Is the 2013 Lincoln MKS reliable?

The 2013 Lincoln MKS has 181 complaints filed with NHTSA (3.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Lincoln MKS?

Top problems: STEERING (60 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (25 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (24 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Lincoln MKS?

Yes, there are 7 recall(s): STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. Contact any Lincoln dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Lincoln MKS?

The 2013 Lincoln MKS gets 21 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2286. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Lincoln MKS?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Lincoln MKS is approximately $1,853/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.

2013 Lincoln MKS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2013 Lincoln MKS has 181 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.2x the segment average of 57. The most common issue is steering problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2013 lincoln mks. while driving 10 mph, the steering wheel lost power and made a growling noise at every turn. the vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering was erratic and that the power steering control (psc) module needed to be reprogrammed. th. There are 7 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports 2 crash reports 7 injuries

181

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

3.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

60 complaints

33%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOST POWER AND MADE A GROWLING NOISE AT EVERY TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WAS ERRATIC AND THAT THE POWER STEERING CONTROL (PSC) MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. TH
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT OBSERVED AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WHILE TURNING. THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STREP BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
• I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM A TRIP OUT OF STATE WHEN I WAS DRIVING I CAN FEEL THAT IT WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE STEERING WHEEL IT WAS KIND OF STIFF. AS I CONTINUED TO DRIVE IT GOT WORSE TO THE POINT TO WHERE IT HAD A MIND OF ITS ON AND THE LIGHT CAME ON SAYING LOSS OF POWER WHEEL STEERING. I THEN G

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports💥 2 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOST POWER AND MADE A GROWLING NOISE AT EVERY TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WAS ERRATIC AND THAT THE POWER STEERING CONTROL (PSC) MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. TH”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Lincoln MKS

Based on 112 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 72K 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+

ENGINE

Earlier than typicalmedian 55K mi · 16 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

Earlier than typicalmedian 35K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 93K mi · 40 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 66K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 64K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 75K mi · 5 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.

Recalls (7)

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR28/01/2015

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles manufactured December 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, and 2011-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured June 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.

Risk: If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S02.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Lincoln MKS

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,286

Per month

$191

Per mile

19.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,847/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 2013 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

$1,853

Full coverage / month

$154

Liability only / year

$668

vs US avg

+11%

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 rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1853

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 2013 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

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 181 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOST POWER AND MADE A GROWLING NOISE AT EVERY TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING WAS ERRATIC AND THAT THE POWER STEERING CONTROL (PSC) MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. TH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: THE VEHICLE LOST ALL ABILITY TO ACCELERATE WHILE OPERATING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. THIS FORCED THE OPERATOR TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY WHILE NAVIGATING THROUGH TRAFFIC. THE POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION/REDUCED POWER (RTT) WRENCH SYMBOL ILLUMINATED IN AD
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: THE VEHICLE LOST ALL ABILITY TO ACCELERATE WHILE OPERATING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. THIS FORCED THE OPERATOR TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY WHILE NAVIGATING THROUGH TRAFFIC. THE POWERTRAIN MALFUNCTION/REDUCED POWER (RTT) WRENCH SYMBOL ILLUMINATED IN AD
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RECEIVING NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. 13V227000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE RECALL. THE DEA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Lincoln dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)