Home · 2013 Lincoln Mks · Complaints

What 140 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Lincoln Mks

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (140)Crash / fire / injury (19)Steering (59)Electrical system (25)Engine (22)Fuel system (16)Transmission & drivetrain (9)Visibility & wipers (6)Lane Departure (4)Lights (4)Seats (4)Body & structure (3)

59 of 140 complaints match · Steering · clear filters · page 2 of 3

Aug 31, 2021Steering

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel was difficult to turn and had switched to manual mode, and was inoperable. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering sensor needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ODI 11431161

Jul 27, 2021Steering

Issue: Power Steering INOP U3000-49 Control Module Failure Pro Date 5/2012. Steering wheel locked making it difficult to turn wheel and drive car safely. Problem was confirmed by 2 Mechanics, one being the Dealership- Chapman Ford Lincoln. A Warning lamp came on: Power Steering Assist Fault.

NHTSA ODI 11426603

Jul 22, 2021Steering

My power steering suddenly went out with message “power steering assist fault” and “service AdvanceTrac.”

NHTSA ODI 11426045

Jul 21, 2021Steering

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The contact called an independent mechanic and the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

NHTSA ODI 11425766

Jul 19, 2021SteeringSuspension

lost complete control of my steering on my car can not drive it i had to havve the car towed to hoffman linclon ford in East Hartford Ct i have repair estimate from them i the amount of 3309,11 hear is a break down of the repairs (Primary)steering-steering $140.00 power steering control module:power rack and pinion,both outer tie rod ends $2808.79 alignment check alignment $129.00 total before taxes $3078.74 shop charges $34.87 ct taxes $195.50 i call linclon and they said that the car was not covered on the recall the car has less then70,000 thousand miles on it

NHTSA ODI 11425390

Jun 28, 2021Steering

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel was difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the vehicle was put into reverse then turned off the vehicle numerous times before the power steering functionality returned. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 78,743.

NHTSA ODI 11422601

Jun 16, 2021Steering

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel ceased. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off, restarted, and driven to his destination. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was diagnosed with needing the power steering gear and steering gear assembly to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The contact attempted to call manufacturer however, there was no response. The failure mileage was 157,630.

NHTSA ODI 11421205

Feb 26, 2021SteeringCrash1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20-25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE WENT ACROSS THE ROAD AND HIT A MAILBOX THEN A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND CAUSED A CHIN ABRASION, NOSEBLEED, CHEST AND RIB PAIN TO THE CONTACT AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATING WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOT AND DEEMED TOTALED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A RECALL NOTIFICATION WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING) BUT HIS VIN WAS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL, HOWEVER THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE OF THE RECALL. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.*DT*JB*DT*JB

NHTSA ODI 11398086

Jan 5, 2021Steering

LOSS OF POWER ASSIST STEERING, COULD NOT CONTROL VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. STEERING WAS STICKY, NOT SMOOTH ROTATION OF STEERING WHEEL, HARD TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT LINE IT STARTED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH A WARNING TO SERVICE STEERING NOW AND WHEN I TURNED OFF THE CAR TO LOOK AT IT, WHEN I STARTED IT BACK UP, I LOST ALL POWER STEERING ASSIST

NHTSA ODI 11386579

Nov 2, 2020SteeringElectrical system

THE POWER STEERING GOES IN AND OUT MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL WHEN IT HAPPENS. VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL, ISSUE # 2 TEMPERATURE CONTROL GOES FROM SET TEMPERATURE TO FULL HEAT UNASSISTED. YOU CANNOT TURN THE HIGH TEMPERATURE SETTING OFF. IT IS UNBEARABLE TO DRIVE IN CAR WITH HEAT ON FULL BLAST. BOTH OF THESE ISSUES CAN HAPPEN IN MOTION OR WHEN STOPPED

NHTSA ODI 11372761

Sep 25, 2020SteeringElectrical systemLights

EVERY RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE 2013 LINCOLN MKS I HAVE WRONG WITH MY VEHICLES. BUT WHEN I CALL TO HAVE IT SERVICED THEY TELL ME MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS, BUT YET MY VEHICLE HAS ALL THE RECALL PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ODI 11361092

Sep 1, 2020Steering

I LOST MY STEERING IN MY VEHICLE. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED NOW THE PROBLEM WITH MY 2013 LINCOLN MKS IS RACK-AND-PINION-STEERING. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY MAIN STREET WHEN I STARTED TO LOSE IT. MY STEERING WAS EASIER. DOVE A BIT FURTHER DOWN THE MAIN STREET WHEN I LOST STEERING ALL TOGETHER. I NEED $2500.00 TO FIX I DON'T HAVE THAT RIGHT NOW. NO PAPERWORK YET TO SEND. I AM FURLOUGHED DUE TO COVID. THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY VIN #. THERE WAS ON OTHER LINCOLN'S WE WERE TOLD.

