2014 Lincoln MKS
2014 Lincoln MKS
Overview
The 2014 Lincoln MKS, a full-size luxury sedan, aimed to blend American comfort with a premium driving experience. It offered a choice between two potent EcoBoost V6 engines, paired with a capable all-wheel-drive system. While generally considered a solid vehicle, like any model, it has specific areas where owners have reported issues. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability concerns beyond routine maintenance, providing insights into potential problem areas for prospective buyers or current owners.
Engine
3.5L EcoBoost V6
Turbocharger Issues
- Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises from the engine bay, increased oil consumption.
- Solution: Turbocharger replacement or repair.
- Cost: $1,500 - $3,000
Coolant Leaks
- Symptoms: Visible coolant puddles under the vehicle, overheating, sweet smell from the engine.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of leaking hoses, gaskets, or water pump.
- Cost: $300 - $800
3.7L V6
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: Varies
Transmission
6-Speed SelectShift Automatic
Hesitation or Shuddering
- Symptoms: Jerky shifts, delayed engagement, shuddering during acceleration.
- Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement, potential internal component repair or transmission rebuild.
- Cost: $400 - $2,500
Suspension
Standard Chassis
Worn Control Arm Bushings
- Symptoms: Clunking noises over bumps, vague steering feel, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacement of control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
- Cost: $400 - $900
Electrical
Infotainment System
SYNC System Glitches
- Symptoms: Touchscreen unresponsiveness, Bluetooth connectivity issues, audio problems.
- Solution: Software updates, module reset, or replacement of the infotainment module.
- Cost: $200 - $1,200
Battery Drain
No major issues reported for this configuration.
Exterior
Body Panels
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: Varies
Lighting
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: Varies
Interior
Climate Control
Blend Door Actuator Failure
- Symptoms: Inability to control temperature or airflow direction, clicking noises from the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacement of the blend door actuator.
- Cost: $200 - $500
Upholstery
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: N/A
- Solution: N/A
- Cost: Varies
Summary Verdict
The 2014 Lincoln MKS demonstrates a generally good reliability record, particularly with the naturally aspirated 3.7L V6 engine. The more powerful 3.5L EcoBoost V6, while offering superior performance, has a higher propensity for issues related to its turbochargers and potential coolant leaks. Transmission problems, though not universal, can manifest as hesitation or shuddering, often requiring attention to fluid and potentially internal components. Electrical gremlins, especially with the SYNC infotainment system, and issues with blend door actuators in the climate control system are also noted. Owners should be mindful of these potential areas, but overall, the MKS remains a comfortable and capable luxury sedan when properly maintained.