Owners have filed 205 complaints
about the 2013 Lincoln MKX with NHTSA between 2013 and 2026.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 70
Against the median year of the Lincoln MKX. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 30
5.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 46
27% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
21.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
118.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1310.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2519.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2822.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2318.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2116.5%
150,000+ miles
43.1%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2013 Lincoln MKX SUV AWD
14% risk
2013 Lincoln MKX SUV FWD
15.9% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2013peak 11Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2013 Lincoln MKX
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
14V393000
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20142808,173 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the right-side halfshaft retention clip may not have been fully engaged, and could allow the halfshaft to separate. If this were to occur while the vehicle is being driven, it could result in a loss of motive power. If this were to occur while the vehicle is parked on an incline without the parking brake applied, it could result in unintended vehicle movement. Both situations could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect halfshafts for full retention and affect repairs as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Pittsburgh, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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 it was 10 years from the original warranty or 150,000 miles. My original warranty start date was December 2013. So they sent the "Customer Satisfaction Program notice 13N02" After the date it could be repaired. I called the dealership anyway, despite their error, to see if they may want to fix this Spongy Break Pedal anyway since they had messed up their mailing date. (Shultz Lincoln in Wexford, PA) They declined and told me they would be happy to look at it for a low fee of $180.00. I told them they should do it for free. I then called Lincoln directly where i spoke with a very nice gentleman. He looked through every possible scenario and decided that i was not able to get it fixed under the program. There really should be some type of law disallowing them to send out post dated letters knowing very well that they were not going to fix it because it was past the date of repair. My brake pedal hits the floor when i try to stop and if i do not push on the pedal hard enough to brake without the booster kicking in, i bump into things. Solution, i have attached a 2 channel dash cam to the vehicle with a live feed posted to a server in order to document my death caused by Lincoln. I have instructed my attorneys to release the feed upon my death and have authorized a law suit in my name. if won, they have been told to distribute the money to all of the homeless people that the Lincoln Executives drive past with their pocket tight and windows up every day on their way to work. This should be a crime. They should fix their safety issues, they should not be allowed to send out notices offering to pay for repairs that they do not plan on repairing. Also, they could spare a dollar for the Homeless
NHTSA complaint #11609682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 243,000 milesWare Shoals, SC1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
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 vehicle and came to a complete stop after colliding with a building. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The driver was taken to an area hospital and treated for a sprained hip, a sprained ankle, and various contusions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the vehicle was functioning as intended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 243,000.
NHTSA complaint #11572919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boiling Springs, SCCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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 shops in our area. We have gone thru three brake boosters, one master cylinder, and about to replace the second ABS hydraulic unit. The ABS hydraulic/module unit is the most frustrating because it is failing at such a rate the mechanics cannot get them new and we have had to use refurbished ones. This is a tremendous safety issue and we as consumers are working diligently to repair the issues... only to have erratic unsafe braking conditions. This is a huge lawsuit waiting to happen if Ford/Lincoln does not address the issues and research a solution.
NHTSA complaint #11571395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesZeeland, MI1 injured
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:TV/RADIO/SPEAKERS
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH with the radio playing, the contact stated that only the rear speaker was playing. The contact increased the volume to hear the sound in the front speakers; however, while merging onto the highway, the speakers in the front of the vehicle started working and the volume increased. The increased volume of the speakers startled the contact who jumped and jerked the steering wheel. The contact stated that the passenger in the vehicle suffered a panic attack and passed out with his eyes rolling back in his head. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #11562418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tijuana Baja Califonia, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
AS I WAS DRIVING THE BREAK PEDDAL SEEM LIKE IT HAD GOTTEN LOOSE AND ON ITS ON WAS LITERRALY PUSH ALL THE WAY DOWN HOW EVER I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP AND I HIT A VEHICLE I WAS NOT SPEEDING HOW EVER WAS A SOFT HIT BUT BREAKS ARE MALFUCTIONING\
NHTSA complaint #11501142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jonesborough, TNCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Lately when I put the car in park it still beeps and say place in park. I have to take it in and out of park to get it to know that it is in park. the other day I put it in park and got out of the car with it still running and then it started rolling up the driveway. it was in the park position but it was moving up the hill like it was in reverse
NHTSA complaint #11486183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lincoln, ND
ELECTRICAL 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, ND
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesFlower Mound, TX
POWER TRAIN
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. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and another service appointment was made. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
NHTSA complaint #11742681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lincoln, ND
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manchester, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manchester, KY
SUSPENSION
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Caledonia, WI
ELECTRICAL 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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Caledonia, WI
SERVICE BRAKES
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesMachesney Park, IL
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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 included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11700110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blue Mountain, MS
POWER TRAIN
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: 14V393000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11696437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holland, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When shifted into reverse the screen for my Lincoln MKX is upside down and occasionally lines blur seeing anything
NHTSA complaint #11687135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesIndependence, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 the brake booster and other braking systems to fail. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact was advised by an independent mechanic that the brake failure for the year, make, and model was known by the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11660991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Des Moines, IA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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 vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11658485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grafton, IL
ENGINE
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 when it dies. Will immediately start back up if in park or neutral and foot on the brake. Again - DANGEROUS! This has been going on for over 6 months now. Some days all ok and other days can be multiple events.
NHTSA complaint #11628023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Asheville, NC
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11623345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Philadelphia, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
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 front brakes were installed. Mileage 54924. Today I was driving to my daughters house in Zanesville, Ohio and my brakes failed again. My car is still down in Zanesville because I could not drive it home. The mileage is 57000. Every time this happens I risk an accident. Even though the brake booster is covered by extended warranty, because Lincoln knows about this problem, I still have to pay for brakes and other cost. Isn't there anything that can be done about this? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11612178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beaufort, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11611996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11611996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
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 it was 10 years from the original warranty or 150,000 miles. My original warranty start date was December 2013. So they sent the "Customer Satisfaction Program notice 13N02" After the date it could be repaired. I called the dealership anyway, despite their error, to see if they may want to fix this Spongy Break Pedal anyway since they had messed up their mailing date. (Shultz Lincoln in Wexford, PA) They declined and told me they would be happy to look at it for a low fee of $180.00. I told them they should do it for free. I then called Lincoln directly where i spoke with a very nice gentleman. He looked through every possible scenario and decided that i was not able to get it fixed under the program. There really should be some type of law disallowing them to send out post dated letters knowing very well that they were not going to fix it because it was past the date of repair. My brake pedal hits the floor when i try to stop and if i do not push on the pedal hard enough to brake without the booster kicking in, i bump into things. Solution, i have attached a 2 channel dash cam to the vehicle with a live feed posted to a server in order to document my death caused by Lincoln. I have instructed my attorneys to release the feed upon my death and have authorized a law suit in my name. if won, they have been told to distribute the money to all of the homeless people that the Lincoln Executives drive past with their pocket tight and windows up every day on their way to work. This should be a crime. They should fix their safety issues, they should not be allowed to send out notices offering to pay for repairs that they do not plan on repairing. Also, they could spare a dollar for the Homeless
NHTSA complaint #11609682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,109 milesLeesburg, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
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 taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed who retrieved DTC code: U3000; 49-68. The dealer determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the parts to repair the vehicle were on a national backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,109.
NHTSA complaint #11600812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,109 milesLeesburg, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed who retrieved DTC code: U3000; 49-68. The dealer determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the parts to repair the vehicle were on a national backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,109.
NHTSA complaint #11600812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bellvue, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11582462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
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 until the pedal is pushed to the floor. We took the car into a Lincoln dealership and they spent a day looking at the vehicle. The mechanic informed us that the vehicle has a faulty ABS pump and that the part needs to be replaced to remedy the brake issue. We were told by the Lincoln dealer that the part is on back order and that this part is known to fail on our year and model of car.
NHTSA complaint #11579402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Both passengers door locks say the door is open
NHTSA complaint #11573769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 243,000 milesWare Shoals, SC1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
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 vehicle and came to a complete stop after colliding with a building. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The driver was taken to an area hospital and treated for a sprained hip, a sprained ankle, and various contusions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the vehicle was functioning as intended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 243,000.
NHTSA complaint #11572919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.