2013 Lincoln MKS Problems And Complaints

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Rating8.3

Ranked #6 in 

Fullsize Sedan
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$42,870 - $49,860
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2013 Lincoln MKS Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

7

Recalls

0

Investigations

137

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on July 1, 2022

There are a bunch of excellent cars available in the fullsize sedan and theLincoln brand is a favorite because it promises the best of Ford’s luxury division. Sales numbers can surely pick up the pace for the 2013 Lincoln MKS but with the spacious cabin it offers, powerful engine options, and excellent safety ratings, this car is worth a second look for many people. However, it has reported a total of 99 complaints and 7 recalls this year alone, with most issues being regarding the steering. The competition includes rivals like theKia Cadenza, theChrysler 300, and theCadillac XTS. Let us see how the Lincoln MKS problems this year have affected owners and whether the manufacturer has responded with an adequate number of recalls.

2013 Lincoln MKSUser complaints and problems

Mechanical Problems 

  • Although Lincoln MKS engine problems are not common, many cars had generated a weird tapping sound while being driven. This is identified to be a problem with the timing chain and the repair is both expensive as well as labor-intensive.

  • Other problems with the engine include a lack of response to acceleration inputs as well as stuttering and stalling. This is believed to be due to a fuel pump issue and has affected very few cars.

  • The most common complaint seems to be Lincoln MKS steering problems and these affect users by not responding to steering inputs at all. In some cases, there is a lack of power steering assistance with slowly worsens until the steering stops working completely.

  • The gearshift in this car is also known to be erratic and owners are not satisfied with how intuitive they are.

Electrical Problems 

  • The instrument cluster starts flickering and even stops working in many cars. This is accompanied by problems with the radio control and so on. The problem is believed to be due to a water leakage affecting the electrical system by causing a short.

Exterior Problems 

  • Other areas where short-circuits affect the performance of electrical systems include the headlights of the car which can be burnt out due to water seepage.

Miscellaneous Problems 

  • The windshield is slightly distorted and can produce a view of the road that makes it unsafe to drive on.

  • Users have also noted that despite there being a large number of recalls surrounding the car, many dealerships did not have the parts available on time.

2013 Lincoln MKS recalls

S. No.

Date

NHTSA ID

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1

August 25, 2016

16V621000

Fuel pump malfunction may cause engine stall.

A fuel pump malfunction will mean that the engine will stall and this will increase the risk of a collision.

Dealers will inspect the fuel pump electric module and replace if necessary.

2

December 2, 2015

15V812000

The fuel delivery module may crack and leak

The fuel delivery module cracking will result in engine stall

Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module

3

June 2, 2015

15V340000

Loss of electric power steering assist

Due to the steering motor sensor fault, the power steering system may shut down

Dealers will replace the power steering control module and update the software

4

January 28, 2015

15V040000

Interior door handle return spring may unseat

The door handle return spring unseating will result in the doors not being locked properly

Dealers will inspect and replace the door handles if necessary.

5

July 2, 2014

14V393000

Half-shaft disengagement/ Loss of drive/ Roll away.

The half-shaft and link shaft may become disengaged while driving and this will result in a complete loss of drive which can lead to a coalition.

Dealers will inspect and if found to be damaged, both the half-shaft and link-shaft will be replaced.

6

June 26, 2013

13V270000

Child look may become deactivated

Side lock being deactivated will result in the doors being opened from the inside

Dealers will replace the door locks

7

May 31, 2013

13V227000

The fuel delivery module may crack and leak

The fuel delivery module cracking will result in engine stall

Dealers will replace the fuel delivery module

Should you buy the 2013 Lincoln MKS?

The 2013 Lincoln MKS has generated a few complaints but what we can see is that the manufacturer has responded extremely well to fix those issues. While some of these electrical issues due to water leaks should be looked at with some skepticism, we feel that the problems are nearly rectified due to the proactive approach adopted by the manufacturer. As long as you do the preventive maintenance necessary to keep this car running on the road, the manufacturer does provide you with enough support to do so extremely well. What you get in the end is a car that comes with a lot of changes for this year and is totally feature-loaded and luxurious, no matter what way you look at it.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

September 15, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11687372

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11687372

Incident Date:
September 15, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1LNHL9DK8DG

Consumer Location:
LINCOLN, NE

Summary
Water pump failure or malfunctioned causing the engine to over heat and then to engine stall going 75 mph...

September 9, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11685860

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11685860

Incident Date:
September 9, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1LNHL9EKXDG

Consumer Location:
ALLEN PARK, MI

Summary
rear-view camera issue causing inverted, distorted, or blank image. I paid to replace the camera when I ...

August 8, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11679333

Components: 010000 STEERING

NHTSA ID Number:
11679333

Incident Date:
August 8, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1LNHL9FT4DG

Consumer Location:
FRONT ROYAL, VA

Summary
The Lincoln was parked. When I started the car, the steering wheel would not move at all to the right or ...

July 2, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11670829

Components: 060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

NHTSA ID Number:
11670829

Incident Date:
July 2, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1LNHL9FT0DG

Consumer Location:
ALBUQUERQUE, NM

Summary
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while reversing, there was a huge blast of w...

April 8, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11653415

Components: 980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

NHTSA ID Number:
11653415

Incident Date:
April 8, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
1LNHL9EKXDG

Consumer Location:
ALLEN PARK, MI

Summary
REAR CAMERA ON 2013MY LINCOLN MKS has been replaced and the replacment continues to fail. The camera eit...

82/100Best

Quality & Reliability

Assesses the extent of issues, glitches, and design imperfections encountered by...

77/100Best

Driving Experience

Owners' assessments regarding the vehicle's design, performance, comfort, functi...

73/100Best

Resale

CARHP's projection of depreciation, which estimates the probable decrease in the...

0/100Worst

Dealership Experience

Owners' interactions with dealerships associated with this brand, encompassing b...

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