The Lemon Index
201220141st generation
About average · most complaints: engine
Fewest complaints of its generation (1st generation).
27 owner complaints, first 3 years 20–21 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2013 Volvo S802013 Volvo S60 692013 Infiniti M35
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 10,000 and 30,000 miles (16,000–48,000 km) (the middle half of the 22 complaints, of all 27 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 16V621000 (fuel system, gasoline), 15V812000 (fuel system, gasoline) and 15V340000 (steering) done? It has 7 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Do the seats adjust, heat and lock in place properly?
- Lincoln sent dealers 55 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Due to fuel vapor line not being connected properly (fully seated) to underside of fuel…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Lincoln's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 27 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 10K to 30K miles (16K to 48K km) on the car (22 of all 27 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
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.
2013 Lincoln MKS owner · NHTSA complaint 10865691
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 4.8M views · 2009–2016 Lincoln MKS
Most-watched topics
- Heat, A/C & blend door97K views
How to replace Temperature Blend Door Actuator - RH | Lincoln MKS 2013LuisMBuildz · 45K views · 5 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical76K views
How to Remove Radio / Navigation / CD Player from Lincoln MKS 2009 for Repair.HiTechElectronic · 25K views · 4 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors68K views
Replacing the crank shaft position sensor / crank sensor on a 2013 Lincoln MKS 3.7lWrenchTheory501 · 30K views · 3 videos - Transmission & shifter59K views
2014 Lincoln MKS Transmission Servicemassey706 · 59K views
Show 4 more
- No-start: theft light, key & ignition51K views
2013 Lincoln MKS fuel control module replacement Cranks but won't start quick fix!Jeff Mollan · 24K views · 3 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring47K views
Lincoln MKS - Oil Light Reset / Set to 100% (2009 - 2012)QuiteAlright · 25K views · 3 videos - Steering & suspension39K views
2011 Lincoln MKS Lower Control Arm & Sway Bar Link ReplacementAnything Auto · 33K views · 3 videos - Windows, doors & mirrors34K views
How To Find Lincoln MKS 2009 door code locationFoSeven · 30K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
The Snob Magazines Reviews the 2013 Lincoln MKSJeff's Auto · 128K views
2014 Lincoln MKS Test Drive and ReviewVehicle Virgins · 96K views
2013 Lincoln MKS Review - Interesting, or just a curiosity?AutoGuide.com · 86K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2013 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Problems Lincoln told dealers about
Lincoln sent dealers 55 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Due to fuel vapor line not being connected properly (fully seated) to underside of fuel…
- Ford 2010-2014 flex, taurus, 2013-2014 explorer, lincoln 2012-2014 mks, mkt vehicles equipped…
- To help differentiate engine oil leaks from other possible sources, a new white-colored…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 7
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2016 3.5L engines only
A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2015
In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
- Steering · recall issued 2015 Hybrid only
The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
Show all 7 recalls
- Body structure · recall issued 2015
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.
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2014
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.
- Latches/locks/linkages · recall issued 2013
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.
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2013
In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln MKS 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lincoln MKS 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,850–$3,000 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl.
Every Lincoln MKS year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 2 Lincoln MKS years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Lincoln MKS reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 93; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2013 Lincoln MKS problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (33%), electrical (19%) and seats (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Lincoln MKS have?
7 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Lincoln MKS get?
20 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Lincoln MKS safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Lincoln MKS problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 10,000 and 30,000 miles (16,000–48,000 km) (the middle half of the 22 complaints, of all 27 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2013 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2013 Lincoln MKS have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 7% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Lincoln MKS cost in fuel a year?
About $2,850 to $3,000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Lincoln MKS have?
3.5L 6-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl.
Is there a better Lincoln MKS year than the 2013?
Not nearby: the 2013 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Lincoln MKS years within 3 model years of it.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works