2013 Lincoln MKS Review

Name: 2013 Lincoln MKS
Brand: Lincoln
Rating: 4.5 (54 reviews)

Price Range: $6,978 - $10,995

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Appraise My 2013 Lincoln MKS

Lincoln MKS model years

2009

Lincoln MKS for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Spacious interior
plentiful standard features
good power and fuel economy from the turbocharged V6
less expensive than many rival luxury sedans.

Cons

EcoBoost model's rough ride
too similar to the Ford Taurus
MyLincoln Touch interface can be frustrating to use.

What’s new

The 2013 Lincoln MKS receives major updates this year, including new standard equipment, exterior and interior styling changes, engine upgrades, fuel economy improvements and suspension enhancements.

Edmunds says

An extensive update for the 2013 MKS has improved this flagship Lincoln, but overall we think there are still better choices for a luxury sedan.

For sale near Ashburn, VA

77 listings

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2013 Lincoln MKS
EcoBoost Sedan
$6,978
great price
$2,829 below market
- 96,548 miles
- 17 City / 25 Hwy MPG
- 8 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Chantilly, VA
HABLAMOS ESPAOL!!! TODOS APROBADOS!!! BUEN CREDITO? MAL CREDITO? ZERO CREDITO NO IMPORTA AQUI TODOS ESTAN APROBADOS!!! CAMBIA TU CARRO HOY!!!- Blind S...
Features and Specs:
20 Combined MPG (17 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
1LNHL9FT0DG604818
Stock:
604818
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
2013 Lincoln MKS
Base Sedan
$10,995
fair price
$13 above market
- 64,052 miles
- 18 City / 27 Hwy MPG
- 8 mi away
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Chantilly, VA
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (18 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
1LNHL9DK5DG615968
Stock:
615968
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
07-23-2026

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Vehicle overview

Lincoln has been struggling with its identity for a while now, but by most accounts the brand is making headway. The 2013 Lincoln MKS comes with a number of styling changes, more standard and optional equipment, and a thorough upgrade to the car's performance and ride. All of these individual adjustments add up to create an improved MKS that should make it easier for those shopping in the luxury sedan segment to feel better about choosing a Lincoln for a better reason than simply "buy American."

Visually, the 2013 MKS is more elegant, with subtly yet significantly revised sheet metal that provides this large sedan with a more elegant, premium flair all its own. The dramatic-looking grille is still there (and will still be an acquired taste), but at least now it's been narrowed and swept back for a sleeker, more dramatic look. Inside, the MKS has more standard features, additional sound deadening and a far richer, more elegant design. The latest MyLincoln Touch system also lends a certain futuristic aesthetic, but it's far from user-friendly.

Powertrains remain fundamentally familiar, yet both available engines have increased output and efficiency. The base 3.7-liter V6 now makes 300 horsepower, a rise from last year's 273, while the turbocharged V6 gets another 10 hp for a total of 365 hp. Accompanying this are improved brakes, steering and an all-new adaptive suspension system that uses computer-controlled dampers to enhance both ride and handling. Unfortunately, the EcoBoost's big 20-inch wheels undo some of the suspension's talents, resulting in rather harsh responses over particularly rough pavement.

So while its many improvements for 2013 make the Lincoln MKS easier to consider, it still faces an uphill battle against the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This Lincoln is at least cheaper when similarly equipped, though, and there's still the appeal of buying from an American nameplate. If that's important, though, Cadillac's elegant XTS and sporty CTS are excellent choices in their own right. So is the luxurious, value-conscious Hyundai Genesis sedan, though it's obviously not American. Finally, there's the Ford Taurus, which is similar in many ways and comes with a lower price. In the face of these strong alternatives, we suggest taking a long look around before taking a Lincoln MKS home.

Performance & mpg

Both FWD (front-wheel-drive) and AWD (all-wheel-drive) trim levels share the same powertrain: a 3.7-liter V6 matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift control. This engine generates 300 hp and 280 pound-feet of torque. EPA estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg city/27 highway mpg and 21 mpg combined, 1 mpg better combined than last year's MKS. With AWD, those numbers drop slightly to 18/26/21.

The all-wheel-drive EcoBoost model is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that makes 365 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is estimated at 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.

Safety

The 2013 Lincoln MKS comes standard with stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and antilock brakes. Adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support is available as an option, as are blind-spot and cross-traffic warning systems, lane-departure and lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera.

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the MKS earned a top rating of "Good" for its safety in frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength testing.

Driving

The 2013 Lincoln MKS feels like the big, solid car it is when driven down the freeway. The steering is responsive and well-weighted, and provides a welcome sense of control. However, the MKS also lacks the ride quality refinement of similarly priced luxury sedans. With the EcoBoost model and its 20-inch wheels, the ride can actually be a bit harsh and tiresome over expansion joints and other pavement imperfections. In terms of engines, the base 3.7-liter V6 is sufficient for moving the big and heavy MKS. The EcoBoost V6 is very stout, nicely duplicating the sort of acceleration you'd expect from a V8.

Interior

The 2013 MKS features an all-new interior design. Sweeping lines replace straight ones and a subtle ambient lighting system adds to the interior's luxurious environment. Materials quality and fit and finish are both greatly improved for 2013, though several items such as the turn signals are no different from those found in the Taurus and other Fords. It's a small detail, but it's the small details that make cars from Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz feel more special.

The standard MyLincoln Touch interface consists of three display screens and the ability to input commands for various audio, phone and navigation functions via voice, touch controls or buttons on the steering wheel. It's a smart idea in theory, and it does provide some nice customization possibilities. Unfortunately, there's a learning curve involved, and even with this year's update, we've found the system can be tough to reach and prone to strange glitches. Furthermore, the touch-sensitive sliders that replace the traditional volume and fan speed knobs may look futuristic, but they're finicky to use.

Being a large sedan, the 2013 MKS offers plenty of interior and cargo space, with generous head- and legroom. Rear passenger room and comfort are particularly impressive, as the high-mounted seat provides especially good thigh support and an elevated view. The trunk is one of the bigger ones you'll find, with an 18.4-cubic-foot capacity.

2013 Lincoln MKS models

The 2013 Lincoln MKS sedan comes in three trim levels: FWD, AWD and EcoBoost. The FWD and AWD models come with standard 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, rear parking sensors, adaptive xenon headlamps, automatic high beams, foglamps, keyless ignition/entry, exterior keypad entry and heated mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming. Inside you'll find leather upholstery, heated and ventilated eight-way power front seats with driver memory settings and four-way lumbar adjustment, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, Sync voice control, the MyLincoln Touch electronics interface, mobile WiFi and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and a USB/iPod interface.

The MKS EcoBoost is similarly equipped but comes with a twin-turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive and 20-inch wheels.

There are two optional packages. The Premium package includes blind-spot and cross-traffic warning systems, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, a power rear sunshade, a rearview camera, a premium 16-speaker surround-sound audio system and a navigation system. The Elite package includes everything in the Premium package plus front "multicontour" seats, automated parallel-parking assist, heated rear seats, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist and a premium wood package.

Stand-alone options include a dual-panel sunroof and adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support.

Compare 2013 Lincoln MKS trim levels

Owners' Opinions

What Owners Like

Owners of the 2013 Lincoln MKS consistently appreciate its spacious interior and luxurious features. The roomy cabin offers significant legroom and comfort, making it particularly suitable for long drives. The EcoBoost engine delivers strong performance, providing satisfying power and acceleration that have impressed many drivers. Additionally, the MKS is often praised for its comprehensive suite of technology features, including a well-functioning infotainment system and practical driver aids like a backup camera and adaptive cruise control, which enhance the overall driving experience.

Common Issues

Owners frequently report reliability concerns with the 2013 Lincoln MKS, particularly related to costly repairs. Issues such as malfunctioning alternators, faulty touch controls, and timing chain noises have been cited, often leading to significant repair expenses. The MyLincoln Touch interface can be frustrating due to its glitchy behavior, adding to user dissatisfaction. Additionally, some drivers experience excessive ride harshness, notably with the EcoBoost model on rough surfaces, which can diminish the comfort expected from a luxury sedan.

Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers

The 2013 Lincoln MKS leaves a mixed impression on its owners, combining luxury and power with notable reliability issues. Daily driving is often enjoyable, thanks to the comfortable interior and powerful engine options that make highway cruising a pleasant experience. However, the potential for expensive repairs and the glitches in the infotainment system temper long-term satisfaction. For those who appreciate a well-equipped and spacious sedan, the MKS certainly has its appeal, but.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$222/mo

$252/mo

Avg. Large Car

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Reliability

The 2013 Lincoln MKS has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 7 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #2 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average

#2 out of 20 among Luxury Fullsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$596/yr

vs. $735/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV

Frequency

0.93x/yr

vs. 1.83x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV

Severity

12.7%

vs. 16.5%
for Average Luxury Fullsize SUV

Recalls

7 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 16V621000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 16S31
Manufactured from:: 2011-08-31 to 2015-05-31
Number of vehicles affected:: 77502
Defect Description:: 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. A component within the fuel pump electric module (PEM) may overheat causing a loss of electrical power to the fuel pump.
Defect Consequence:: A loss of power to the fuel pump will cause the engine to stall or prevent the vehicle from starting, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. Parts are currently not available. An interim notification was mailed to owners on September 15, 2016. A second notice will be mailed when parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S31.

Recall Number:: 15V812000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 13S04-S1
Manufactured from:: 2012-12-22 to 2013-03-23
Number of vehicles affected:: 868
Defect Description:: 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. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Defect Consequence:: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13S04-S1.

Recall Number:: 15V340000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 15S18
Manufactured from:: 2012-02-28 to 2010-09-07
Number of vehicles affected:: 393623
Defect Description:: Ford Moor 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 MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
Defect Consequence:: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.

Recall Number:: 15V040000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 15S02
Manufactured from:: 2011-06-01 to 2011-10-31
Number of vehicles affected:: 194889
Defect Description:: 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. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
Defect Consequence:: If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S02.

Recall Number:: 14V393000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 14S10
Manufactured from:: 2011-08-25 to 2013-11-30
Number of vehicles affected:: 83250
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
Defect Consequence:: If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.

Recall Number:: 13V270000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 13S07
Manufactured from:: 2012-11-29 to 2012-12-12
Number of vehicles affected:: 12569
Defect Description:: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013 Ford Explorer, Taurus, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured November 29, 2012, through December 12, 2012. In the affected vehicles, with sufficient door openings and closings, the child safety locks may change from an activated position to a deactivated position without notice.
Defect Consequence:: If the child lock is deactivated, the door could be unlocked and opened from the inside which could lead to personal injury to an unrestrained child.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the safety locks. If necessary, the locks will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 5, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S07. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Recall Number:: 13V227000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 13S04
Manufactured from:: 2011-08-25 to 2013-01-10
Number of vehicles affected:: 390783
Defect Description:: Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Defect Consequence:: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Corrective Action:: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on July 15, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S04.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 6 years / 70,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: unlimited years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

Lincoln MKS Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.5

54 reviews

5(70%)

4(17%)

3(9%)

2(4%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2013 MKS Features & Specs

Trim:

Base

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$42,870
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$222/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the MKS include:

Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover11.3%