Lincoln MKS Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Lincoln MKS model year (2009–2016) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Lincoln MKS Years to Avoid
4 recalls · 86 complaints
5 reported injuries
12 reported deaths
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 168
0 recalls · 36 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 40
0 recalls · 31 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Problem score: 35
Best Lincoln MKS Years to Buy
0 recalls · 4 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 4
1 recall · 12 complaints
Main area: STEERING
Problem score: 15
1 recall · 14 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 19
Found the right year? Verify that specific MKS with a free VIN report.
Lincoln MKS — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 0 | 4 | — | — | 4 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 1 | 14 | 1 | — | 19 | Good |
| 2014 | 1 | 29 | — | — | 32 | Good |
| 2013 | 4 | 86 | 5 | 12 | 168 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 1 | 12 | — | — | 15 | Excellent |
| 2011 | 0 | 24 | 2 | — | 28 | Good |
| 2010 | 0 | 36 | 2 | — | 40 | Good |
| 2009 | 0 | 31 | 2 | — | 35 | Good |
All 8 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Lincoln MKS Shopping Guide by Era
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade MKS units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder MKS models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year MKS should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2013 Lincoln MKS if possible. It has 4 recalls, 86 owner complaints, and 12 reported deaths. The overall problem score is 168 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year MKS to buy?+
The 2016 Lincoln MKS is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 4. It has only 0 recalls and 4 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which MKS has the fewest problems?+
The 2016, 2012, 2015 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Lincoln MKS Research
Check a Specific Lincoln MKS VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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