Owners have filed 64 complaints
about the 2010 Lincoln MKS with NHTSA between 2010 and 2026.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 46
Against the median year of the Lincoln MKS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 41
24% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
36.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
24.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
510.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
714.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
612.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1122.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1326.0%
150,000+ miles
36.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2010peak 4Feb 2026
Recalls on the 2010 Lincoln MKS
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201928112,211 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: On certain vehicles, a buildup of dirt and mud could cause the rear suspension toe links to break. This could result in a sudden loss of vehicle stability. Note: This problem affects vehicles operated in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The unique soil properties in this region could make a toe link more likely to break. Safety Risk: A loss of stability could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to install improved rear suspension toe links.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 104,272 milesMillington, TNCrash
AIR BAGS
There have been 2 separate incidents involving a front collision at high speeds. Both times, the air bags did not deploy as they should have. The 2nd incident was today. The car is now totaled. The impact Both times should have deployed the air bags. My son was injured today due to this. A truck ran a stop sign and we hit him. None of the bags deployed. Speed was 45 mph. The whole front of the car and hood are completely crushed. There were no alarms during or before impact. This is the 2nd wreck.
NHTSA complaint #11549383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,272 milesMillington, TNCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
There have been 2 separate incidents involving a front collision at high speeds. Both times, the air bags did not deploy as they should have. The 2nd incident was today. The car is now totaled. The impact Both times should have deployed the air bags. My son was injured today due to this. A truck ran a stop sign and we hit him. None of the bags deployed. Speed was 45 mph. The whole front of the car and hood are completely crushed. There were no alarms during or before impact. This is the 2nd wreck.
NHTSA complaint #11549383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NVCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
LETTER IN REGARDS TO THE INVESTIGATION OF HYUNDAI KIA BEEN CONDUCTING WHICH WAS IN THE LAS VEGAS JOURNAL ON MAY 21; SEEKING COMMENTS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION CAUSING A 4 CAR ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT COMPLAINING OF THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER DID NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER FOUND A CLASS ACTION SUIT PERTAINING TO THE SAME ISSUE , BUT THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMS NO LIABILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10993588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 412,200 milesIshpeming, MICrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING INTO MY GARAGE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN CAR ACCELERATED TO FULL SPEEDC. I APPLIED FULL PRESSURE TO BRAKE. CAR FAILED TO STOP. CAR ONLY STOPED WHEN I PUT SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTERAL AFTER GOING THROUGH REAR WALL OF GARAGE. IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN IN FRONT OF THE CAR THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED.
NHTSA complaint #10721619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 412,200 milesIshpeming, MICrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING INTO MY GARAGE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN CAR ACCELERATED TO FULL SPEEDC. I APPLIED FULL PRESSURE TO BRAKE. CAR FAILED TO STOP. CAR ONLY STOPED WHEN I PUT SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTERAL AFTER GOING THROUGH REAR WALL OF GARAGE. IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN IN FRONT OF THE CAR THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED.
NHTSA complaint #10721619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,345 milesKirkwood, MOCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WE HAD A 2009 MKS WHICH ACCELERATED BY IT SELF ON APRIL 21, 2014 AND CAUSED MY WIFE TO HIT A TREE AND SPEND THREE DAYS IN THE HOSPITAL AND ALSO TOTALED OUT OUR CAR. NOT KNOWING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR, WE BROUGHT A 2010 MKS ON MAY 7, 2010 AND ON MAY 8, 2014 WHEN MY WIFE PULLED INTO OUR DRIVEWAY, THAT CAR ALSO HAD AN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OPPOSITE CAUSING IT TO SURGE AT A HIGH SPEED RUNNING THROUGH OUR GARAGE DOOR AND THE CORNER OF OUR HOUSE. I THEN LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND DISCOVERED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL CLASS ACTION LAW SUITS IN ABOUT 14 STATES DEALING WITH THE SAME PROBLEM, OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION DEALING WITH THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLES CAUSING THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION. TO OUR SURPRISE BOTH OF THE CARS WE BROUGHT THE 2009 AND 2010 MKS WAS ON THIS LIST FOR THIS SCARY AND FRIGHTENING PROBLEM. NOW HOW YOU WE GET THIS DEFECT CORRECTED, SO WE CAN DRIVE THE CAR SAFELY? IS THERE AN TSB REPAIR BULLETIN SENT TO THE DEALERS FOR THIS REPAIR? PLEASE SOMEONE HELP.THANKS
NHTSA complaint #10587351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Simi Valley, CA
STEERING
No power steering and Power steering assist failure warning message. Took to dealer, and they said the epas needed to be replaced. Also, that the oem part was no longer available, so they had to use after market part and would not guarantee the labor. 3 months later same problem. There is a recall for 2011-2013 same car with the same problem, but not for 2010. Defective epas system causing the failure. Spoke to Lincoln concierge and Ford concierge and they would not help with a remedy or with dealer support.
