FaultScore

FaultScore report

2018 Lincoln MKX problems

Owners have filed 39 complaints about the 2018 Lincoln MKX with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026. The largest single group is the brakes. Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 12 worst.

B

FaultScore 39/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Lincoln MKX.

How this is worked out

The numbers

39

Complaints

2

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries reported

15,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

83%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 13 vs 50 Severity 40 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 13
Against the median year of the Lincoln MKX. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 40
7.7% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
83% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2018 compares with every other Lincoln MKX

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2018 Lincoln MKX

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Other & Unspecified 8 20.5%
Brakes 8 20.5%

Median failure at 30,000 miles

Engine & Cooling 5 12.8%

Median failure at 41,000 miles

Electrical System 4 10.3%

Median failure at 3,900 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 2 5.1%

Median failure at 30,000 miles

Wheels 2 5.1%

Median failure at 19,827 miles

Lights 2 5.1%

Median failure at 800 miles

Airbags 2 5.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 16,000 mi

Stability & Traction Control 1 2.6%

Median failure at 7,000 miles

Seats 1 2.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 14,000 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 2.6%
Body & Structure 1 2.6%
Steering 1 2.6%
Transmission & Drivetrain 1 2.6%

Median failure at 43,000 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 2 16.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 3 25.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 3 25.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 3 25.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 1 8.3%

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.

Aug 2018 peak 4 Aug 2026

Recalls on the 2018 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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2025435 52,547 units in Canada

Brakes

Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear brake hoses could fail and cause a progressive brake fluid leak. If this happens, there could be reduced braking. Note: This problem could cause a change in brake pedal feel and travel. Safety Risk: Reduced braking can cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and replace or reroute the rear brake hoses, as necessary.

Recall 2020373 62,876 units in Canada

Brakes

Issue: On certain vehicles, the front brake hoses could fail, causing a progressive brake fluid leak. If this happens, the driver may experience a change in brake pedal feel and travel. This can cause reduced brake performance. Note: A brake fluid leak would cause the brake warning light to turn on. Safety Risk: Reduced brake performance could cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the front brake hoses.

Recall 2020335 4,262 units in Canada

Seats And Restraints

Issue: On certain vehicles, the wiring for the front seats could be damaged when a person uses the tilt function. As a result, certain system in the vehicle may not work properly. Depending on which wires are damaged, the occupant classification system may not work properly. This can cause the passenger airbag to not work properly in a crash. The damage could also cause the driver or passenger front airbag to deploy suddenly without a crash. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with 16-way power front seats. Safety Risk: An airbag that does not deploy properly in a crash could increase the risk of injuries. A sudden airbag deployment when there is no crash could also create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to install protective tape on the exposed edge of the cushion frames. The dealer will also inspect the wire harness and repair or replace it, as needed.

Recall 2018494 51 units in Canada

Structure

Certain vehicles may not conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 206 - Door Lock and Door Retention Components. The bolts attaching the door striker to the vehicle body may be too short. This could result in the door opening in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace all door striker bolts.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 16,000 miles Williamsville, NY Crash

AIR BAGS

VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING W/B ON NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY WHEN A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF AND WAS HIT BY CAR. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ( STEERING WHEEL, KNEE BAGS AND PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN.) PROBLEM IS THEY DID NOT DEFLATE ! THIS MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR DRIVER TO STEP ON BRAKES OR TO SEE ! VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION EXTREMELY LUCKY NO SERIOUS INJURY OR OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED DRIVER HAD HARD TIME GETTING OUT OF VEHICLE (OBSERVED BY STATE POLICE)

NHTSA complaint #11329980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 14,000 miles Dahlonega, GA Crash 1 injured

SEATS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 LINCOLN MKX. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE BOTTOM OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT SLID ALL THE WAY BACK AND THE SEAT BACK RECLINED. AS A RESULT, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE CONTACT BECAUSE HE DID NOT MOVE FORWARD IN THE SEAT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK, KNEES, WRIST, AND NECK. THE CONTACT ALSO SUFFERED A CONCUSSION. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOOK POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE AND DEEMED IT A TOTAL LOSS. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000. POLICE REPORT XXXXXXXXXX-XX INSURANCE POLICY XXXXXXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)"

NHTSA complaint #11253641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Leander, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

I have experienced this issue and it's been 9 months since the first issuance from Ford on this recall. I paid $523 to repair and this is insane since mechanic told me its an OME part so still going to possibly have same issue till recall is handled.

NHTSA complaint #11758229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waunakee, WI

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number:  25V544000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) However, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11741242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gaston, SC

ENGINE

Faulty catalytic converters. Ford has a CSP for the 2018 Lincoln mkx 3.7L engine and only included police driven Mkx's which is totally unfair when they're well aware that Faulty/failing emissions catalytic converters were installed on all of them and they fail and produce p0430 codes regardless of driving habits, I've never driven any of my vehicles harshly and maintain my vehicles, yet since I've owned this 2018 mkx since September of 2024, the rear catalytic converter had to be replaced and now the front catalytic converter is giving the same p0430 permanent code. Its bias of Ford to only extend police vehicles coverage and not regular consumers knowing that this emissions part is faulty because catalytic converters don't normally fail prematurely unless the parts are faulty. The original owner maintained this vehicle before me and I've maintained it since I've owned it, yet the catalytic converter has been replaced 3 times (carfax) which proves its Faulty. My 2005 Lincoln aviator had 303,000 miles before the engine blew, yet the catalytic converter had never been changed and I owned it for 15 years. I'd like an explanation from Ford as to why my 2018 Lincoln mkx 3.7L engine vehicle wasn't included in the CSP19M01. Ive owned a ford Explorer, Lincoln navigator and aviator that were built ford tough but this Lincoln mkx seems to be worse than a BMW. Thanking you in advance for your timely response. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11730994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gaston, SC

