YearToAvoid

2010 Lincoln MKT Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

78/100

#3 most-complained of 10 MKT years

The 2010 Lincoln MKT ranks 3rd worst out of 10 model years with a complaint index of 78 and 64 complaints, mostly steering (44%) at a median of 97,000 miles. NHTSA lists no recalls for this year, but it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other MKT years.

Complaints
64
Recalls
0
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
18
16 city / 22 hwy

Top 2010 Lincoln MKT problems

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

  1. Steering28 (44%)
  2. Engine15 (23%)
  3. Transmission & Powertrain8 (13%)
  4. Other7 (11%)
  5. Structure & Body7 (11%)
  6. Brakes6 (9%)
  7. Electrical System5 (8%)
  8. Fuel System5 (8%)
  9. Visibility & Wipers4 (6%)
  10. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (3%)

What owners report

  • Owners report brakes that grind and pull to the right, sometimes soon after purchase, with the pulling and vibration continuing after dealer repairs.
  • Some owners describe the engine shuddering and losing power under hard acceleration, occasionally with knocking noises but no check engine light.
  • Intermittent stalling was reported when starting from a stop or accelerating slowly, with owners noting the dealer could not replicate the issue during multiple visits.
  • Rear passenger window and sunroof complaints include a loud bumping noise at speed and one report of the sunroof glass shattering while driving.
  • Head restraints were reported as uncomfortable, requiring removal after dealer said no adjustment fixed the stiff-neck issue.
  • A fuel system complaint described repeated flames and smoke from the vehicle, with the turbocharger replaced multiple times without resolving the issue.
2010 Lincoln MKT complaints: complaints filed per month9Sep 2010Jan 2013Oct 2015Jul 2016Dec 2017Feb 2019Feb 2020Feb 2022
89 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2010 to Feb 2023; peak May 2013 (9).

2010 Lincoln MKT recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2010 Lincoln MKT fuel economy and fuel cost

City
16 MPG
Highway
22 MPG
Combined
18 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,600
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.

2010 compared with other MKT years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2010Avoid7864018
2011Best2219118
2012Caution5627119

All Lincoln MKT years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Should I avoid the 2010 Lincoln MKT?
The 2010 model ranks 3rd worst among 10 MKT model years with a complaint index of 78, making it a year to approach with caution compared to other years like 2011 or 2018.
What is the biggest problem with the 2010 Lincoln MKT?
Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 44% of complaints (28 of 64), with a median failure mileage of 97,000 miles.
Are there recalls on the 2010 Lincoln MKT?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2010 Lincoln MKT.
How does the 2010 MKT compare to other years?
The 2010 model has a complaint index of 78, higher than 2011 (22), 2012 (56), 2015 (67), and 2016 (33), but lower than 2013 (100) and 2014 (89).
What fuel economy does the 2010 Lincoln MKT get?
EPA rates the 2010 MKT at 18 mpg combined (16 city / 22 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $3,600.

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.