← 20142013 model year2012 β†’
⚑ NHTSA Official DataUpdated: May 2026How we calculate this
Severe Issues

2013 Lincoln Mkx: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict

Shopping for a used 2013 Lincoln Mkx? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 161 complaints, with Brake System as the top reported area.

161
Complaints
7
Crashes
2
Fires
2
Injuries
1
Deaths
1
Recalls

2013 Lincoln Mkx Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2013 Lincoln Mkx trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

19
MPG City
17–19 range
26
MPG Hwy
23–26 range
21
MPG Combined
19–21 range
415
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $4,000 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.

2013 Lincoln Mkx Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β€” showing 2013 Lincoln MKX SUV AWD

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

4/5

14% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

3/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5

14% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Optionalβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Lincoln Mkx has 161 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.

2013 Lincoln Mkx β€” key reliability facts
Make
Lincoln
Model
Mkx
Model year
2013
NHTSA owner complaints
161
Crash-related complaints
7
Safety recall campaigns
1
Top reported component
Brake System
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
21
EPA MPG city / highway
19 / 26
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA overall safety rating
4/5 stars
NHTSA frontal crash rating
3/5 stars
NHTSA side crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Most Common 2013 Lincoln Mkx Problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
66
complaints

Brake System

Crash-related:3
Injuries:1
#2
29
complaints

Electrical Faults

Fires:1
#3
21
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:3

Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Should You Buy a Used 2013 Lincoln Mkx?

The 2013 Lincoln Mkx shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.

Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.

What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Lincoln Mkx

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect brake system thoroughly, including pads, rotors, and ABS components.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for brake and electrical repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect brake system thoroughly, including pads, rotors, and ABS components.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for brake and electrical repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2013 Lincoln Mkx, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

What the Complaint Data Suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Complaints for the 2013 Lincoln MKX are heavily concentrated in the brake system, with 66 reports. Electrical faults and engine problems also appear frequently. The data suggests potential issues with braking performance and electrical reliability, though the low confidence level and limited model year range caution against broad conclusions.

Key Findings
  • Brake system complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
  • Electrical faults are the second most common complaint category.
  • Only one recall was issued for this model year.
Top Concerns
  • Brake System
  • Electrical Faults
  • Engine Problems
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. Data covers only one model year (2013), limiting year-over-year comparison. Low confidence level indicates the data may not be representative of all vehicles.

All 2013 Lincoln Mkx Complaints by Category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Lincoln Mkx. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Brake System663β€”β€”
Electrical Faults29β€”1β€”
Uncategorized Issues213β€”β€”
Engine Problems17β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain15β€”1β€”
Structural Problems9β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration7β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic6β€”β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention5β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures5β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System5β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures4β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects4β€”β€”β€”
Visibility2β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB2β€”β€”β€”
Wheel Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper2β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)2β€”β€”β€”
Equipment1β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions1β€”β€”β€”
Door Lock Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues11β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Real Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Lincoln Mkx. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 161 most recent complaints

Back Over PreventionApr 26, 2026

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.

Suspension FailuresFeb 25, 2026

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…

Electrical FaultsDec 15, 2025

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.…

Back Over PreventionNov 18, 2025

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…

Transmission / DrivetrainOct 29, 2025

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 vehicl…

Uncategorized IssuesSep 14, 2025

When shifted into reverse the screen for my Lincoln MKX is upside down and occasionally lines blur seeing anything

Brake SystemMay 14, 2025

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 illumi…

Back Over PreventionMay 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera failed to display an image. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the backup prevention camera. The vehicl…

Engine ProblemsNov 30, 2024

Vehicle randomly dies while driving. Can happen at anytime and at any speed. No warning at all. Does not leave a check engine light so no code is recorded. Very dangerous. Otherwise vehicle runs well but is too dangerous to drive. All steering, acceleration, brakes, etc. are lost…

VisibilityNov 3, 2024

Moonroof glass component off track described by third party Lincoln/Ford mechanic, and will not go back on track when using buttons to open and close.

Brake SystemSep 2, 2024

My brakes have failed on this car three times. I had new front and back brakes installed on [XXX] mileage 44882. Again my brakes failed on [XXX] mileage 47626. A new brake booster was installed along with front brakes. Again on [XXX] brakes failed again and a brake booster and fr…

Brake SystemSep 1, 2024

On two occasions i was on my way to church when the brake pedal went completely to the floor with no braking effect. i pumped the brake peddle several times and then in both instances braking was reestablished. These instances happened about a month and a half apart.

Brake SystemπŸ’₯ CrashAug 20, 2024

In June 2024, i received a letter dated March of 2024 for a Customer Satisfaction Program 13N02 that ended before i had a chance to take my vehicle into the repair shop to have this item fixed. Actually, i received the letter past the date that it could qualify for the repair as …

Brake SystemJul 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated when the vehicle was started the "Service Brakes" warning light illuminated. The contact stated that several other unknown warning lights were illuminated when the vehicle was started several days later. The vehicle was take…

Brake SystemApr 11, 2024

Brake booster is a known issue with these cars. It failed today and my car has 100,000 miles. Ford has issued a customer satisfaction notice, but they refuse to fix my car because it was built 3 months too early.

Brake SystemMar 25, 2024

Our car has been having issues with the breaks. At random times the break peddle gets very spongy and has to be pushed to the floor before the brakes will activate. The reduced break pressure has caused near crashes as the vehicle does not slow down when the breaks are pushed unt…

Uncategorized IssuesFeb 24, 2024

Both passengers door locks say the door is open

Brake SystemFeb 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that after her daughter started the vehicle, the parking brake failed and the vehicle began to roll. As a result, the vehicle rolled 300 yards downhill, running over the driver, who had attempted to physically stop the vehic…

Brake SystemπŸ’₯ CrashFeb 12, 2024

We have had numerous failures in the braking system. This started with occasional spongy pedal issues that resulted in replacement of the brake booster. This started a two year long journey to repair brake issues. This has gone thru two of the most reputable auto mechanic shop…

Brake SystemFeb 1, 2024

Brakes loose pressure and break pedal has to be pushed to the floor before speed is reduced. Likely an issue with the break booster.

Page 1 of 9

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Lincoln Mkx.

2013 Lincoln Mkx Recalls

1 campaign

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Lincoln Mkx. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

14V393000Feb 7, 2014
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Compare Lincoln Mkx Model Years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2013 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

2018201720162015201420132012201120102009

2013 Lincoln Mkx Buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2013 Lincoln Mkx reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 161 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2013 Lincoln Mkx shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Lincoln Mkx?β–Ύ

#1: Brake System (66 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (29 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (21 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Lincoln Mkx?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2013 Lincoln Mkx?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Lincoln Mkx, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 161 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2013 Lincoln Mkx have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2013 Lincoln Mkx. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2013 Lincoln Mkx?β–Ύ

The 2013 Lincoln Mkx shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Lincoln Mkx reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2013 Lincoln Mkx based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.