Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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 owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while attempting to close the front driver's side door, she heard a beeping noise. The contact then stated that when she placed the shifter in reverse(R), the screen failed to display an image and the defogger failed to operate. Additionally, the contact stated that she noticed that the vehicle was overheating and that the hood was discolored. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that when she placed the gear shifter into reverse(R) the defogger failed to operate as needed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while reversing, there was a huge blast of white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance and was diagnosed and determined that the water pump was leaking, the turbo charger was losing power, the power transfer unit was overheating, and the water pump was overheating. The water pump was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Water pump failure or malfunctioned causing the engine to over heat and then to engine stall going 75 mph. After having it towed it was determined the water pump was leaking. It put myself and others at risk of an accident. The water pump sits directly in the center of the engine so it can't be inspected so easily and only option is to just replace. The water pump was confirmed by a licensed Lincoln Certified Dealer and failed at 69,639 miles. Many others have reported having this same issue. There was a warning signal that flashed as the engine reach an overheating temp, but there were none prior the incident .
Sudden loss of power and deceleration. This happens intermittently and sets a code P2111 every time. Can drive for days between incidents and never know when it will happen. Gives no warning just shuts down immediately. This is very dangerous and my wife almost got hit yesterday in traffic due to malfunction
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact noticed grey smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the engine was on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was due to a fuel leak. In addition, while driving, the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure was undetermined. The failure recurred. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to independent mechanic where they informed the contact that the body control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started smoking under the hood. The contact had to pull over to the side of the road and flames were emerging from the engine. The police and fire departments extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle was destroyed. No injuries were reported. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000. Updated 12/03/15 updated 01/27/16 updated 03/04/16. Updated 05/21/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. When the vehicle was started, the contact heard a tapping sound coming from the engine. The noise worsened over time. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to hines park Lincoln (40601 ann arbor rd, Plymouth, mi 48170, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the timing chain and other related components needed to be replaced. The contact was given an initial estimate of $1,800; however, the dealer forgot to charge the contact for an unknown part. The total was updated to $2,300. The vehicle was repaired at the dealer. Upon researching the mechanic's notes, the contact discovered that the motor mount was damaged while it was being repaired. The contact was never informed of the damage. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and offered a $500 discount for the repair. …
Tl* the contact called on behalf of the vehicle owners of a 2013 Lincoln MKS. While the vehicle was parked in the garage with the engine running, the contact's parents left the vehicle unattended and entered their home. The vehicle was equipped with keyless entry that did not chime to alert the driver that the engine remained active. As a result, carbon monoxide filled the garage and the home, causing fatal injuries to the contact's parents. A police report was filed. The vehicle was inspected, but no results were available at the time of the complaint. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 12/03/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled. The vehicle was restarted. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer balise Ford of cape cod (90 high school rd ext, hyannis, ma 02601, [phone]) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 16V621000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,320.
Engine complaints in other MKS years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Lincoln MKS?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Lincoln MKS, 17% of the model year's 142 complaints. The component named most often is engine › engine control module (ecu/ecm) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Lincoln MKS engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 44% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries and 14 deaths to engine & cooling 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.