NHTSA ODI 11352602

Aug 13, 2020Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS AT STAND STILL, WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER GARY YEOMANS FORD LINCOLN LOCATED AT 1420 N TOMOKA FARMS RD, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32124, (386) 310-2342, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING ASSIST TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING), HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000.*DT *DL

NHTSA ODI 11349096

Aug 10, 2020Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL CEASED UPON PASSING A SEMI TRUCK AND THE STEERING WHEEL INDEPENDENTLY WENT INTO THE OFF POSITION. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT PUSHED THE PUSH START BUTTON SINCE HE ASSUMED THAT THE VEHICLE SHUTOFF DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO STEER THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED INTO PARK, THE POWER STEERING FAULT WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND NO ISSUES UPON INSPECTING THE ENGINE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING) WHICH HE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT LEFT THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT INITIALLY CALLED DAVID MCDAVID PLANO LINCOLN (3333 W PLANO PKWY, PLANO, TX 75075) WHERE THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR THE VEHICLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE CALL DROPPED AND UPON CALLING THE DEALER BACK, THE CONTACT WAS TRANSFERRED TO RANDALL REED'S PRESTIGE FORD (3601 S SHILOH RD, GARLAND, TX 75041) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS THEN GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,229.

NHTSA ODI 11344321

Jun 1, 2020Steering

LOSS OF POWER ASSIST STEERING, COULD NOT CONTROL VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. STEERING WAS STICKY, NOT SMOOTH ROTATION OF STEERING WHEEL, HARD TO MAINTAIN A STRAIGHT LINE IT STARTED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH A WARNING TO SERVICE STEERING NOW AND WHEN I TURNED OFF THE CAR TO LOOK AT IT, WHEN I STARTED IT BACK UP, I LOST ALL POWER STEERING ASSIST. CAR IS AT THE DEALER NOW FOR A $2000 REPAIR. I CAN PROVIDE REPAIR BILL IN 2 OR 3 DAYS IF NEED. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11326778

Jan 31, 2020Steering

CERTAIN LINCOLN MKS 2013 HAVE RECALLS ON ELECTRIC POWER STEERING AND OTHERS DO NOT. UNFORTUNATELY THE ONE I OWN DOES NOT AND MY ELECTRIC POWER STEERING HAS WENT OUT AND SAYING POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. I WAS ON HWY 29 DOING ABOUT 60 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE LIGHT COMES ON AND MY STEERING TIGHTENED ON ME.

NHTSA ODI 11306301

Dec 15, 2019Steering

CAR WAS PARKED WHEN I STARTED IT UP. I GOT A STEERING ASSIST FAULT MESSAGE. GUESS IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD'S EPAS. THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE LIKE TAKATA BECAUSE OF THE HUGE SAFETY RISK. ACCORDING TO FORD MY VIN ISN'T PART OF THE RECALL FOR THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR. RIDICULOUS.

NHTSA ODI 11289199

Dec 12, 2019Steering

I STARTED THE ENGINE, I HAD NO POWER STEERING, POWER STEERING FAULT LIT UP ON THE DASH. SHUT OFF CAR, RESTARTED ENGINE, POWER STEERING WAS RESTORED. IF THIS FAILURE OCCURS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE CAR IS NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. I LOOKED UP RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE, THERE IS ONE FOR CARS PRODUCED 9 MONTHS BEFORE MINE, BUT MINE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. THE SYMPTOMS ARE IDENTICAL, I SUSPECT THIS CAR SHOULD BE SUBJECTED TO THE RECALL AS WELL.

NHTSA ODI 11288607

Sep 16, 2019Steering

I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND LOST ALL POWER STEERING. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR CHIMED. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE FOR THE 2013 LINCOLN MKS, DATE RANGES, SEPTEMBER 7, 2010 - FEBRUARY 28, 2012. MY CAR WAS BUILT JANUARY 7, 2013. WILL THIS RECALL BE EXPANDED?

NHTSA ODI 11255812

Sep 6, 2019Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT WARNING MESSAGE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BALDWIN MOTORS (LOCATED AT 1730 N HWY 190, COVINGTON, LA 70433, (800) 533-4308) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,300.

NHTSA ODI 11253662

Aug 15, 2019SteeringElectronic Stability Control (esc)Brakes

WAS PARKING CAR IN DRIVEWAY AND WHEN TRYING TO BACK INTO SPACE STERRING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO MANEUVER.

NHTSA ODI 11244242

Jul 29, 2019Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND COULD NOT BE TURNED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.

NHTSA ODI 11240376

Jul 19, 2019Steering

STEERING WHEEL MAKES A LOUD NOISE (SQUEALING NOISE) WHILE DRIVING LEFT OR RIGHT VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA ODI 11233274

May 20, 2019Steering

WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, MY 2013 LINCOLN MKS SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING. STEERING WHEEL WAS PRACTICALY LOCKED. WITH TWO HANDS AND ALL MY STRENGTH I WAS ABLE TO JERK THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT WAS A VERY FRIGHTENING SITUATION. WHEN STOPPED, A "SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW" PROMPT APPEARED. VEHICLE HAS 208K MILES AND ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP, LINCOLN RECALL WOULD ONLY COVER VEHICLES UNDER 150K.

NHTSA ODI 11208773

Apr 12, 2019Steering

I STOPPED TO PUT GAS IN MY CAR AND WHEN I FINISHED I GOT BACK IN MY CAR AND A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND IT SAID ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSIST SYSTEM SHUT DOWN I COULD NOT STEER MY CAR THAN I GOT MY MANUAL OUT AND IT SAID SHUT CAR OFF FOR 10 SECONDS AND I WAS ABLE TO STEER AGAIN I'M JUST GLAD I WAS NOT DRIVING

NHTSA ODI 11195820

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Working with the data? Download all 140 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 27, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2013 Lincoln Mks verdict →