89 respectively — the three highest in the lineup.
What is the best year for the Lincoln MKT?: The 2011 and 2018 model years are rated Best, with Complaint Index scores of 22 and 11, the lowest among all years covered.
What is the most common problem with the Lincoln MKT?: Steering is the top problem area across all model years, accounting for 100 complaints and 34% of all reported issues.
Does the Lincoln MKT have steering recalls?: NHTSA lists a rear suspension toe link recall covering the 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack, which can affect steering and handling.