Lincoln MKX problems by model year

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 459 owner complaints and 22 recalls on file for the Lincoln MKX (2007–2020). The 2016 MKX has the most serious complaints, most often about brakes.

Complaints: 459
Recalls: 22
Model years: 14
Worst year: 2016

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per Lincoln MKX model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Lincoln MKX years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

2016 Lincoln MKX — 96 complaints, 4 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Brakes
2013 Lincoln MKX — 86 complaints, 5 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Brakes
2007 Lincoln MKX — 23 complaints, 6 crashes; top problem: Airbags
2011 Lincoln MKX — 60 complaints, 4 crashes; top problem: Brakes
2008 Lincoln MKX — 27 complaints, 2 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Transmission & Drivetrain

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2020 (0 complaints).

Every Lincoln MKX model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Recalls	Top problem
2020 MKX	0	0	0	0	1	—
2019 MKX	0	0	0	0	1	—
2018 MKX	26	1	0	0	5	Brakes
2017 MKX	42	0	0	0	5	Brakes
2016 MKX	96	4	1	3	7	Brakes
2015 MKX	9	1	0	0	0	Visibility & Wipers
2014 MKX	18	0	0	0	1	Brakes
2013 MKX	86	5	1	2	1	Brakes
2012 MKX	34	0	0	3	1	Brakes
2011 MKX	60	4	0	3	3	Brakes
2010 MKX	25	5	1	2	6	Brakes
2009 MKX	13	0	0	0	6	Brakes
2008 MKX	27	2	2	4	5	Transmission & Drivetrain
2007 MKX	23	6	0	7	5	Airbags

Most common Lincoln MKX problem areas (all years)

Brakes
190 complaints
Electrical System
66 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
45 complaints
Engine
36 complaints
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
34 complaints
Airbags
32 complaints
Body & Structure
18 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
17 complaints
Seats & Seat Belts
16 complaints
Wheels & Tires
13 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the Lincoln MKX received by NHTSA each month.

Lincoln MKX recalls

Recall 25V544000Aug 22, 2025499,129 vehiclesModel years 2016–2018
Risk: A brake fluid leak can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 25V442000Jun 27, 2025200,237 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Recall 21V158000Mar 10, 20212,602,668 vehiclesModel years 2007–2010
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 21V081000Feb 16, 20211,067 vehiclesModel years 2007–2010
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 20V469000Aug 10, 2020488,594 vehiclesModel years 2016–2018
Risk: A ruptured front brake hose will cause a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 20V414000Jul 17, 202019,299 vehiclesModel years 2016–2018
Risk: An air bag that deploys inadvertently increases the risk of a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in the event of a crash increases the risk of injury.
Recall 19V809000Nov 12, 201954,411 vehiclesModel years 2016–2017
Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Recall 19V632000Aug 29, 2019116,160 vehiclesModel years 2016
Risk: If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 19V001000Jan 7, 2019782,384 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2010
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 18V612000Sep 11, 2018503 vehiclesModel years 2018
Risk: If the doors open in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury.
Recall 18V548000Aug 20, 201887 vehiclesModel years 2018
Risk: An electrical arc can increase the risk of a fire.
Recall 18V046000Jan 11, 2018327,796 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2009–2010
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 17V123000Feb 27, 201727,531 vehiclesModel years 2016–2017
Risk: During deployment, if the air bag does not fully inflate or the cushion detaches, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Recall 17V024000Jan 10, 2017654,695 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2007–2009
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 16V384000May 31, 20161,892,343 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2007–2010
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 16V343000May 24, 20165 vehiclesModel years 2016
Risk: An improperly anchored child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Recall 15V712000Oct 27, 2015110,636 vehiclesModel years 2009–2010
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Recall 14V682000Oct 29, 2014186,024 vehiclesModel years 2007–2008
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Recall 14V393000Jul 2, 201483,250 vehiclesModel years 2012–2014
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.
Recall 11V128000Feb 24, 20118,022 vehiclesModel years 2011
Risk: If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur which could result in a vehicle fire.
Recall 10V659000Dec 29, 201014,737 vehiclesModel years 2011
Risk: If an electrical short develops, an overheating condition may occur which can result in an unattended vehicle fire.
Recall 10V516000Oct 27, 201071 vehiclesModel years 2011
Risk: The liftgate lock may be disabled and the driver may not be able to lock the liftgate using interior lock switches or remote key fob buttons.

Other Lincoln models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology