2010 Lincoln MKS problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2010 Lincoln MKS sits mid-pack among MKS years: 64 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 58, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (15), speed control (10), and engine (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
64
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
12
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2010 compare to other MKS years?
What are the most common 2010 Lincoln MKS problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 15 | 23% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 10 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 8 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 8 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 5 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 4 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 3 | 5% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 5% | — flat |
| Other | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | new |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | 2% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TIRE WENT FLAT AND LOST ALL POWER STEERING. I COULD NOT EVEN DRIVE IT TO THE NEAREST SERVICE STATION ON THE SPARE TIRE AND HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. SAFETY RECALL ON 2011 AND NEWER BUT NOT ON 2010 - THIS CAR HAS A DANGEROUS POWER STEERING UNIT AND YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE A CAR THAT'S INOPERABLE JUST BECAUSE…”
“I WAS PULLING INTO MY PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF MY HOME, APPLYING THE BRAKE, WHEN THE ENGINE THROTTLED UP AND THE CAR BOLTED FORWARD. APPLYING THE BRAKE EVEN MORE DID NOT STOP THE CAR. I SWERVED TO KEEP FROM HITTING MY HOUSE AND HIT THE POST HOLDING UP THE FRONT PORCH. I APPLIED BOTH FEET TO THE…”
“I WAS DRIVING INTO MY GARAGE WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHEN CAR ACCELERATED TO FULL SPEEDC. I APPLIED FULL PRESSURE TO BRAKE. CAR FAILED TO STOP. CAR ONLY STOPED WHEN I PUT SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTERAL AFTER GOING THROUGH REAR WALL OF GARAGE. IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN IN FRONT OF THE CAR THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN MKS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WARNING LIGHT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER PUMP HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.…”
“There have been 2 separate incidents involving a front collision at high speeds. Both times, the air bags did not deploy as they should have. The 2nd incident was today. The car is now totaled. The impact Both times should have deployed the air bags. My son was injured today due to this. A truck…”
2010 Lincoln MKS — common questions
Is the 2010 Lincoln MKS reliable?
It is close to typical for the MKS: 64 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2010 MKS problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (15 complaints), speed control (10 complaints), engine (8 complaints).
Does the 2010 Lincoln MKS have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2010 Lincoln MKS.
Which Lincoln MKS years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MKS years to avoid are 2013. The cleanest record among MKS years belongs to 2016.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.