NHTSA complaint #11714754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,272 milesMillington, TNCrash
AIR BAGS
There have been 2 separate incidents involving a front collision at high speeds. Both times, the air bags did not deploy as they should have. The 2nd incident was today. The car is now totaled. The impact Both times should have deployed the air bags. My son was injured today due to this. A truck ran a stop sign and we hit him. None of the bags deployed. Speed was 45 mph. The whole front of the car and hood are completely crushed. There were no alarms during or before impact. This is the 2nd wreck.
NHTSA complaint #11549383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,272 milesMillington, TNCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
There have been 2 separate incidents involving a front collision at high speeds. Both times, the air bags did not deploy as they should have. The 2nd incident was today. The car is now totaled. The impact Both times should have deployed the air bags. My son was injured today due to this. A truck ran a stop sign and we hit him. None of the bags deployed. Speed was 45 mph. The whole front of the car and hood are completely crushed. There were no alarms during or before impact. This is the 2nd wreck.
NHTSA complaint #11549383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alma, AR
STEERING
The 2011 through 2013 Lincoln MKS were recalled for the electric power steering assist suddenly going out and it is the same on this car and could have gotten someone seriously hurt these need to be added to the recall thanks for looking.
NHTSA complaint #11482781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alma, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The 2011 through 2013 Lincoln MKS were recalled for the electric power steering assist suddenly going out and it is the same on this car and could have gotten someone seriously hurt these need to be added to the recall thanks for looking.
NHTSA complaint #11482781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Solon, OH
STEERING
My car will intermittently (more times than not) lose its power steering assist, making it almost impossible for me to drive. I've had the car looked at, replaced the rack and pinion assembly, put on new tires, ran a diagnostic, and the car still lacks power steering most of the time. When starting the vehicle, the wheel will lock up, and the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" displays, no matter how many times I try to restart the car and allow the computer to reset, the fault does not go away. I rarely have times when I can drive with a power steering assist. The car has become a serious problem because I cannot get to work or school safely; when driving the other day, the power steering went out, and I was almost in an accident. I believe that there is a defect in the 2010 MKS, just like there was with the other years that were recalled, the fact that this issue has cost me so much money (and I cannot get out from under the car, I would if I could), and still puts me at risk for serious injury is seriously concerning.
NHTSA complaint #11481899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Solon, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car will intermittently (more times than not) lose its power steering assist, making it almost impossible for me to drive. I've had the car looked at, replaced the rack and pinion assembly, put on new tires, ran a diagnostic, and the car still lacks power steering most of the time. When starting the vehicle, the wheel will lock up, and the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" displays, no matter how many times I try to restart the car and allow the computer to reset, the fault does not go away. I rarely have times when I can drive with a power steering assist. The car has become a serious problem because I cannot get to work or school safely; when driving the other day, the power steering went out, and I was almost in an accident. I believe that there is a defect in the 2010 MKS, just like there was with the other years that were recalled, the fact that this issue has cost me so much money (and I cannot get out from under the car, I would if I could), and still puts me at risk for serious injury is seriously concerning.
NHTSA complaint #11481899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesDuke, OK
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that upon placing her vehicle into park(P), the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot. The engine then failed to restart after the failure. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer where she was informed that the water pump was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11475091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Everett, WA
ENGINE
exhaust manifold leaks gas fumes into the cabin via a/c
NHTSA complaint #11435803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Everett, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
exhaust manifold leaks gas fumes into the cabin via a/c
NHTSA complaint #11435803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesNewnan, GA
STEERING
I STARTED MY CAR AND THE ERROR "POWER STEERING FAILURE" CAME ON, I WAS COMPLETELY UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND I CAN'T TURN IT AT ALL. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WERE DRIVING IT! THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND IF THE 2011'S WERE RECALLED, AND IT IS HAPPENING TO THIS MANY PEOPLE WITH A 2010, MAYBE THEY SHOULD DO A RECALL ON IT AS WELL!
