Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2016 Lincoln MKS peaked in 2017, with 2 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2016 Lincoln MKS
Sedan, gasoline, AWD/All-Wheel Drive, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Jan 19, 2017 to Jun 14, 2022.
Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints3Below the median 2016 sedan
Severity index0.02016 sedans average 7.1
First 24 months2Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2016 Lincoln MKS name electrical system
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
No recall campaign lists the 2016 Lincoln MKS
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2016 Lincoln MKS
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
3 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Jun 14, 2022Failure Jun 9, 2022Tallahassee, FLElectrical system, Warnings
AC BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR CONTROL MODULE FAULTY CAUSES FAN TO BE STUCK IN ONE SPEED THEN SYSTEM VARIES UP AND DOWN AND VENTS SMOKE. FORWARD WARNING COMES ON FOR NO REASON?
NHTSA complaint 11469158 - Filed Jul 6, 2017Failure Jul 6, 2017Dearborn Heights, MIElectrical system, Power train
VEHICLE STARTED TO LOOSE POWER. THE "SEE OWNER'S MANUAL" LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO A NEARBY DEALER AT: ATCHINSON FORD, BELLEVILLE, MI, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE MECHANISN WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. FE
NHTSA complaint 11003304 - Filed Jan 19, 2017Failure Sep 5, 201612,000 milesDetroit, MIElectrical system
FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAUSES THE CAR TO CUT OFF! STALL! FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND THEN IT STARTS BACK UP. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED FIVE TIMES!
NHTSA complaint 10946429
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
85 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.
- 25E08-S1 Jun 30, 2026 · Other
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming - 25E08 S1 Apr 14, 2026 · Emissions
NEW VEHICLE DELIVERY HOLD - Emissions Recall 25E08 – Supplement #1 Certain 2016 – 2019 Model Year Lincoln MKT, 2016 Model Year MKS, and 2017 - 2020 Model Year Continental Vehicles with 3.7L Engines Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Reprogramming - 25N17 Mar 25, 2026 · Other
Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation - TSB 25-2570 Nov 26, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperat… - SSM 54366 Nov 12, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions D… - SSM 53040 Oct 10, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. … - TSB 24-2165 May 27, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex… - SSM 52314 Mar 1, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking… - SSM 51536 Apr 4, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a di… - SSM 50861 Jun 16, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2015-2016 vehicles equipped with 6F50/6F55 transmission and built on 2-Nov-2015 and through 1-Feb-2016 may exhibit no reverse, 3rd and 5th gear with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0715,P0717,P0756 and/or P2701. This may be caused by the direct clutch… - SSM 50375 Dec 23, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a condition where the navigation voice prompts are inoperative after a SYNC map update. This may be due to an incomplete installation of the SYNC map software. If possible, using the … - TSB160066 Apr 20, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Touchscreen navigation system - arabic language - blank screen - SSM 50067 Aug 27, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to… - SSM 50039 Aug 16, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2021 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is considered normal due to the power saving features enabled while in transpor… - TSB 21-2175 Jun 2, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehic… - SSM 49821 May 24, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to… - 16-0066 Apr 20, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2012-2016 vehicles equipped with a touchscreen navigation system and the language set to Arabic may exhibit a blank screen. This may be the result of the ribbon cables not being fully seated inside the front display interface module (FDIM) or an improp… - SSM 49210 Sep 25, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2009-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbochargers may exhibit an oil leak from the turbocharger oil supply or return tubes, O-rings or 6.7L pedestal gasket. Although oil may collect on the turbocharger, it is very rare for a turbocharger … - TSB 20-2255 Aug 6, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F150/Focus/CMAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/ Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty, and 2018-2019 EcoSport vehicl… - TSB 20-2233 Jul 13, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without acc… - SSM 48908 Jun 17, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a SYNC 3 Touchscreen may experience the volume control unresponsive from the Front Control Interface Module (FCIM) and steering volume controls when using Apple Car Play. When the Apple device is remove… - SSM 48619 Mar 9, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SSM 48619 - Various Vehicles - Perimeter Alarm Armed And Original Vehicle Keys Cannot Be Accessed to Enter Vehicle - CAN Protection Strategy Some 2013-2016 Model Year Vehicles may exhibit a concern in which the Perimeter Alarm is active and the original … - SSM 48423 Dec 20, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2015-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid t… - SSM 48340 Nov 21, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2019 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a map displayed on the left half of the SYNC screen with no other information/soft buttons present after updating to the latest version of V3.0 software. This issue occurs when the SYNC 3 system ha… - SSM 48135 Aug 14, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2013-2020 vehicles equipped with an EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function. To support the proper diagnosis of this compressor, the EVDC control valve tester has been provided to each U.S. deal… - SSM 48130 Aug 9, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the gl… - SSM 48123 Aug 7, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
For Ford and Lincoln vehicles that require positive or negative battery terminal replacement, it is not necessary to replace the complete battery cable harness (14300 and 14301) for this concern. Positive battery cable clamp BT4Z-14450-AA and negative batte… - SSM 48053 Jun 24, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System Respon… - SSM 47993 May 20, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
2015-2016 Edge/MKX/Flex/MKT/MKZ/MKS/Taurus/Taurus Police/Explorer/Explorer Police vehicles built on or before 10-Jun-2016 and equipped with a 3.5L or 3.7L engine, all wheel drive (AWD) and a power transfer unit (PTU) may exhibit a PTU venting, an odor origi… - SSM 47976 May 10, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignmen… - SSM 47967 May 6, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM). To support the proper diagnosis of… - SSM 47948 Apr 26, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SSM 47948 - 2010-2019 Various Vehicles - Turbocharged Engines - Oil Supply Filter Replacement When Replacing The Turbocharger Or The Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing tu… - SSM 47850 Apr 26, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM). To support the proper diagnosis of… - SSM 47824 Feb 22, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2015-2017 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool may display an erro… - SSM 47824 Feb 22, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2015-2017 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool may display an erro… - SSM 47749 Jan 17, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2012-2019 Vehicles may require repairs to the Smartlink system. Smartlink is a Ford Licensed Accessory which has a warranty provided by the accessory manufacturer. Warranty replacement parts for Smartlink that are ordered through Ford are not reimbursa… - SSM 47711 Dec 14, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 and a 6, 8 or 10 inch screen may show a pop-up message every key cycle that states 'SYNC can check for updates when connected to a WiFi network'. To remove the inconvenience of the pop-up the cus… - SSM 47662 Nov 14, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. For all turboch… - SSM 47538 Sep 21, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit the Android Auto Preference menu selection is not present after an update to version 3.0 software. In prior versions of SYNC 3 software this menu was present, however in version 3.0 s… - SSM 47444 Aug 2, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System Respon… - SSM 47380 Jun 22, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may exhibit an intermittent blue or black screen. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available refer to WSM, Section 415-00 and update APIM software. After Ins… - SSM 47379 Jun 22, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Various 2016-2018 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version. If the vehicle is at versi… - SSM 47041 Jan 29, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Various 2016-2017 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version. If the vehicle is at versi… - SSM 47041 Jan 29, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Various 2016-2017 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version. If the vehicle is at versi… - SSM 47230 Apr 11, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2007-2016 Edge/MKX/Flex/MKT/MKZ/MKS/Taurus/Police Interceptor Sedan/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD and built on or before 30-Jun-2016 may exhibit a propane or natural gas odor during idle or low speed driving. This may b… - SSM 47211 Apr 4, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 version 2.2 software may exhibit a blank screen after attempting to exit Valet mode. SYNC software updates are now available under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available, refer to W… - SSM 47201 Mar 30, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only … - SSM 47171 Mar 21, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 and connected to an iPhone recently upgraded to iOS 11.2.5 may exhibit functional concerns where USB audio playback and App Link will not operate. This may also include, under certain conditions,… - SSM 47167 Mar 19, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Various 2016-2017 vehicles with SYNC 3 may experience a touch screen that does not respond to any input. Using the Professional Technician Society (PTS) website > OASIS tab > SYNC version, verify the vehicle SYNC software version. If the vehicle is at versi… - SSM 47100 Feb 21, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln Vehicle equipped with SYNC 3 and connected to an iPhone recently upgraded to iOS 11.2.5 may exhibit a concern where USB Audio playback and App Link applications will not function properly. This may also include, under certain… - SSM 47080 Feb 14, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
2010-2018 various vehicles equipped with SYNC or SYNC 3 may not function when attempting to find or use the Spotify app via AppLink. As of an update released on 1/15/2018 Spotify will no longer be supporting their AppLink integration. No repair attempts sho… - SSM 46949 Nov 29, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 version 2.2 software may exhibit a blank screen after attempting to exit Valet mode. SYNC software updates are now available under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available, refer to W… - SSM 46948 Nov 29, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some owners of 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience inoperative mobile device navigation applications. Mobile device navigation via AppLink requires SYNC 3 version 2.3 or higher for Apple iOS users. Mobile device navigatio… - SSM 46947 Nov 29, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may intermittently display an overhead image of a vehicle in the center of the SYNC touchscreen with no obstacle detection grids or warning chimes. SYNC may appear unresponsive when the overhead vehicle i… - SSM 46930 Nov 22, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2018 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is due to the power saving features enabled while in transport mode and is beneficial for… - SSM 46861 Oct 6, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may intermittently display an overhead image of a vehicle in the center of the SYNC touchscreen with no obstacle detection grids or warning chimes. SYNC may appear unresponsive when the overhead vehicle i… - SSM 46860 Oct 6, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2018 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode. This is due to the power saving features enabled while in transport mode and is beneficial for… - 17B28 Sep 19, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Certain 2015 Model Year Flex and Taurus, 2015-2016 Model Year C-MAX, and MKS, and 2016 Model Year Edge, Fusion, MKZ, and Transit Connect Vehicles - Electronic Throttle Body Replacement - SSM 46848 Sep 28, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some owners of 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience inoperative mobile device navigation applications. Mobile device navigation via AppLink requires SYNC 3 version 2.3 or higher for Apple iOS users. Mobile device navigatio… - SSM 46834 Sep 21, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Some 2016-2017 Ford and Lincoln vehicles with SYNC 3 may exhibit an intermittent blue or black screen. Check for SYNC software update under the OASIS Tab SYNC selection. If update is available refer to WSM, Section 415-00 and update APIM software. After Ins…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.