Is the Lincoln MKS Reliable?

Q: Is the Lincoln MKS reliable?

The Lincoln MKS scores 78/100 on the VinCheckEngine reliability index, which rates as "Good" for the 2009–2016 model years. Run a free VIN report at vincheckengine.com for vehicle-specific analysis.

Q: What year MKS is most reliable?

Among recently analyzed years, the 2016 Lincoln MKS scored highest with a reliability score of 88/100. Fewer recalls and complaints were reported for that model year.

Q: How many miles does a MKS last?

With regular maintenance, most Lincoln MKS owners report 150,000–200,000+ miles of reliable service. High-mileage examples frequently appear at auction. Always verify with a VIN history report before purchasing a used MKS.

2009–2016 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.

The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other sedans — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.

78/100

Good

Reliability Score

Total Recalls

238

Owner Complaints

Reported Injuries

Reported Deaths

Recall intensity (what drives the score)

1.0 recalls/yr vs. sedan median 1.2/yr

Safety record (separate score)

Lowno open investigations · 12 deaths, 12 injuries on record

Own a Lincoln MKS? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.

Lincoln MKS Reliability by Year

Model Year	Recalls	Complaints	Injuries	Deaths	Reliability Score	Rating
2016	0	4	—	—	88	Excellent
2015	2	14	1	—	79	Good
2014	1	30	—	—	69	Good
2013	3	86	5	12	63	Good
2012	2	13	—	—	81	Good
2011	1	24	2	—	71	Good
2010	0	36	2	—	63	Good
2009	0	31	2	—	68	Good

Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.

How the MKS Compares to Similar Vehicles

Lincoln MKS78/100

Sedan Category Average72/100

The MKS scores 6 points above the average sedan — a strong result.

Known Lincoln MKS Reliability Issues

The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:

STEERING

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ENGINE

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

POWER TRAIN

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Based on 238 owner complaints across recent model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lincoln MKS reliable?+

The Lincoln MKS scores 78/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 8 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 9 recall campaigns and 238 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.

What year MKS is most reliable?+

Among the years analyzed, the 2016 MKS achieved the highest reliability score of 88/100 with 0 recalls and 4 complaints.

How many miles does a MKS last?+

With consistent maintenance, most Lincoln MKS owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used MKS will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.

More Lincoln MKS Research

Common Problems

Detailed breakdown of every reported defect for the Lincoln MKS.

Years to Avoid

Which MKS years have the most problems — and which are the best buys.

Check a Specific Lincoln MKS VIN

Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.

Run a Free VIN Report →