NHTSA complaint #11404491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesLake City, MN
STEERING
ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING WENT OUT. TOOK TO LOCAL DEALER 3 TIMES---COMPUTER RESET FIRST TIME; SECOND TIME CAME UP 'ELECTRICAL ISSUE'. THIRD TIME COMPUTER SAID REPLACE RACK AND PINION. CAR PURCHASED AS CPO IN 2013 FROM ROCHESTER, MN DEALERSHIP WITH 17000 MILES. SEVEN YEARS LATER IT HAS 47000 MILES. THIS MODEL WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL STARTING WITH 2011 VEHICLES. PERHAPS 2010 VEHICLES SHOULD BE AS WELL. VERY DANGEROUS TO HAVE THIS HAPPEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
NHTSA complaint #11394950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesPlantsville, CT
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MAINTENANCE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER GENGRAS FORD (225 NEW BRITAIN AVE, PLAINVILLE, CT 06062, (860) 793-8885). UPON INVESTIGATION, THE DEALER ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11394676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesJohnstown, PA
POWER TRAIN
THE ELECTRICAL POWER ASSISTED STEERING FAILED AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THIS UNIT CEASES OPERATION, IT ALSO AFFECTS THE VEHICLE POWER TRAIN BY SHUTTING DOWN THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING, IT SEEMS. WHEN THE ELECTRICAL ASSIST STOP WORKING, THE VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AS IT TAKES ALL THE EFFORT A PERSON CAN MUSTER TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS A VERY BAD STEERING SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #11301534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesJohnstown, PA
STEERING
THE ELECTRICAL POWER ASSISTED STEERING FAILED AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THIS UNIT CEASES OPERATION, IT ALSO AFFECTS THE VEHICLE POWER TRAIN BY SHUTTING DOWN THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING, IT SEEMS. WHEN THE ELECTRICAL ASSIST STOP WORKING, THE VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AS IT TAKES ALL THE EFFORT A PERSON CAN MUSTER TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS A VERY BAD STEERING SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #11301534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesJohnstown, PA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE ELECTRICAL POWER ASSISTED STEERING FAILED AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THIS UNIT CEASES OPERATION, IT ALSO AFFECTS THE VEHICLE POWER TRAIN BY SHUTTING DOWN THE TRACTION CONTROL AND THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING, IT SEEMS. WHEN THE ELECTRICAL ASSIST STOP WORKING, THE VEHICLE IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AS IT TAKES ALL THE EFFORT A PERSON CAN MUSTER TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS A VERY BAD STEERING SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #11301534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Olathe, KS
STEERING
TIRE WENT FLAT AND LOST ALL POWER STEERING. I COULD NOT EVEN DRIVE IT TO THE NEAREST SERVICE STATION ON THE SPARE TIRE AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. SAFETY RECALL ON 2011 AND NEWER BUT NOT ON 2010 - THIS CAR HAS A DANGEROUS POWER STEERING UNIT AND YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE A CAR THAT'S INOPERABLE JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE A FLAT TIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11299362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesDetroit, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE IN OPERATION. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL SQUEAKING NOISE WHILE TRAVELING UNDER 25 MPH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
NHTSA complaint #11280926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 132,000 milesDetroit, MI
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE IN OPERATION. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL MADE AN ABNORMAL SQUEAKING NOISE WHILE TRAVELING UNDER 25 MPH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.
NHTSA complaint #11280926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,500 milesJohnstown, PA
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING, ON RT. 264 THE EPAS STEERING TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING. MY WIFE HAD TO FIGHT TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SO GREAT THAT I HAD TO TAKE OVER FROM MY WIFE. IT TOOK ALL MY EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, IT WAS SO STIFF. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TODAY AND HAD IT CHECKED OUT. THEY REPORTED THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY LOW TIRE PRESSURE. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS FROM THE TPMS. I WAS TOLD THAT, IN THE CASE OF A REOCCURRANCE, THAT SIMPLY INFLATING THE TIRES WOULD NOT SUFFICE, BUT THAT THE SYSTEM WOULD NEED TO BE RESET BY A FORD DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER.
NHTSA complaint #11279383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,000 milesThomasville, NC
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE POWER STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED AND THE STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AS THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO CRESCENT FORD (100 OLD WINSTON RD, HIGH POINT, NC 27265, 336-869-2181) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING) THAT APPLIED TO THE 2011 AND 2012 MKS MODELS; HOWEVER, A RECALL WAS NOT PLACED ON THE 2010 MODELS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE WITH HIS VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.
NHTSA complaint #11255415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,722 milesPoteet, TX
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES IN ORDER TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED; HOWEVER, MAC HAIK'S SOUTHWAY FORD (LOCATED AT 7979 INTERSTATE 35 ACCESS RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78224, (210) 922-2222) WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,722.
NHTSA complaint #11251920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,000 milesMedina, OH
STEERING
2010 LINCOLN MKS POWER STEERING WOULD NOT FUNCTION, DID THIS 5 TIMES . HAD TO TURN CAR OFF TURN STEERING VERY HARD A COUPLE TIMES AND THEN RESTART POWER STEERING RETURNED. LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED 10/31/2010
NHTSA complaint #11144985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT SINCE MAY OF 2018. NOTHING HAS HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #11143512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesSaint George, UT
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN MKS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CEDAR CITY FORD LINCOLN (1010 N MAIN ST, CEDAR CITY, UT 84721, (435) 586-9435), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
NHTSA complaint #11111204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.