Is the 2010 Lincoln MKS reliable?

The 2010 Lincoln MKS has 64 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2010 Lincoln MKS?

Top problems: STEERING (15 complaints, avg repair $500); SPEED CONTROL (10 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (8 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2010 Lincoln MKS?

No recalls have been issued for the 2010 Lincoln MKS.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2010 Lincoln MKS?

The 2010 Lincoln MKS gets 20 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2400. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2010 Lincoln MKS?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2010 Lincoln MKS is approximately $1,821/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2010 Lincoln MKS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2010 Lincoln MKS has 64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 57. The most common issue is steering problems (23% of all complaints), specifically: loss of steering power, took it to dealership, they reset it and reset it. now one week later it did the same thing. *tr.

10 crash reports 2 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

15 complaints

23%

• LOSS OF STEERING POWER, TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP, THEY RESET IT AND RESET IT. NOW ONE WEEK LATER IT DID THE SAME THING. *TR
• THE POWER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY FAILS UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, OR TWICE WHILE DRIVING. BOTH TIMES DRIVING, I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MPH ON A RURAL STREET, AND WAS ABLE TO PULL DIRECTLY INTO A PARKING LOT THAT WAS PARALLEL TO THE ROAD WHICH REQUIRED LITTLE STEERING. IF YOU SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF, A
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CEDAR CITY FORD LINCO

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“LOSS OF STEERING POWER, TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP, THEY RESET IT AND RESET IT. NOW ONE WEEK LATER IT DID THE SAME THING. *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2010 Lincoln MKS

Based on 50 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 81K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

Earlier than typicalmedian 44K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 61K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

Later than typicalmedian 100K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Lincoln MKS

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,401

Per month

$200

Per mile

20.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,920/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Lincoln MKS

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,821

Full coverage / month

$152

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1821

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Lincoln MKS Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Complimentary maintenance for select models; check with your dealer for eligibility.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Lincoln New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

6 yr / 70K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

6 yr / 70K mi

These are the terms for a new Lincoln. If you're buying a used 2010 MKS, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Lincoln dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 64 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: LOSS OF STEERING POWER, TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP, THEY RESET IT AND RESET IT. NOW ONE WEEK LATER IT DID THE SAME THING. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: I WAS DRIVING 62 MPH IN CRUISE AND DECIDED I WANTED TO GO 70 MPH. I THEN PROCEEDED TO HOLD DOWN THE "SET +" BUTTON UNTIL MY SPEED REACHED 70 AT WHICH POINT I RELEASED THE BUTTON. TO MY SURPRISE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO 95 MPH AND HELD THAT SPEED. I THEN SLOWED THE CAR WITH MY BRAKES TO 65 AND AGAI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: LINCOLN 2009/2010 THROTTLES DOWN WHEN A/C ENGAGES. AFTER 1 YEAR OF REPLACEMENT OF PARTS. INCLUDING A/C COMPRESSOR. MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. THROTTLE SYSTEM. CAR REPLACED 1&1/2 LATER WITH 2010. AT FIRST USE OF A/C 2010 CAR THROTTLED DOWN CAUSING IT TO JERK..REPORTED TO SERVICE MANAGER WHO STATED WITHOU
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: LINCOLN 2009/2010 THROTTLES DOWN WHEN A/C ENGAGES. AFTER 1 YEAR OF REPLACEMENT OF PARTS. INCLUDING A/C COMPRESSOR. MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. THROTTLE SYSTEM. CAR REPLACED 1&1/2 LATER WITH 2010. AT FIRST USE OF A/C 2010 CAR THROTTLED DOWN CAUSING IT TO JERK..REPORTED TO SERVICE MANAGER WHO STATED WITHOU
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)