The Lemon Index
20151st generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 4,950 in the U.S. in 2016 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 2 complaints in its first 3 years.
Better years to buy
2 owner complaints, first 3 years 19–20 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Lincoln sent dealers 85 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Some 2015-2016 vehicles equipped with 6F50/6F55 transmission Built On 11/2/2015 And Through…”?
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 2 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 →
In owners' words
Faulty electrical system causes the car to cut off! Stall! For several minutes and then it starts back up. I have been stranded five times!
2016 Lincoln MKS owner · NHTSA complaint 10946429
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 2016 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 85 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some 2015-2016 vehicles equipped with 6F50/6F55 transmission Built On 11/2/2015 And Through…
- Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may intermittently display an overhead image
- On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
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 $3,000–$3,150 (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. 2016 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 2016 Lincoln MKS reliable?
We can't score it: only 4,950 were sold in the U.S. in 2016 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2016 Lincoln MKS problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (100%) and transmission & drivetrain (50%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Lincoln MKS have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Lincoln MKS get?
19 to 20 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 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.
Does the 2016 Lincoln MKS have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 50% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Lincoln MKS cost in fuel a year?
About $3,000 to $3,150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Lincoln MKS have?
3.5L 6-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl.
What Lincoln MKS year is better than the 2016?
Nearby, the 2013 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about average).
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