2013 Lincoln MKT Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2013 Lincoln MKT has a complaint index of 89, the second-worst of 10 model years covered, and carries an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 69 complaints, 7 recalls, 2 fires, and 1 crash, with steering problems making up 45% of complaints at a median 111,000 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 89/100
- #2 of 10 MKT years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 69
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19.5
- 17 city / 23.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2013 Lincoln MKT problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering31 (45%)
- Electrical System11 (16%)
- Fuel System11 (16%)
- Other8 (12%)
- Structure & Body6 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (9%)
- Visibility & Wipers5 (7%)
- Brakes2 (3%)
- Engine2 (3%)
- Lane Departure2 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe sudden steering lockup while driving, in one case causing loss of control and a collision.
- Some report a loud clunking noise when turning, traced to the steering shaft assembly and lower suspension arms.
- Others report a total loss of power steering assist at highway speed with no warning.
- A vehicle caught fire near the driver-side tail light housing while parked, extinguished by the owner.
- Fuel fumes filled the cabin while driving 30 mph, traced to a ruptured fuel delivery system.
- Owners also report the panoramic sunroof failing suddenly, described as exploding while driving at 50 mph.
2013 Lincoln MKT recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V072000Feb 10, 2020Suspension, Wheels & Tires211,207 vehicles
Suspension:rear
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
- 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.
- NHTSA 15V812000Dec 2, 2015Fuel System868 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.
2013 Lincoln MKT fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 23.5 MPG
- Combined
- 19.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,325
- 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.
2013 compared with other MKT years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Lincoln MKT reliable?
- Among 10 model years of the MKT, 2013 ranks second-worst with a complaint index of 89 and an Avoid verdict. Steering complaints dominate, making up 45% of the 69 total complaints filed with NHTSA.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2013 Lincoln MKT?
- Steering is the top problem area, with 31 complaints (45% of the total) and a median failure mileage of 111,000 miles. One steering failure led to a crash.
- Does the 2013 Lincoln MKT have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2013 MKT, covering steering, fuel system, electrical system, suspension, and transmission/powertrain components. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2013 MKT compare to other years?
- The 2013 MKT's complaint index of 89 is worse than most other years; only the 2010 model (index 100) ranks lower. Years like 2011, 2016, and 2018 score much lower and carry Best or Good verdicts.