Lincoln MKX
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
10 model years analyzed (2009–2018). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database — the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific Lincoln MKX? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
AI Interpretation
High ConfidenceAverageComplaints for the 2009–2018 Lincoln MKX are concentrated in the service brakes and electrical system, with notable counts in engine and air bags. The 2013 and 2011 model years show the highest complaint volumes, while 2015 and 2018 have the fewest. Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 35 out of 836 total complaints.
- Service brakes account for the highest number of complaints at 246.
- Electrical system complaints total 149, the second most reported component.
- The 2013 model year has the most complaints (161), followed by 2011 (147).
- The 2015 model year has the fewest complaints (19).
- Service brakes may have issues such as premature wear or failure.
- Electrical system problems could include battery, alternator, or wiring faults.
- Air bag system concerns may involve deployment or warning light issues.
The 2013 and 2011 model years have elevated complaints, driven largely by service brakes and electrical system issues. These years may warrant extra scrutiny.
The 2015 and 2018 model years show the fewest complaints, which may indicate better reliability or lower reporting rates. Buyers may consider these years as potentially more dependable.
- Inspect service brakes for signs of premature wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like electrical system and air bags.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
37 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2009–2018. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 836 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
836 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Rear camera can’t see behind me very well the dealership I but the car changed the camera and the screen in the car and the problem is still here it work when it cold outside but when got warm it stop working again
Rear camera flips upside down at times or turns black as well
Rear back up camera turns blank/ black intermittently when going in reverse. Have seen that multiple other vehicles are being recalled for this issue but not my particular car even tho other 2015 Lincoln MKX are included in recall. Noticed problem about 6 months ago. Often camera screen blank when I need it the most . Have called Ford/ Lincoln twice and told vehicle has no recalls. This problem is definitely a safety issue so no car or person gets hit .
Unknown
Back up camera is showing upside down and blurry!
Vehicle loses power, steering and braking without warning. Orange wrench alert illuminates. Car must be shut off and restarted. Very dangerous condition. Several other complaints online. This has happened twice, luckily at low speeds and little traffic.
A/C and Heater control; A/C blows cool on passenger side and blows hot on driver side
Warning light message: Vehicle transmission is not in Park Google search found many same complaints for older Lincolns. When repaired, would reoccur.
TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK BUT IT IS IN PARK. DRIVERS DOOR AJAR BUT DOOR IS SHUT. THESE SHOW UP IN THE DASH INFORMATION CENTER. GETTIN WORSE WITH TIME. MKX ONLY HAS 37,500 MILES. 2015 MKX. FEAR SAFETY .
WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 90 A APPROX 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE STARTED SLOWING DOWN. I LOOKED AT THE SPEEDOMETER AND IT READ 0. SECONDS LATER THE DASH POWER FLASHED AND WENT COMPLETELY DARK. I'M HAD ABSOLUTELY NO POWER AT 60MPH ON AN INTERSTATE. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO CRUISE ALONG AT MAKE IT TO THE NEXT EXIT AND STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. ONCE STOPPED, I TOOK GEAR OUT OF DRIVE AND PUT IT IN PARK. I PUSH THE START BUTTON AND IT STARTED UP. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME BUT I WAS COMPLETELY TERRIFIED THAT IT WOULD HAPPEN AGAIN. SOON AS I MADE IT HOME, I BEGAN RESEARCHING LINCOLN MKX TO SEE IF THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ANYONE ELSE. TO MY HORROR, MANY LINCOLN MKX OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE IS NO RECALLS LISTED ON MY VIN. THIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP AND LINCOLN NEED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE IMMEDIATELY. PEOPLE HAVE DIED FROM THIS CRITICAL MALFUNCTION AND IF NOT SOMEONE'S DEATH WILL BE CAUSED. THIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP.
