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2013 Lincoln MKT

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Lincoln MKT
Pictured: 2010 Lincoln MKT -- NHTSA 1. Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV Ecoboost
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.7L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
23 combined · 20 city / 28 hwy
Length
207.5 in
Curb weight
4,938 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 23 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2013 special purpose vehicle (19.7 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 6 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Lincoln MKT is a special purpose vehicle offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.7L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 208 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,938 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 23 MPG combined (20 city / 28 highway), 17% better than the 2013 special purpose vehicle average of 19.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,900 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2013

  • Engines added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.7L 6-cyl
  • Engine dropped: 3.5L 6-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 20 to 23

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 MKT →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV Ecoboost207.5 in76 in67.3 in117.7 in65.7 / 65.7 in4,938 lb54/46

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
MKT Livery FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23+17%$2,900384
MKT FWD3.7L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20-13%$3,350446
MKT Livery AWD3.7L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19–$3,550462
MKT AWD3.5L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-16%$3,700481
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $2,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.7 MPG2013 Special Purpose Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Lincoln MKT.

Similar 2013 special purpose vehicles

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Lincoln MKT (this car)23 MPGNot rated8
2013 Cadillac Escalade21 MPGNot rated4
2013 Audi Q722 MPGNot rated3
2013 Lincoln Navigator16 MPGNot rated0
2013 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class16 MPGNot rated0
2013 Infiniti QX5616 MPGNot rated3
2013 Mercedes-Benz R-Class18 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (8)

Suspension › Rear · Feb 10, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V072000 · 211,207 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Aug 25, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V621000 · 77,502 vehicles

Problem
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 · Dec 2, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V812000 · 868 vehicles

Problem
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 · Jun 2, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V340000 · 393,623 vehicles

Problem
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.
Electrical System · Mar 24, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V172000 · 1,549 vehicles

Problem
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.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · Jul 2, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V393000 · 83,250 vehicles

Problem
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 · May 31, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V227000 · 390,783 vehicles

Problem
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.
Service Brakes, Air › Disc › Rotor · May 31, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V243000 · 128 vehicles

Problem
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 LINCOLN MKT VEHICLES WITH A TOWN CAR PACKAGE MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 6, 2012, THROUGH APRIL 3, 2012, WHICH ARE AVAILABLE ONLY TO BODY BUILDERS FOR UPFITTING AS HEARSE OR LIVERY/LIMOUSINE VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN TRANSPORTED WITH REAR BRAKE ROTOR BOLTS THAT ARE NOT FULLY SEATED ALLOWING THE HEAD TO PROTRUDE ABOVE THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE.
Risk
THE RAISED BOLT HEAD COULD LEAD TO TORQUE LOSS IN THE WHEEL JOINT, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO WHEEL SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
ALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES HAVE BEEN QUARANTINED AT THE COACH BUILDER’S FACILITIES AND WILL BE REPAIRED BEFORE DELIVERY TO OWNERS. NOTICES WERE MAILED TO THE COACH BUILDERS ON MAY 24, 2012. FOR MORE INFORMATION, OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Lincoln MKT is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

64Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
94,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering31
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Unknown Or Other7
Electrical System6
Suspension6
Visibility/Wiper4
Structure › Body3
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/11: 121/04: 121/05: 121/06: 121/09: 221/11: 121/12: 122/02: 122/05: 122/06: 122/08: 222/09: 323/05: 123/06: 123/10: 123/11: 124/04: 124/05: 124/10: 124/11: 125/07: 125/10: 125/11: 226/09: 120/1121/0621/1222/0623/0523/1124/1025/10max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Lincoln MKT buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 31 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Fuel/Propulsion System — 8 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  4. Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 94,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Lincoln MKT. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other MKT years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2019 MKT19207.5 inNot rated418
2018 MKT19207.5 inNot rated27
2017 MKT19207.5 inNot rated34
2016 MKT21207.5 inNot rated39
2015 MKT23207.5 inNot rated624
2014 MKT23207.5 inNot rated450
2012 MKT20207.5 inNot rated125
2011 MKT19207.5 inNot rated116
2010 MKT19207.5 inNot rated046

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →