Before you buy
This 2013 Lincoln Mks has 140 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Steering Defects.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2013 Lincoln Mks Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2013 Lincoln Mks trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2013 Lincoln Mks Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2013 Lincoln MKS 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
11.3% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
11.3% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
LINCOLN MKS 2013 has 140 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls. Steering defects account for 59 complaints, electrical faults 25, and engine problems 24. Buyers should inspect steering and verify recall repairs. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Mks
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 140
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2013 Lincoln Mks problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2013 Lincoln Mks?
The 2013 Lincoln MKS is a high-risk choice due to a heavy concentration of steering complaints and multiple recalls. Only consider if a thorough pre-purchase inspection and recall verification are performed.
Steering defects can compromise vehicle control and safety, while electrical and engine problems may lead to costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns.
May Suit
This year may suit a buyer who is mechanically inclined and willing to invest in proactive maintenance and repairs.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a worry-free, low-maintenance luxury sedan should avoid the 2013 MKS.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2013 Lincoln Mks
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering system for unusual noises, vibration, or looseness.
- Check electrical components including infotainment, lights, and power accessories.
- Review engine performance and check for any check engine light codes.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the steering system thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like electrical and engine.
- Test drive to check for steering, electrical, and engine anomalies.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Lincoln Mks, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Lincoln MKS shows a high volume of steering-related complaints (59 of 140 total), along with notable electrical and engine issues. With 7 recalls and 6 crash-related complaints, buyers should approach this model year with caution. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2013 has the highest complaint count (140) and 7 recalls, indicating a problematic year.
Recall context: With 7 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase.
- Steering defects account for 59 of 140 total complaints, the most reported component.
- Electrical faults total 25 complaints, the second most common issue.
- Engine problems account for 24 complaints, indicating potential powertrain concerns.
- Steering Defects (59 complaints) – potential loss of control.
- Electrical Faults (25 complaints) – may cause intermittent failures.
- Engine Problems (24 complaints) – could lead to stalling or reduced performance.
Full breakdown
All 2013 Lincoln Mks complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Lincoln Mks. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 59 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 25 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 24 | — | 2 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | — | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Lincoln Mks. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Lose the ability to control the steering of the vehicle
Rear camera backup camera fails to show, says to contact dealership and does not display image although camera is properly intact.
Recall Notice: NHTSA 25V270 My Lincoln MKC VIN# [XXX] has a recall 25V270. I also have a 2013 Lincoln MKS Vin # [XXX] with no recall BUT which has the issues with the rear view camera it intermittently displays a blank and image is upside down and some times it will be normal.…
Water pump failure or malfunctioned causing the engine to over heat and then to engine stall going 75 mph. After having it towed it was determined the water pump was leaking. It put myself and others at risk of an accident. The water pump sits directly in the center of the engine…
rear-view camera issue causing inverted, distorted, or blank image. I paid to replace the camera when I purchased the used vehicle. The replacement rear view camera installed at the dealership has the same issue. I would like this rear view camera to be part of the recall ongo…
The Lincoln was parked. When I started the car, the steering wheel would not move at all to the right or left. Simultaneously, the warning appeared that said, Power steering fault. The car was towed to the dealership. They diagnosed the car and fixed the software and replaced the…
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while reversing, there was a huge blast of white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance and was diagnosed and dete…
REAR CAMERA ON 2013MY LINCOLN MKS has been replaced and the replacment continues to fail. The camera either does not work producing no image, the image is upside down, or the image is grainy. The original camera failed and I replaced it and the replacement is failing the same w…
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the defroster setting malfunctioned, and the contact was unable to defrost and clear the windows, creating a visibility hazard. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that t…
The climate control system malfunctions by raising the temperature for the heater without any input. When turned off, it turns on by itself and resumes raising the temperature until it maxes out. This occurs when first started and also while driving, causing a severe distractio…
Ill be driving and my car will whip me right off the road
Power steering assist faulty. To regain power steering control turn the car off. Throughout the past six months, this happened several times.
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled with several undisclosed messages displayed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The …
The contact 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the heating system activated independently and was blowing hot air on a 90-degree summer day. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring and persisted while driving. Upon investigating th…
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted and driven without furth…
I was driving my 2013 limcoln mks and all of the sudden I could not turn the vehicle left or right. Then I had these 2 warnings: power assist fault and service advancetrac. This is very dangerous. It caused me to run my car into wall in front of me. It could have been a person. …
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to turn to the right o…
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with the power steering …
My power steering doesn't work at all it was sometimes not working and I shut it off and then turned it back on and then it worked for a few weeks and now it's completely gone and I can't steer the car
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Lincoln Mks.
Safety recalls
2013 Lincoln Mks recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Lincoln Mks. With 7 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
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
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2013 Lincoln Mks buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Lincoln Mks reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 140 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Lincoln MKS is a high-risk choice due to a heavy concentration of steering complaints and multiple recalls. Only consider if a thorough pre-purchase inspection and recall verification are performed. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Lincoln Mks?▾
#1: Steering Defects (59 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (25 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (24 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Lincoln Mks?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Lincoln Mks?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Lincoln Mks, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 140 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Lincoln Mks have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Lincoln Mks. A major recall area is STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR. With 7 recalls, it is critical to verify all recall repairs have been completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Lincoln Mks?▾
The 2013 Lincoln MKS is a high-risk choice due to a heavy concentration of steering complaints and multiple recalls. Only consider if a thorough pre-purchase inspection and recall verification are performed. Steering defects can compromise vehicle control and safety, while electrical and engine problems may lead to costly repairs and unexpected breakdowns. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Lincoln Mks reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.