2013 Lincoln MKX problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 86 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Lincoln MKX, most often about brakes. There is 1 recall for this model year.

Complaints
86
Recalls
1
Crashes
5
Fires
1
Injuries
2
Median mileage
94,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Brakes is the most-reported problem area, named in 48 of 86 complaints (56%).
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (10) and electrical system (8) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 94,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 5 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries.
  • The 2013 Lincoln MKX has 1 recall on file.
  • It ranks 2nd of 12 Lincoln MKX model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 153% more complaints than the 2012 model year (34).

2013 Lincoln MKX problems by category

  • Brakes · 3 crashes
    48 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 2 crashes
    15 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    10 complaints
  • Electrical System
    8 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    7 complaints
  • Suspension
    3 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    3 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    2 complaints
  • Engine
    2 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    2 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    2 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Steering
    1 complaints
  • Airbags
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Service brakes42
Unknown or other14
Power train10
Electrical system8
Service brakes, hydraulic4
Vehicle speed control3
Suspension3
Structure:body2

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k110k–30k730k–60k1460k–100k12100k–150k3150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2013 Lincoln MKX complaints that list mileage.

2013 Lincoln MKX recalls (1)

  • Recall 14V393000Jul 2, 201483,250 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

    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.

    Remedy: 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.

Recent 2013 Lincoln MKX complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Jul 11, 2026NDDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System
    Back up camera don't work half the time or it is upside down and don't allow proper visibility to back up safely. Have to rely on mirrors and windows to back up.
    NHTSA complaint #11749706 · source
  2. Filed Jun 8, 2026155,000 miTXTowedTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal, with the transmission warning light illuminated. Occasionally, the contact was forced to shut off the vehicle and wait a few moments before restarting, after which the vehicle resumed normal operation. The vehicle was initially towed to the dealer twice; however, the dealer could not duplicate or diagnose the failure.…
    NHTSA complaint #11742681 · source
  3. Filed Apr 26, 2026NDDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    My rear veiw camera only works when it wants to. It is either upside down and no use for backing up or black screen with no working message. I see other years are being recalled for that same reason.
    NHTSA complaint #11733840 · source
  4. Filed Feb 25, 2026KYOther / UnknownSuspension
    1. Rear diff is making grinding noise, front ptu is making a grinding noise and pinion seal is leaking, front axle throwing grease out inner boot. 2. Car stopping in middle of travel. Had a hard time getting it off the road. 3. The problem was confirmed by the dealership car was purchased from. 4. Only inspected by dealership mechanic. 5. Only by dealership mechanic. 6. There were no warning lamps prior to failure. The grinding was happening at time of purchase.
    NHTSA complaint #11720331 · source
  5. Filed Dec 15, 2025WIBrakesElectrical System
    Brake failure. Pedal drops, especially when ABS is activated. Dealer diagnosed ABS control module and HCU hydraulic leak. Parts for this are on back order per dealer leaving me with a dangerous driving situation or inability to use my vehicle. No warning lamp or message displays. The fact that the parts to fix a major safety item are not available is unacceptable.
    NHTSA complaint #11705002 · source
  6. Filed Nov 18, 2025100,000 miILDriver Assistance & Safety Tech
    The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera displayed a distorted image and an upside-down image. In addition, the contact stated that an error message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. In addition, the contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not…
    NHTSA complaint #11700110 · source
  7. Filed Oct 29, 2025MSTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH and while attempting to make a right turn, the contact heard a grinding noise coming from the front of the vehicle on the front passenger’s side. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number:…
    NHTSA complaint #11696437 · source
  8. Filed May 14, 2025130,000 miMOBrakes
    The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal felt soft. The contact depressed the brake pedal to the floorboard while slowing the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the HECU was leaking, causing…
    NHTSA complaint #11660991 · source

Compare the 2013 Lincoln MKX with another vehicle →

Other 2013 Lincoln models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology