Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: running costs are the problem rather than the car itself.
Owners have filed 44 complaints with NHTSA about the 2014 Lincoln MKS, and it carries 2 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 10 | 23% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 9% |
| Electrical system | 3 | 7% |
| Unknown or other | 3 | 7% |
| Back over prevention | 2 | 5% |
| Fuel system | 2 | 5% |
| Suspension | 2 | 5% |
| Steering | 1 | 2% |
| Engine | 1 | 2% |
| Unknown or other | 1 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The FCIM failed in the 98 degree heat. No warnings or indication that it failed other than the fans just started blowing full blast and full heat on a hot summer day. This alone distracted me and pulled my attention from
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
I currently own and am driving a 2014 Lincoln MKS, my fourth such vehicle over the past several years. Lincolns have been one of my favorite vehicles however, I am writing to bring to your attention a recurring issue wi
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while in reverse, the rear-view camera failed to display an image as intended on the digital screen. An unknown message was displayed. The local dealer was con
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
Ford has recalled vehicles that have back up camera issues. My back up camera image is upside down. My year was not included in the recall but has the same issue. I feel they should fix it for free.
NHTSA complaint: Back over prevention
Electrical problem continues to happen. I was trying to unlock the car. It would unlock and lock , windows roll down, sunroof open and all windows roll down without my help. Radio will turn all the way up. I placed a fi
NHTSA complaint: Steering
Vehicle turned off while driving. Luckily, I was driving in a parking lot when it happened, therefore, I was not at a high volume of speed. The issue has been confirmed by a dealer. No inspection by manufacturer or other
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Vehicle's AC continuously goes from coldest temperature to high heat on its own and cannot be turned off. You can hit the Max AC button and numbers will read 60 and work it's way up to "HIGH" heat within just a few secon
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKS. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle stalled upon acceleration. There were no warning lights illuminated. After exiting the vehicle, the doors began to lock and
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2014 Lincoln MKS. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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 causin
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 custo
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 vehi
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 ap
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
| Reliability raw | 77 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 72 | good |
| Maintenance | 59 | average |
| Depreciation | 52 | average |
| Performance | 76 | good |
| Efficiency | 38 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 44 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and steering is the most reported area with 10 of them (23%). There are 2 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 77/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 72/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2014 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: skip unless cheap, because running costs are the problem rather than the car itself. Its overall ownership score is 67/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.