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2013 Lincoln Mkt Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Lincoln Mkt carries 7 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering electrical system and fuel pump. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rear toe link recall repair and replacement issues.” Lincoln uses Ford's Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor: it tracks how the vehicle is actually driven and calls for oil service when needed — up to 10,000 miles or 12 months on normal duty, much sooner with towing or repeated short trips. EcoBoost-powered Aviators and Nautilus models are turbocharged: heat is their maintenance story, so oil quality and cooling-system health matter more than on the old naturally aspirated V8s. Traditional V8 Navigators and Town Cars are long-interval machines — 100,000-mile plugs — that mostly reward fluid discipline.

7 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #15V172000 · Mar 24, 2015

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Lincoln MKT vehicles with a limousine or hearse preparation package, manufactured March 6, 2012, to March 10, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the vacuum pump relay may overheat due to an internal fault or contamination.

Risk: If the vacuum pump relay overheats, there is an increased risk of a vehicle fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vacuum pump relay with a new electro-mechanical relay, free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S10.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #16V621000 · Aug 25, 2016

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel PEM part number and replace the fuel PEM, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S31.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Campaign #15V812000 · Feb 12, 2015

Issue: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Fix: 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.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Campaign #15V340000 · Feb 6, 2015

Issue: 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 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Campaign #14V393000 · Feb 7, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Campaign #13V227000 · May 31, 2013

Issue: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S04.

SUSPENSION:REAR

Campaign #20V072000 · Oct 2, 2020

Issue: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Lincoln Mkt.

Reported to NHTSA

Rear toe link recall repair and replacement issues

SUSPENSION

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2025-07

“Both rear driver and passenger side toe links were replaced at Colonial Ford in Connecticut due to the recall. The driver side is fine, the defective part installed at Colonial Ford is the passenger side”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11677070
“REPLACEMENT OF REAR TOW LINK; HAVE HAD TO REPLACE TIRES PREMATURELY EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE ALIGNMENTS. THERE IS A CURRENT RECALL ONLY RECEIVED A NOTICE BUT HAVE NOT BEEN ASKED TO BRING VEHICLE FOR REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11361280
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11414984

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door latch and pillar trim panel failures

STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2025-11

“B and C pillar trim panels have come loose requiring replacement when they fall off. One completely detached while I was driving on the interstate and was run over by a vehicle behind me”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11697365
“While traveling out of state, the latch on the passenger’s side door would not latch”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11618618
“WHEN DRIVER DOOR SIDE CLOSE THE AJAR DOOR REMAIN ON. NEED TO CLOSE COUPLES OF TIME BUT STILL NOT RESOLVE A PROBLEM .WHEN I WENT TO AUTO REPAIR SHOP SAME PROBLEM FOR EVERY 2013 LINCOLN MKT . *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10587566

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of electric power steering assist while driving

STEERING

31 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2024-05

“I was driving and the power steering went out while driving. The power steering warning light came on as the steering went out. It was extremely difficult to steer the car. I was fortunate to keep my car under control and stop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11548424
“The MKT had only about 20,000 miles on it. I had NO POWER STEERING. Per different Lincoln mechanics, the "remedy" was to turn the car off & then restart it to clear light & restore power steering”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11482186
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND RAN INTO A SIGN. THE SIGN WAS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11327060

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump module failure causing stall or no-start

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

7 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2020-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION ONCE RESTARTED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11316530
“VEHICLE ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED WHILE I WAS ON ROAD DRIVING, SURVIVED THE CRASH. FORD HAD RECALL FOR 3.5L ENGINE , BUT NOT FOR 2.0 ECOBOOST ENGINE ACCORDING TO DEALER IT IS SAME AS NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V621000. FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION MAY CAUSE ENGINE STALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11119686
“CAR WOULD NOT START, SO IT WAS TOWED TO LOCAL MECHANIC. SAID NO FUEL WAS BEING SENT TO ENGINE BY FUEL PUMP DUE TO COMPUTER ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11010741

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Water intrusion in tail light housing

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2019-08

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS RETAINED WATER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED YEARS AGO FOR THE SAME FAILURE AND WAS SEALED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH A HORIZONTAL HAIRLINE FRACTURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11252289
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKT. WHILE PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY NINE HOURS, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ON THE DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT HOUSING. THE OWNER EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10936284
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PANEL ACCUMULATED WATER, WHICH CAUSED THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT BULB TO FAIL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENTIRE REAR PANEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10627080

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil-Life Monitor)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the Oil-Life Monitor calls it — up to 10,000 miles or 12 months. EcoBoost engines (Aviator 3.0T): use the specified synthetic and don't stretch the monitor; turbos cook marginal oil.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles. Heavy Navigators shift a lot of weight — even wear is a ride-quality item, not just a tire-budget item.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil service. Town Car livery duty and Navigator towing both count as severe service for brakes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford schedules the 10-speed (10R80) and 6-speed automatics at 150,000 miles normal duty — but 60,000 miles with towing or livery use, which describes many Lincolns. Mercon ULV / the specified Mercon type only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

V8 Navigator and Town Car: 100,000-mile plugs. EcoBoost V6 (Aviator, Nautilus 2.7T): commonly around 60,000 miles — check your year's guide; turbo engines run shorter plug lives.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles per Ford's schedule; sooner in dusty climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Rear Differential Fluid (RWD/4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Navigator, Aviator RWD, and Town Car: replace rear axle fluid around 60,000 miles with towing or livery duty (150,000 normal per Ford). Limited-slip axles need the friction modifier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Serpentine / Accessory Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking. The 5.4L Navigator's belt also drives the cooling fan clutch on some years — a failure overheats fast.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped. (2004-era Town Cars predate cabin filters; modern Lincolns locate it behind the glovebox.)

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement

Every 100,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (OAT) on modern models: first change around 10 years / 200,000 miles per Ford, though shops commonly refresh by 100,000. Older green-coolant V8s: every 5 years. Never mix chemistries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Feature-heavy Lincolns (air suspension compressors, power everything) expose weak batteries as electrical gremlins first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

7 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Lincoln Mkt reflects Lincoln's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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