2013 Lincoln MKS Steering Problems

61 owners have reported steering problems with the 2013 Lincoln MKS to NHTSA — 43% of all 142 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 94,000 miles. That ranks #1 of 7 MKS model years for steering complaints (a typical year has 12). One related recall has been issued.

61complaints
94ktypical miles
1related recalls
2crashes
1fires
2injuries

Which parts fail

  • Electric power assist system
    4

Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    38%
  • 25k–50k
    25%
  • 50k–75k
    615%
  • 75k–100k
    1128%
  • 100k–150k
    1230%
  • 150k+
    615%

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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted and driven without further failure. Additionally, the contact stated that recently after the vehicle was started, the power steering assists failure warning light illuminated. The contact checked the power steering fluid level, and the level was sufficient. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact researched and discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V621000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 15V34000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not included in the recalls. …

74,000 miles · Aug 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while his wife was driving at 40 MPH, the steering wheel locked up, almost causing her to lose control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's wife slammed on the brakes and veered to the side of the road. The contact's wife wiggled the steering wheel and was able to continue driving. However, the failure reoccurred while driving at 65 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure was associated with a recall and referred the contact to the dealer. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. …

115,000 miles · Jul 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to turn to the right or the left. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact's brother checked the power steering fluid level; however, the fluid level was sufficient. The contact researched and discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair would not be covered under the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

103,000 miles · Jun 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving approximately at 55 MPH, the contact lost power steering. The contact stated that the "loss of power steering" warning light was illuminated. The contact managed to steer the vehicle off the side of the road, however, the vehicle steering remained locked. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that he had experienced a loss of power steering before, but had managed to return the functionality by turning the vehicle off and on. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

30,000 miles · Aug 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the "electric power steering assist system, service required" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The contact had then taken his vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a loss of electrical power steering assist and linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The contact then called a dealer and was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Electric power assist system · 87,000 miles · Sep 2021

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel ceased. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was turned off, restarted, and driven to his destination. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and it was diagnosed with needing the power steering gear and steering gear assembly to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The contact attempted to call manufacturer however, there was no response. The failure mileage was 157,630.

158,000 miles · Jun 2021

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with the power steering gear being inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The contact was relating failure to that recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

88,000 miles · Apr 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The contact called an independent mechanic and the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Electric power assist system · 102,000 miles · Jul 2021

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the power steering assist failed without warning. The contact pulled over and restarted that vehicle but the failure persisted. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle home. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred him to a dealer. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with power steering assist failure. The contact was also informed that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

150,000 miles · Jul 2022

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel was difficult to turn and had switched to manual mode, and was inoperable. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering sensor needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

Electric power assist system · 92,000 miles · Aug 2021

Related recalls

Steering › Electric power assist system

NHTSA recall 15V-340 · Jun 2, 2015 · 393,623 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln…

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC).

Steering complaints in other MKS years

200920102011201220132014201521521861122
Steering complaints per model year, Lincoln MKS.

Frequently asked questions

How common are steering problems on the 2013 Lincoln MKS?

NHTSA has 61 complaints about the steering of the 2013 Lincoln MKS, 43% of the model year's 142 complaints. The component named most often is electric power assist system (4 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2013 Lincoln MKS steering problems?

Yes — NHTSA recall 15V-340 (electric power assist system, Jun 2, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

At what mileage do 2013 Lincoln MKS steering problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to steering 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.