2013 LINCOLN MKS Complaints and Recall Information
The 2013 LINCOLN MKS has 12 complaints and 7 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report power steering assist failures that require turning the car off to regain control, which occurs repeatedly over time. Other common complaints include erratic behavior of the climate control system and issues with the rear-view camera failing or producing distorted images.
Common Issues- Power steering assist failure. The system fails intermittently, causing loss of power steering. Drivers must turn the vehicle off and on to restore assist, creating a safety risk.
- Steering wheel lockup. Steering wheel can become locked and immovable, accompanied by a power steering fault warning. Repairs involved software fixes and steering module replacement.
- Climate control malfunction. The heater temperature increases without input, often turning on by itself and maxing out heat. The problem causes distracting beeping and difficulty adjusting temperature while driving.
- Defroster failure. The defroster setting malfunctions, preventing window defogging and creating a visibility hazard. The issue was traced to a faulty Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM).
- Rear-view camera failure. Original and replacement rear cameras produce no image, upside-down images, or grainy visuals. Owners report multiple replacements at high cost, suspecting recall relevance.
- Exhaust smoke and engine issues. White smoke from the exhaust occurs during reversing. Diagnoses revealed leaking water pump, turbocharger power loss, and overheating power transfer unit. Repairs addressed the water pump only.
Seven recalls affect the 2013 LINCOLN MKS, targeting systems including the fuel delivery module, child safety locks, axle assembly, door structure, and electric power steering assist. These recalls mostly require inspections or part replacements to address potential safety hazards related to fuel leaks, steering failures, and unintended door unlocks.
Recalls- Fuel delivery module. Recall 13V227000 affects 390,783 vehicles. The module may crack and leak fuel, increasing fire risk. Dealers replace the module free of charge. Recall began July 20, 2013.
- Child safety locks. Recall 13V270000 affects 12,569 vehicles. Locks can deactivate without warning, allowing doors to open from inside, risking injury to children. Dealers test and replace locks as needed. Recall began August 2, 2013.
- Fuel delivery module re-recall. Recall 15V812000 affects 868 vehicles. Similar fuel module crack and leak issue as recall 13V227000. Dealers replace parts free. Recall began December 21, 2015.
- Axle assembly. Recall 14V393000 affects 83,250 vehicles. Improper halfshaft circlip installation may cause disconnection while driving, resulting in loss of power to wheels and possible vehicle rollaway. Dealers inspect and replace parts as needed. Recall began August 4, 2014.
- Interior door handle. Recall 15V040000 affects 194,889 vehicles. The door handle return spring may unseat, causing doors to unlatch in side impacts. Dealers inspect and repair or replace handles free of charge. Recall began March 23, 2015.
- Electric power steering assist. Recall 15V340000 affects 393,623 vehicles. Steering assist may shut down due to sensor faults, increasing steering effort and crash risk. Dealers perform diagnostics, replace gears, or update software. Recall began July 21, 2015.
- Fuel pump electrical module. Recall 16V621000 affects 77,502 vehicles. A module component may overheat, causing fuel pump power loss that leads to engine stall or no start. Dealers inspect and replace modules as necessary. Recall began December 1, 2016.
Owners facing repeated repairs or unresolved safety defects involving power steering, fuel system, or recalls should consider their rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting legal resources may help evaluate options for persistent vehicle issues.
2013 LINCOLN MKS Summary
2013
Model Year
12
Total Complaints
7
Total Recalls
1153484
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2013 LINCOLN MKS
77502 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles. A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.
Risk: A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.
2013 LINCOLN MKS
868 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
2013 LINCOLN MKS
393623 vehicles affected
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
2013 LINCOLN MKS
194889 vehicles affected
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
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.
2013 LINCOLN MKS
83250 vehicles affected
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
Risk: If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
2013 LINCOLN MKS
12569 vehicles affected
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured November 29, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, with sufficient door openings and closings, the child safety locks may change from an activated position to a deactivated position without notice.
Risk: If the child lock is deactivated, the door could be unlocked and opened from the inside which could lead to personal injury to an unrestrained child.
2013 LINCOLN MKS
390783 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Complaints
2013 LINCOLN MKS
ID: 2127725UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 ongoing for rear cameras as apparently the replacement parts have the same issue. This rear view camera was replaced and continues to fail on my 2013 Lincoln MKS.
2013 LINCOLN MKS
ID: 2118037STEERING
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 steering module. Apparently, there was a recall on Lincoln MKS vehicles in 2015. I did not own the car at that time. The dealership service person said there was no recall on the VIN for this car. The notice on this website said No Unrepaired Recalls. My concern is that if the car was in motion and the power steering turned off there could have been an accident and injuries as a result.
2013 LINCOLN MKS
ID: 2105650POWER TRAIN
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 determined that the water pump was leaking, the turbo charger was losing power, the power transfer unit was overheating, and the water pump was overheating. The water pump was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
2013 LINCOLN MKS
ID: 2105649ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 determined that the water pump was leaking, the turbo charger was losing power, the power transfer unit was overheating, and the water pump was overheating. The water pump was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
2013 LINCOLN MKS
ID: 2080769UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 way. I have spent over $1000 replacing this rear camera. It seems the new camera installed is the same one getting recalled on new vehicles and I believe my rear camera should be part of this recall since it was a replacment part.
2013 LINCOLN MKS
ID: 2080499VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
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 the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 157,000.
2013 LINCOLN MKS
ID: 2079287ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 distraction as the beeping is distracting and the temperature will not stop rising even when the My Temperature buttons are pressed to decrease the temperature. Other MKS owners have complained online. The car is available for inspection upon request. Sustained distraction while trying to find the temperature adjustment buttons and the off button lasts too long, creating a serious driving danger and large potential for an accident, even a head on accident. I have only experienced this when using the heater. It has not happened to me in the summer yet. I have not taken it to a dealer, yet. I will soon to find out how much they want to charge me for their vehicle design failure. The vehicle has not been inspected by others. There were no warnings or messages or symptoms. They first appeared within the last six months and have gotten worse with time. Now the runaway climate control occurs more frequently while driving.
2013 LINCOLN MKS
ID: 2059931ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Ill be driving and my car will whip me right off the road
2013 LINCOLN MKS
ID: 2059930WHEELS
Ill be driving and my car will whip me right off the road
2013 LINCOLN MKS
ID: 2059929STEERING
Ill be driving and my car will whip me right off the road
2013 LINCOLN MKS
ID: 2055708LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Power steering assist faulty. To regain power steering control turn the car off. Throughout the past six months, this happened several times.
2013 LINCOLN MKS
ID: 2055707STEERING
Power steering assist faulty. To regain power steering control turn the car off. Throughout the past six months, this happened several times.