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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)

Newest first · 140 complaints · page 5 of 6

Oct 5, 2018Engine2 deaths

KEYLESS IGNITION DEATHS, RINA & PASQUALE FONTANINI PASS RULES & REGULATIONS ON KEYLESS AUTOS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM

NHTSA ODI 11133542

Sep 24, 2018Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE POWER STEERING FAULT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SCHUMACHER LINCOLN OF DELRAY (2102 S FEDERAL HWY, DELRAY BEACH, FL 33483, (561) 454-1800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND IT WAS EXTREMELY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD COVER $1,800 OF THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

NHTSA ODI 11130950

Aug 16, 2018Visibility & wipersEquipment

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER UNIT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER WOULD CHANGE FROM COOL TO EXTREMELY HOT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GENE MESSER FORD OF AMARILLO (3400 SONCY RD, AMARILLO, TX 79119, (806)-355-7471) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT CONTROL INTERFACE MODULE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11120446

May 29, 2018Electrical systemEngine1 injury2 deaths

[XXX] DIED AS WELL AS 30 OTHERS LIKE GUINEE PIGS FOR BIG AUTO PROFIT OVER SAFETY. THEY HAD THE CHANCE TO REGULATE IN 2011 AND FAILED THANKS [XXX] CELL [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI 11098615

Apr 22, 2018Steering

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE POWER STEERING TOTALLY FAILED! I HAD TO QUICKLY GET TO AN EXIT AND HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED ON THE BACK OF A FLATBED. I CHECKED THE RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE AND THERE IS AN OUTSTANDING ELECTRONIC STEERING RECALL, BUT SUPPOSEDLY THERE IS SOME WAY THAT LINCOLN/FORD CONNECTS THE VIN TO THE RECALL AND SAID THAT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED. I DON'T BELIEVE IT. MY VEHICLE IS UNDRIVEABLE. I NEED TO FIND OUT HOW THIS COULD HAPPEN AND HOW I CAN HAVE THE VEHICLE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL OF THE OTHER MODELS THAT ARE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL OF THE 2013 LINCOLN MKS!!!!

NHTSA ODI 11089531

Jan 25, 2018Engine1 injury2 deaths

SAFETY FEATURES FOR KEYLESS IGNITION EXIT FROM CAR FAILURE. NO AUDIBLE & NO ENGINE SHUT OFF 2 DEATHS

NHTSA ODI 11064843

Dec 26, 2017Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE ADVANCED SERVICE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (TINDOL FORD, 1901 E. FRANKLIN BLVD, GASTONIA, NC 28054) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO A BLOCKAGE TO THE POWER STEERING MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 161,000.

NHTSA ODI 11056590

Dec 14, 2017Speed controlCrash1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BEAM. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO BOTH KNEES, THE LEFT ARM, NECK, AND BACK. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11054796

Oct 12, 2017Fuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND PLACING THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP ELECTRIC MODULE FAILED. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY KOONS SILVER SPRING FORD (3111 AUTOMOBILE BLVD, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904, (855) 765-9649) THAT THE PART HAD BEEN DISCONTINUED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUGGESTED REPLACEMENT PART WAS NOT COMPATIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V621000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.

NHTSA ODI 11033023

Jul 14, 2017Fuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE CONTACT DETECTED A FUEL ODOR AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DAVE SINCLAIR FORD (7466 S LINDBERGH BLVD, ST. LOUIS, MO 63125) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V621000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VOGLER MOTOR COMPANY (1170 E MAIN ST, CARBONDALE, IL 62901) WHERE THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED ONCE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. VOGLER FORD STATED THAT THEY WOULD TOW THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11005322

May 23, 2017Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK AND POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE STEERING RETURNED TO NORMAL ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 10991168

Apr 6, 2017Engine2 deaths

MY PARENTS DIED DUE TO NHTSA NOT PASSING REGULATIONS ON KEYLESS IGNITION CAR SYSTEMS..(GOOGLE FONTANINI KEYLESS IGNITION DEATH) FOR FULL STORY. THIS WAS PREVENTABLE AND MORE DEATHS HAVE HAPPEN SINCE. WAKE UP AND PASS REGULATIONS. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10970957

Feb 6, 2017Fuel system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED RANDOMLY WITHOUT WARNING. OCCASIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. MONTHS LATER, THE MANUFACTURER SENT A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V621000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING TO DETERMINE THE MANUFACTURER'S SOLUTION TO SCHEDULE A RECALL REPAIR WITH THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI 10949713

Sep 12, 2016Engine1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PUSH BUTTON START FAILED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE ENGINE WAS OFF WHEN IT WAS STILL ON, CAUSING CARBON MOXIDE TO FILL THE GARAGE. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER BECAME ILL DUE TO THE CARBON MONOXIDE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN ALARM THAT ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON NOR DID IT HAVE A TIMER THAT WILL SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AUTOMATICALLY IF LEFT ON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,900.