CAR STALLS AND LOOSES POWER IN 5-10 SECONDS WHILE DRIVING. ONCE STOPPED, THE CAR WILL RESTART AND DRIVE. THE PROBLEM INDICATOR "YELLOW WRENCH" TELLS THE DEALERSHIP NOTHING RELATING TO THE PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM IS LIFE THREATENING BECAUSE IT OFTEN HAPPENS WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED (INTERSTATES) IN ENVIRONMENTS WITH LOTS OF TRAFFIC. SINCE THE CAR BEGINS IMMEDIATE DECELERATION, GETTING TO SAFETY WITHOUT GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, IS FRIGHTENING AT BEST. ON WED, 4/17/19, I WAS TRAVELING ON I-40, 5 LANES OF TRAFFIC AT 5:05 P.M. (I WAS IN THE LEFTMOST LANE) AND MY CAR STALLED. BY THE TIME I GOT TO THE 2ND LANE FROM THE SHOULDER, I HAD ALMOST BEEN HIT BY A SPEEDING CAR AND AN 18-WHEELER. I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET ANY MOMENTUM TO GET OFF THE ROAD QUICKLY BECAUSE THE CAR HAD NO POWER. THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM!!! I FOUND MANY REPORTS OF THE SAME THING OCCURRING IN LINCOLN MKX'S (PREDOMINANTLY 2016'S) THAT RELATE TO A DEFECTIVE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY, NEED FOR UPDATED SOFTWARE, AND/OR THE PURGE BODY. LINCOLN INDICATES THEY CANNOT/WILL NOT FIX THIS ISSUE BECAUSE THEY CAN'T GET A MAINTENANCE CODE TO CONFIRM THE DIAGNOSIS. THIS SITUATION COULD EASILY COST LIVES UNNECESSARILY!! MY REPORTS OF THIS ISSUE ARE NOT BEING TAKEN SERIOUSLY (DEALERSHIP & LINCOLN FORD MOTOR COMPANY). SINCE THERE IS NO RECALL ASSOCIATED TO MY VIN, THEY ATTEST THERE IS NO ISSUE UNLESS I CAN PROVIDE IT. I CAN'T PROVE IT BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. THEY HAVE KEPT MY CAR FOR A WEEK AND DRIVE BUT COULDN'T REPLICATE. THERE NEEDS TO SOMETHING MUCH MORE AGGRESSIVE THAT IS MANDATED TO BE DONE BEFORE LIVES ARE LOST. IT IS MY HOPE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ASSIST. THANK YOU.
KEEP GETTING "TRANSMISSION IS NOT IN PARK" DOES NOT HAPPEN EACH TIME I PUT IT IN PARK BUT SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS PROBLEM ONLY HAVE 26,000 MILES ON IT.
SHIFT CAR INTO "PARK" AND THE CAR IS CLEARLY IN PARK BUT ON THE DASH THE "P" DOES NOT ILLUMINATE WHICH CAUSES AN ERROR MESSAGE OF "TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK" WHEN YOU TURN THE CAR OFF. IF YOU TURN THE CAR OFF WHILE THE ERROR MESSAGE IS SHOWING, ALL AUXILIARY COMPONENTS (HEAT, RADIO, ETC) STAY ON AND YOUR BATTERY GOES DEAD. OCCURS NEARLY EVERY DAY, EACH TIME THE VEHICLE IS PUT INTO "PARK".
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE CHANGES FROM AUTOMATIC TO SORTS MODE AND SHOWS SHIFT CHANGING ON DASH, WHICH CAUSES IT TO GO FROM ANY SPEED TO 5MPH INSTANTLY. IT PULLS CAR BACK AND CAUSES SUDDEN SPEED CHANGE AND IS VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER SINCE PURCHASED VARIOUS TIMES AND THE STILL DO NOT FIND ANYTHING AND I AM STILL PAYING FOR THE CAR THAT I BOUGHT A YR AGO WHILE IT CONTINUES TO DO THE SAME THING. LAST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS SEPT 15 2018 (HAS HAPPENED OVER 20 TIMES).
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 LINCOLN MKX. THE CONTACT INQUIRED ABOUT A RECALL AND WAS INFORMED THAT NO RECALL WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE PARKING AND ANTI THEFT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
"ENGINE RECALL" ONCE I TRY TO STICK IT IN PARK, IT TELLS ME TRANSMISSION IS NOT IN PARK! DOES THIS EVERY TIME I TRY TO PUT IT IN PARK! MY CAR ISN'T EVEN 2 YEARS OLD YET AND JUST HIT 30,000 MILES! VERY FRUSTRATING!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 LINCOLN MKX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT SMELLED AN OIL ODOR EMITTING FROM THE AIR VENTS IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 05/10/16*LJ *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 LINCOLN MKX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER AND THE LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTERS HAD A GLITCH, WHICH TRIGGERED A FALSE WARNING INDICATOR THAT RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
WHILE DRIVING ON A HWY IN HOUSTON, TEXAS WITH NO OTHER VEHICLE AROUND ME UNEXPECTEDLY THE REAR SUNROOF GLASS SHATTERED ALONG THE FRONT EDGE. THERE'S AN INSURMOUNTABLE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THIS ISSUE FOR LINCOLN AND FORD AND YOU CAN CHECK AT HTTP://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T37305_DS520649. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE PIECES OF GLASS FALL INSIDE THE CAR AND CAN HARM OCCUPANTS. I TRIED TO REASON WITH LINCOLN CORPORATION WITHOUT SUCCESS. THEY CLAIMED THAT AN OBJECT HIT THE GLASS BUT IF THE GLASS IS CLOSED, IS FLAT AND THERE'S NO WAY AN OBJECT CAN HIT IT. I WISH I COULD SEND PICTURES BUT HAVE NO WAY OF DOING SO UNLESS I HAVE A VALID EMAIL.
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that a message was displayed, indicating that the camera was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, but was also not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer suggested that the rearview camera system might need to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
Showing 20 of 836 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific Lincoln MKX
This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Lincoln MKX has 836 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Lincoln MKX has 37 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 35 of the Lincoln MKX's 836 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision — always verify with a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Lincoln MKX vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Lincoln MKX vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Lincoln MKX has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.