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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2009–2016

Lincoln MKS recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns and 374 owner complaints for the Lincoln MKS, covering model years 2009 to 2016. The 2013 model year drew the most complaints (142), and Steering is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Lincoln MKS VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 11 recall campaigns on file
  • 374 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 8 model years with data (2009–2016)
  • most complaints: 2013 (142 for that model year)
  • top component: Steering (121 complaints)
  • latest recall 16V621000 (reported Aug 25, 2016)
  • 23 complaints reporting a crash (6.1%)
  • 7 complaints reporting a fire (1.9%)
  • 16 complaints reporting an injury (4.3%)
  • 11 complaints reporting a death (2.9%)

Lincoln MKS complaints by model year

8 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2013 model year has the most complaints: 142 of 374, or 38.0%. Next come 2009 (56) and 2010 (51). The fewest are for 2016, with 3 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Lincoln MKS owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2009–2016Column chart of 374 complaints across 8 model years. The highest is 2013 with 142. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2009: 56 complaints5620092010: 51 complaints5120102011: 43 complaints4320112012: 17 complaints1720122013: 142 complaints14220132014: 44 complaints4420142015: 18 complaints1820152016: 3 complaints32016
Lincoln MKS complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Lincoln MKS complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
2009564141
2010518020
2011433121
2012171000
20131426479
2014441000
2015180110
201630000
All model years3742371611

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Lincoln MKS components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Steering is the component named most often, in 121 complaints (32.4% of all 374), followed by Electrical System (55) and Engine (47).

Components named most often in Lincoln MKS complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Lincoln MKS complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Steering12132.4%
Electrical System5514.7%
Engine4712.6%
Unknown or Other277.2%
Fuel/Propulsion System246.4%
Power Train246.4%
Vehicle Speed Control246.4%
Service Brakes215.6%
Air Bags205.3%
Structure174.5%
Fuel System, Gasoline143.7%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic123.2%
Exterior Lighting112.9%
Suspension92.4%
Seats82.1%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Lincoln MKS recalls

11 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name MKS, newest first. The 11 campaigns cover model years 2009 to 2015. The 2013 model year appears in the most campaigns (7).

  • 11 recall campaigns
Lincoln MKS recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2009: 1 campaign
2010: no campaigns2011: 3 campaigns2012: 3 campaigns2013: 7 campaigns2014: 2 campaigns2015: 3 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 16V621000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

    Model years 2013–2015

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S31.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  2. NHTSA campaign 16V247000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model years 2009, 2011

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Consequence:
    An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver's frontal air bag module, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on June 13, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C06.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  3. NHTSA campaign 15V812000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline

    Model year 2013

    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.

    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  4. NHTSA campaign 15V605000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting

    Model year 2015

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015. During vehicle production, the fuel tank attachment bolts may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the fuel tank straps may fracture and the fuel tank could separate from the vehicle.

    Consequence:
    If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S26.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  5. NHTSA campaign 15V464000

    Reported

    Parking Brake

    Model year 2015

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21, 2015, and 2015-2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015. The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

    Consequence:
    If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the operation of the parking brake system, and if necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C07.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  6. NHTSA campaign 15V340000

    Reported

    Steering › Electric Power Assist System

    Model years 2011–2013

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  7. NHTSA campaign 15V040000

    Reported

    Structure › Body › Door

    Model years 2011–2013

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S02.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  8. NHTSA campaign 14V393000

    Reported

    Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft

    Model years 2013–2014

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  9. NHTSA campaign 13V270000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages

    Model year 2013

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the safety locks. If necessary, the locks will be replaced free of charge. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S07. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

  10. NHTSA campaign 13V227000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline

    Model year 2013

    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.

    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S04.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

Show 1 more recall

  1. NHTSA campaign 13V109000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly

    Model year 2012

    Ford is recalling certain model year 2012 Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and model year 2013 Explorer vehicles manufactured July 19, 2011, through March 15, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the fuel tanks may have a marginally sealed seam in the side of the tank. As a result, the fuel tanks may not provide the expected strength in the event of an impact. The tanks may also leak.

    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tanks and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2013. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S03. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

    Filed by Ford Motor Company

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Lincoln MKS questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Lincoln MKS have?

NHTSA lists 11 vehicle recall campaigns for the Lincoln MKS, covering model years 2009 to 2016. The most recent, 16V621000, was reported on August 25, 2016 and is filed under “Fuel system, gasoline”. The 2013 model year is covered by the most campaigns (7).

Which Lincoln MKS model year has the most complaints?

The 2013 model year, with 142 of the 374 complaints in NHTSA’s file (38.0%). The next are 2009 (56) and 2010 (51). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Lincoln MKS complaint?

Steering is the component named most often: 121 complaints, or 32.4% of all 374. Electrical System (55) and Engine (47) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Lincoln MKS?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Lincoln dealer.

How many Lincoln MKS complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 374 complaints, 23 report a crash, 7 a fire, 16 at least one injury and 11 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Lincoln models

8 models · most complaints first

The Lincoln models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Lincoln VIN decoder with every Lincoln model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Lincoln models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.