Owners have filed 60 complaints
about the 2014 Lincoln MKS with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 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 — 43
Against the median year of the Lincoln MKS. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 9
1.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 53
31% 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
26.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
26.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
26.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
413.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
26.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
931.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
517.2%
150,000+ miles
310.3%
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.
Aug 2014peak 5Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2014 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.
United States — NHTSA
16V621000
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.
14V393000
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.
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.
Recall 20164117,249 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the fuel pump electric module may be damaged due to high electrical current loads. This could cause the fuel pump to stop operating, which would result in the engine stalling or failing to start. A loss of motive power could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the fuel pump electric module. Note: Failure of the fuel pump electric module would cause the malfunction indicator light to illuminate.
Recall 20142808,173 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the right-side halfshaft retention clip may not have been fully engaged, and could allow the halfshaft to separate. If this were to occur while the vehicle is being driven, it could result in a loss of motive power. If this were to occur while the vehicle is parked on an incline without the parking brake applied, it could result in unintended vehicle movement. Both situations could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect halfshafts for full retention and affect repairs as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Indianapolis, INCrash
STEERING
I was driving down the street when all of a sudden my Lincoln beeps at me. it says “Service Advancetrac” and “Steering Assist Fault”. I lost all steering to my car and it swerved across four lanes of oncoming traffic until I crashed into a curb. This car almost killed me and multiple other people. The car has 79k miles on it. This should not be happening. There is a recall on 2012-2013 MKS models but not a 2014. There is very clearly something wrong with this system across MULTIPLE years. I cannot steer the car manually without straining myself. The electronic power steering has problems across EVERY YEAR. not just 2013!
NHTSA complaint #11451435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
White Bear Lake, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The FCIM failed in the 98 degree heat. No warnings or indication that it failed other than the fans just started blowing full blast and full heat on a hot summer day. This alone distracted me and pulled my attention from the road as I started to feel sick with how hot it was getting and was frantically trying to turn the temperature down on the screen to no avail, because when the FCIM goes out you lose all control of the heat or ac and literally cannot shut off the heat. I then pulled over after almost getting in an accident trying to shut off the heat and went to turn on my hazard lights. Well with the FCIM going out my hazards wouldn't work either. When the FCIM isn't going out it constantly beeps and turns my temperature as far down as it will go, even when it is -20 in minnesota. Again a hazard as it can frost up my windshield in seconds making it so I can't see. All of this wouldn't be an issue if they still made the parts and there was something I could do to fix it, but they stopped selling these parts about 8 years ago.
NHTSA complaint #11754672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stevens Point, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I currently own and am driving a 2014 Lincoln MKS, my fourth such vehicle over the past several years. Lincolns have been one of my favorite vehicles however, I am writing to bring to your attention a recurring issue with the climate control system that may warrant further review as a potential safety-related defect. Many owners, including myself, have experienced a situation where the vehicle's heating system automatically increases to full heat without any driver input. In my case, both sides of the dual-zone system simultaneously rise to maximum temperature, regardless of the settings selected. This behavior appears to be linked to a failure of the main blend door actuator. While this may seem like a comfort issue at first glance, it can quickly become a safety concern. Sudden, uncontrolled heat output can fog windows, distract the driver, and create uncomfortable cabin conditions that may impair focus. Given the number of similar reports from other owners, I believe this issue may merit further investigation. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (and Ford) review this matter to determine whether a recall or service campaign may be appropriate. Thank you for your time and attention. I appreciate your commitment to safety and customer satisfaction.
NHTSA complaint #11738085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesConyers, GA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while in reverse, the rear-view camera failed to display an image as intended on the digital screen. An unknown message was displayed. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11686930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sand Springs, OK
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Ford has recalled vehicles that have back up camera issues. My back up camera image is upside down. My year was not included in the recall but has the same issue. I feel they should fix it for free.
NHTSA complaint #11686942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Concord, NC
AIR BAGS
Electrical problem continues to happen. I was trying to unlock the car. It would unlock and lock , windows roll down, sunroof open and all windows roll down without my help. Radio will turn all the way up. I placed a fixd in the car. Repairs started flashing low battery, sensor with steering, seat belts, and airbags. This has happen several times. I went to a shop. They told me I had a recall. I went to a dealer, they said I did not. I am confused and afraid to drive my car at times. Because this has happened when I am driving to.
NHTSA complaint #11683776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Concord, NC
STEERING
Electrical problem continues to happen. I was trying to unlock the car. It would unlock and lock , windows roll down, sunroof open and all windows roll down without my help. Radio will turn all the way up. I placed a fixd in the car. Repairs started flashing low battery, sensor with steering, seat belts, and airbags. This has happen several times. I went to a shop. They told me I had a recall. I went to a dealer, they said I did not. I am confused and afraid to drive my car at times. Because this has happened when I am driving to.
NHTSA complaint #11683776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Concord, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electrical problem continues to happen. I was trying to unlock the car. It would unlock and lock , windows roll down, sunroof open and all windows roll down without my help. Radio will turn all the way up. I placed a fixd in the car. Repairs started flashing low battery, sensor with steering, seat belts, and airbags. This has happen several times. I went to a shop. They told me I had a recall. I went to a dealer, they said I did not. I am confused and afraid to drive my car at times. Because this has happened when I am driving to.