NHTSA ODI 10905728

Sep 6, 2016Steering

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 GOT OFF ON AN EXIT THINKING I NEEDED POWER STEERING FLUID STOP AT AN ORILEYS STORE AND BOUGHT SOME TO COME TO THE FACT THAT MY CAR DOESN'T TAKE POWER STEERING FLUID ITS ELECTRICAL. I STILL HAD AND HOUR TO GO BEFORE I MADE IT TO MY ONE OF MY DESTINATION, IT WAS A HARD DRIVE BECAUSE THEN THE STEERING WHEEL BASICALLY LOCKED UP.

NHTSA ODI 10903716

Aug 29, 2016SteeringSuspensionTires

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. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.

NHTSA ODI 10899235

May 18, 2016Engine2 deaths

PLEASE PASS SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR KEYLESS IGNITIONS. BOTH MY PARENTS DIED FROM THIS, YOU HAD THE CHANCE IN 2011 TO DO IT AND 6 MORE PEOPLE HAVE DIED IN THIS MANNER.

NHTSA ODI 10865691

May 2, 2016Brakes

WHENEVER I DRIVE 55 MILES PER HOUR OR HIGHER DEPENDING ON WHERE I AM AND I ATTEMPT TO STOP THE VEHICLE OR I HAVE TO COME TO AN ABRUPT SLOW DOWN, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT SLOW DOWN PROPERLY AND IT MAKES A REVVING NOISE UNTIL THE VEHICLE SPEED GETS TO APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES PER HOUR. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE LINCOLN SERVICE DEPARTMENT SEVEN (7) TIMES, SIX (6) TIMES FOR BRAKES, THEY HAVE DUPLICATED THE ISSUE SIX (6) TIMES, THEY SHAVED THE FRONT ROTORS THREE (3) TIMES AND REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS ONCE. THE LINCOLN DEALER HAS STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN OVER 60 MILES PER HOUR. I ALSO TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE TOYOTA DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT HE DUPLICATED THE ISSUE AT HIGH SPEEDS AND THE ISSUE COULD BE THE TYPE OF BRAKES THE VEHICLE HAS ON IT. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE AND I FEARED FOR MY LIFE EACH TIME I GOT BEHIND THE WHEEL.

NHTSA ODI 10862553

Mar 30, 2016Engine2 deaths

MY PARENTS DIED FROM KEYLESS IGNITION DEATH 6/15/2015. THEY BOUGHT THIS CAR AND WERE NOT TOLD THAT IT HAD NO SAFETY FEATURES LIKE LOUD AUDIBLE OR ENGINE SHUT OFF ONCE THEY WALKED AWAY WITH THE KEY-FOB. MAKE NEW REGULATIONS !!!!!!!!!!!

NHTSA ODI 10852360

Mar 14, 2016Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE LOW ENGINE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND RESUMED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.

NHTSA ODI 10846385

Feb 29, 2016Electrical system2 deaths

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS PARENTS DIED DUE TO CARBON MONOXIDE INTAKE CAUSED BY THE PUSH TO START FEATURE NOT SHUTTING OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING SOUNDS OR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED THAT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A LACK OF SHUT OFF FEATURES AND AUDIBLE SOUNDS CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. ....UPDATED 03-31-16 *BF UPDATED 07/10/2017*JS *TR

NHTSA ODI 10839042

Jan 21, 2016Electrical systemLights

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS AND ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN SHORTLY AFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,344.

NHTSA ODI 10821394

Jan 6, 2016AirbagsCrash1 injury

MY FATHER PULLED AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN ON A CITY STREET, CROSSED TRAFFIC AND HIT THE BACK BUMPER OF A PICKUP TRUCK AFTER WHICH HIS FOOT SLIPPED ON TO THE ACCELERATOR AND DROVE HIS CAR DIRECTLY INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE IMPACT WITH THE POLE WAS HARD ENOUGH TO SHEER OFF POLE AND THE FRONT OF HIS CAR WAS DAMAGED SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THE BUMPER TO THE FRAME PUTTING A V-SHAPED INDENTATION AND THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. HE WAS GOING FAST ENOUGH TO SHEER OFF THE WOODEN UTILITY POLE AND THE WIRES WERE HANGING DOWN OVER THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI 10818505

Oct 28, 2015Body & structureEquipment2 deaths

S10-DIRECT REPLY- LETTER TO THE SECRETARY FROM CONSTITUENT RE REQUESTING ASSISTANCE IN FACILITATING A CHANGE TO KEYLESS IGNITION SAFETY. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HER BROTHER WALKED INTO HORRIBLE SCENE AND FOUND BOTH OF THEIR PARENTS DEAD. THE CAUSE WAS CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING FROM A 2013 LINCOLN MKS VEHICLE THAT WAS INADVERTENTLY LEFT RUNNING IN THEIR GARAGE. THE VEHICLE HAD A KEYLESS IGNITION SYSTEM THAT FAILED TO HAVE AN AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF OR AN ADEQUATE AUDIBLE ALARM. *JB UPDATED 11/09/15.*JB UPDATED 11/17/15.8JB

NHTSA ODI 10806904

Oct 23, 2015EngineFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FLAMES WERE EMERGING FROM THE ENGINE. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. UPDATED 12/03/15*LJ UPDATED 01/27/16*LJ UPDATED 03/04/16.*JB UPDATED 05/21/18*JB

NHTSA ODI 10785588

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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 →