Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Lincoln MKS owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the heating system activated independently and was blowing hot air on a 90-degree summer day. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring and persisted while driving. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact related the failure to the Front Control Interface Module (FCIM). The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the part was not available to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The climate control system malfunctions by raising the temperature for the heater without any input. When turned off, it turns on by itself and resumes raising the temperature until it maxes out. This occurs when first started and also while driving, causing a severe distraction as the beeping is distracting and the temperature will not stop rising even when the My Temperature buttons are pressed to decrease the temperature. Other MKS owners have complained online. The car is available for inspection upon request. Sustained distraction while trying to find the temperature adjustment buttons and the off button lasts too long, creating a serious driving danger and large potential for an accident, even a head on accident. I have only experienced this when using the heater. It has not happened to me in the summer yet. I have not taken it to a dealer, yet. …
We just purchased this car and shortly after we were driving home and it just starts beeping and suddenly the heat comes on full blast, no one is touching the controls. This happens quite frequently and once it starts rising there doesnt seem to be a way to stop it. A simple google search shows that this is a well known problem by lincoln and happens a lot, there are a lot of forums and videos all showing the exact same issue. This is a major safety concern as it causes a distraction from the noise and sudden temp change, causes distractions as you frantically hit buttons trying to get it to stop, and could even cause the window to fog up. My dealer said its not covered by any recalls or warranty and wants $1000 to fix it. I called the lincoln help line and they said to report the issue to you.
The control panel that operates the heat/ac, audio controls and also houses the hazard light button has a high failure rate and will do its own thing or fail to operate all together. The volume will randomly max out by itself creating a blaring unbearable loudness and you have to hit the tap/hot the unit for it to stop. The heat /ac will also do whatever it wants randomly. The hazard light button will also not work randomly. I've talked to other MKS owners and this is very common issue to have.
ECM ficum Went to Ford Port Richey, FLpaid $300 for diagnosis. Harassment with bill on credit report. Charge n charge but don't want to repair car. Same with Ferman Ford Clearwater FL there charged $300 just for new key an check everything. Back to Golden Oldies mechanic fixed ac sensor not ficum. Needs coolant sensor leaks out pressure due to ECM. They said it had a year warranty but not electronics.
Ford Port Richey overcharged for diagnosis. Claim on credit report still owe them. Same with Ferman Ford Clearwater overcharged key. Said need two in order to program ECM. Broke two other things. Wiper cord and guitar strings were cracked.
On 7/13/17 my A/C fdim module was replaced for failure. While driving the defective unit would turn itself on in the air conditioning mode and begin on the coolest digital setting then progressively adjust the temperature until it reached it highest point. I tried several attempts to turn the touch screen off but the unit kept turning the A/C on and would have harmed the A/C compressor. It was summer time and the heat on high and was uncontrollable was not a good situation.the car was taken to the Lincoln dealership to find that the module needed to be replaced due to failure. Since the Lincoln MKS was a certified car, it was replaced under warranty at no cost to me. However, I am concerned that this new unit could fail in the future with no warranty left on the vehicle at about $1400.00 or more. I have noticed that there has been another case with the same issue. …
At various speeds, defective fcim (front controls interface module) resulting in temperature set to all the way hi/max fan, creating cabin temperatures exceeding 90 degrees fahrenheit. Turning off the ac system or reducing the temperature does not resolve the issue. Performing a reset of the car's Sync system does not resolve the issue. This is a common complaint, generating at least 3 NHTSA complaints as well as a TSB. It creates a hazardous condition when transporting vulnerable riders such as infants and the elderly (those sensitive to heat), as well as interfering with the car's defogging mechanism reducing visibility under certain circumstances and creating dangerous driving conditions.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that his parents died due to carbon monoxide intake caused by the push to start feature not shutting off. There were no warning sounds or lights illuminated that indicated that the vehicle was still running. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that a lack of shut off features and audible sounds caused the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. ....updated 03-31-16 updated 07/10/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that the vehicle had a salvaged title. The contact stated that the sun roof drain was clogged and caused water to drain into the panels, which damaged the electrical system and air conditioning. In addition, an unknown sensor illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics. One mechanic removed the panels and drained the water, but the failure recurred. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Electrical complaints in other MKS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Lincoln MKS?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Lincoln MKS, 18% of the model year's 142 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Lincoln MKS electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2013 Lincoln MKS, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Lincoln MKS electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury and 4 deaths to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.