NHTSA complaint #11683776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lubbock, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle's AC continuously goes from coldest temperature to high heat on its own and cannot be turned off. You can hit the Max AC button and numbers will read 60 and work it's way up to "HIGH" heat within just a few seconds. This happens at any given moment and will not stop until it wants to. Cruise control turns off while driving and collision warning sensor comes on. Once this happens, you cannot set cruise control anymore. This too is something that works and malfunctions on its own. When driving, I have experienced the loud collision warning sound and flashing red light on dash, causing me to panic while driving. Problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or service center, nor has it been inspected by manufacturer. Warning lamps and flashing red dash lights and alarms sound. This issue has been ongoing since May 2023. All issues described take place every single day that I drive my car.
NHTSA complaint #11597582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lubbock, TX
ENGINE
Vehicle turned off while driving. Luckily, I was driving in a parking lot when it happened, therefore, I was not at a high volume of speed. The issue has been confirmed by a dealer. No inspection by manufacturer or others has been conducted. No warning lamps or other messages were noted prior to failure. Issues have been ongoing for about 2 months now.
NHTSA complaint #11597579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lubbock, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle turned off while driving. Luckily, I was driving in a parking lot when it happened, therefore, I was not at a high volume of speed. The issue has been confirmed by a dealer. No inspection by manufacturer or others has been conducted. No warning lamps or other messages were noted prior to failure. Issues have been ongoing for about 2 months now.
NHTSA complaint #11597579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lubbock, TX
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Vehicle's AC continuously goes from coldest temperature to high heat on its own and cannot be turned off. You can hit the Max AC button and numbers will read 60 and work it's way up to "HIGH" heat within just a few seconds. This happens at any given moment and will not stop until it wants to. Cruise control turns off while driving and collision warning sensor comes on. Once this happens, you cannot set cruise control anymore. This too is something that works and malfunctions on its own. When driving, I have experienced the loud collision warning sound and flashing red light on dash, causing me to panic while driving. Problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or service center, nor has it been inspected by manufacturer. Warning lamps and flashing red dash lights and alarms sound. This issue has been ongoing since May 2023. All issues described take place every single day that I drive my car.
NHTSA complaint #11597582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lubbock, TX
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Vehicle's AC continuously goes from coldest temperature to high heat on its own and cannot be turned off. You can hit the Max AC button and numbers will read 60 and work it's way up to "HIGH" heat within just a few seconds. This happens at any given moment and will not stop until it wants to. Cruise control turns off while driving and collision warning sensor comes on. Once this happens, you cannot set cruise control anymore. This too is something that works and malfunctions on its own. When driving, I have experienced the loud collision warning sound and flashing red light on dash, causing me to panic while driving. Problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or service center, nor has it been inspected by manufacturer. Warning lamps and flashing red dash lights and alarms sound. This issue has been ongoing since May 2023. All issues described take place every single day that I drive my car.
NHTSA complaint #11597582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesLakeland, FL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled upon acceleration. There were no warning lights illuminated. After exiting the vehicle, the doors began to lock and unlock. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who stated the failure was due to the fuel pump. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V621000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #11556063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesLakeland, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled upon acceleration. There were no warning lights illuminated. After exiting the vehicle, the doors began to lock and unlock. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who stated the failure was due to the fuel pump. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V621000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #11556063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,000 milesLakeland, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled upon acceleration. There were no warning lights illuminated. After exiting the vehicle, the doors began to lock and unlock. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who stated the failure was due to the fuel pump. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V621000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #11556063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ann Arbor, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Rear back up camera fails. I’ve noticed there is an active recall, on newer Lincoln’s, for this same problem.
NHTSA complaint #11529736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,707 milesToledo, OH
STEERING
The contact’s daughter owned a 2014 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The failure recurred several times and the steering wheel became locked completely. The contact had spoken to the dealer and was informed that the steering gear assembly and the spindle rods connecting end failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,707.
NHTSA complaint #11520008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,707 milesToledo, OH
STEERING
Driving car and steering wheel suddenly locks up. Reported to both dealer and Ford motor company. Both refused to fix it. Found same problem with the 2013 model...it was recalled because of this same issue with the steering.
NHTSA complaint #11517366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marysville, MI, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Speedometer light randomly goes off every time I drive the car and it is difficult to see the speed I am driving
NHTSA complaint #11494772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marysville, MI, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Speedometer light randomly goes off every time I drive the car and it is difficult to see the speed I am driving
NHTSA complaint #11494772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesFarmington, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and attempting to honk the horn, there was no sound coming from the horn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the steering column control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the parts were discontinued. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance because the parts were no longer available. The failure mileage was 79,000.
NHTSA complaint #11493772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesFarmington, MI
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH and attempting to honk the horn, there was no sound coming from the horn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the steering column control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the parts were discontinued. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance because the parts were no longer available. The failure mileage was 79,000.
NHTSA complaint #11493772 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxford, PA
STEERING
Steering wheel locked up while the car was in motion. "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" appears on the dash. Mechanic has checked out the car and believes the steering rack might have to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11489080 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plymouth, MI
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Both mirrors continue to show that there is an obstruction in the mirrors. The mirror warning stays illuminated. Upon vehicle start up, the BLIS and Cross Traffic warning indicates the system is inoperable. Both side obstacle detection control modules have been replaced. The dealer is having issues getting the system to work. Parts are available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11489210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plymouth, MI
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
Both mirrors continue to show that there is an obstruction in the mirrors. The mirror warning stays illuminated. Upon vehicle start up, the BLIS and Cross Traffic warning indicates the system is inoperable. Both side obstacle detection control modules have been replaced. The dealer is having issues getting the system to work. Parts are available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11489210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.