Looking for Lincoln MKS repair in Phoenix? We work on Lincoln vehicles every day and cover the MKS across model years 2009 to 2016, with honest diagnostics and quotes you approve before work begins.
To help MKS owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 373 owner complaints on file for the MKS and 11 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are steering (120), electrical system (55), engine (47).
Most-Reported Lincoln MKS Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the MKS (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 120 | 32% | |
| Electrical System | 55 | 14% | |
| Engine | 47 | 12% | |
| Power Train | 24 | 6% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 24 | 6% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 24 | 6% | |
| Service Brakes | 21 | 5% | |
| Air Bags | 20 | 5% |
Steering
120 of the 373 complaints (32%) mention steering. Steering complaints deserve prompt attention. We inspect steering components and alignment so the car tracks straight and responds predictably. See our suspension & alignment page.
Electrical System
55 of the 373 complaints (14%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Engine
47 of the 373 complaints (12%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Lincoln MKS Complaints by Model Year
The MKS model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2009, 2010. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 56 | |
| 2010 | 51 | |
| 2011 | 43 | |
| 2012 | 17 | |
| 2013 | 141 | |
| 2014 | 44 | |
| 2015 | 18 | |
| 2016 | 3 |
Most Common Lincoln MKS Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the MKS. The most-cited is U3000 (manufacturer-specific network code), mentioned in 2 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| U3000 | Manufacturer-specific network code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 2 |
| P2111 | Throttle actuator control stuck open Dirty or failing electronic throttle body; can cause stalling or reduced power. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Lincoln MKS Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the MKS in these model years, most often involving fuel system, gasoline, air bags, structure. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2016 recall, Air Bags (campaign 16V247000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Ford Flex, 2008 and 2010-2012 Ford Taurus, 2008-2009 Ford Taurus X, 2008 Mercury Sable, 2009 and 2011 Lincoln MKS vehicles.
- 2016 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 16V621000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles.
- 2015 recall, Structure (campaign 15V040000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Ford Taurus vehicles manufactured December 1, 2009, to July 31, 2010, and 2011-2013 Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured June 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011.
- 2015 recall, Steering (campaign 15V340000): 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...
- 2015 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 15V812000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Explorer Police Utility, Taurus, Taurus Police Interceptor, Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles.
- 2015 recall, Parking Brake (campaign 15V464000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21, 2015, and 2015-2016 Ford...
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the MKS, 23 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, 54 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Lincoln MKS Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Lincoln will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a MKS that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for MKS owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Lincoln MKS, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Lincoln MKS Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Lincoln MKS repair service, or choose a service below.
Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Lincoln MKS FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Lincoln MKS?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Lincoln MKS are steering (120), electrical system (55), engine (47). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which MKS model years have the most complaints?
The MKS model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2009, 2010. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Lincoln MKS?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Lincoln MKS, the codes cited most often are U3000 (manufacturer-specific network code), P2111 (throttle actuator control stuck open). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Lincoln MKS have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the Lincoln MKS across model years 2009 to 2016. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Lincoln MKS in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Lincoln vehicles including the MKS, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Lincoln MKS?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Lincoln MKS in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Lincoln Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.