ENGINE

My vehicle has had emissions vehicle since before I owned it up to now. The catalytic converter has been replaced 4 times which is unheard of. Its presently giving the same codes/issues. The last catalytic converter replacement was November of 2024. It has to be a computer programming issue as my mechanic express. Im asking that this be looked into by Ford. I've owned 1973 Ford Pinto as a teenager, a 1998 Ford Explorer, 2000 Lincoln navigator, 2005 Lincoln aviator and now this 2018 Lincoln mkx has been the only vehicle with this type of issue. Maintenance records can prove this vehicle has properly been maintained before and during my ownership. I only use Shell, sunoco and other top tier 87 octane gasoline in this vehicle and have records of that too. P0430 code has come back on even after replacing the purge valve twice, 2025 and last month 2026, then code p0430 came back stating catalytic converter smh.

NHTSA complaint #11729226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Farmington Hills, MI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The 2018 Lincoln MKX Third Brake Light lens cracked off in 3 pieces while going through the automatic car wash dryer on the evening of Friday March 20, 2026. This appears to be an Engineering design issue.

NHTSA complaint #11726271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

University Heights, OH

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11723786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hernando, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The rear view camera is intermittent. The camera listed for replacement is F2GZ19G490C. That was a recall item listed for the problem that we are having . It is intermittent and is a safety hazard as indicated in the LINCOLN MKX 2015 THRU 2019. WHY IS IT INDICATED AS NOT HAVING A RECALL TO MY 2018 LINCOLN MKX VIN [XXX] . IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CAMERA F2GZ19G490C IS THE CAMERA LISTED AS THE REPLACEMENT AND THEY LIST IT AT FORD FOR $560.68. THE REPAIR DEPARTMENT TOLD ME IT WAS OVER $600 AND IT WOULD COST $1300 TO FIX IT. SOMETHING IT IS WRONG HERE BECAUSE i CAN GET THE REPLACEMENT FOR ABOUT $60 DOLLARS. IT LOOKS LIKE A DENIAL OF SERVICE UNDER A RECALL AND A REDICULOUS AMOUNT TO REPAIR THE DEFECTIVE ITEM WITH THE SAME TYPE. i WOULD LIKE TOO GET AN EXPLANATION ON THIS . [XXX] AT [XXX] OR [XXX] THANK YOU FOR LOOKING AT THIS PROBLEM AND GIVING ME A CLARIFYING ANSWER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11702203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Antonio, TX

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact's husband owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11702187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hernando, FL

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

The rear view camera is intermittent. The camera listed for replacement is F2GZ19G490C. That was a recall item listed for the problem that we are having . It is intermittent and is a safety hazard as indicated in the LINCOLN MKX 2015 THRU 2019. WHY IS IT INDICATED AS NOT HAVING A RECALL TO MY 2018 LINCOLN MKX VIN [XXX] . IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CAMERA F2GZ19G490C IS THE CAMERA LISTED AS THE REPLACEMENT AND THEY LIST IT AT FORD FOR $560.68. THE REPAIR DEPARTMENT TOLD ME IT WAS OVER $600 AND IT WOULD COST $1300 TO FIX IT. SOMETHING IT IS WRONG HERE BECAUSE i CAN GET THE REPLACEMENT FOR ABOUT $60 DOLLARS. IT LOOKS LIKE A DENIAL OF SERVICE UNDER A RECALL AND A REDICULOUS AMOUNT TO REPAIR THE DEFECTIVE ITEM WITH THE SAME TYPE. i WOULD LIKE TOO GET AN EXPLANATION ON THIS . [XXX] AT [XXX] OR [XXX] THANK YOU FOR LOOKING AT THIS PROBLEM AND GIVING ME A CLARIFYING ANSWER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11702203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tecumseh, KS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The 3rd brake light lens has separated from light assembly while in a drive thru carwash.

NHTSA complaint #11701756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Delray Beach, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11687792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Avon, OH

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Was advised by a law enforcement officer the high-mount stop lamp lens had detatched from the lamp housing. Apparently, the adhesive holding the plastic lens had deteriorated and allowed seperation of the components. The LED circuit board is now exposed to the elements. This without a doubt will cause the CHMSL to fail due to water and salt intrusion. Additionally, the non-diffused LED's are blinding drivers behind this vehicle at night. This failure occurred on the highway, and the lens nearly struck a car behind me.

NHTSA complaint #11687125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Avon, OH

SERVICE BRAKES

Was advised by a law enforcement officer the high-mount stop lamp lens had detatched from the lamp housing. Apparently, the adhesive holding the plastic lens had deteriorated and allowed seperation of the components. The LED circuit board is now exposed to the elements. This without a doubt will cause the CHMSL to fail due to water and salt intrusion. Additionally, the non-diffused LED's are blinding drivers behind this vehicle at night. This failure occurred on the highway, and the lens nearly struck a car behind me.

NHTSA complaint #11687125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Otsego, MN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Rear overhead break light ripped off while driving down the road.

NHTSA complaint #11685869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Egg Harbor City, NJ

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the vehicle was scanned, and a fault code for the catalytic converter was retrieved. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #11657452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marion, IA

WHEELS

Passenger side front wheel fell off the axel.

NHTSA complaint #11636922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marion, IA

STEERING

Passenger side front wheel fell off the axel.

NHTSA complaint #11636922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Marion, IA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Passenger side front wheel fell off the axel.

NHTSA complaint #11636922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glen Allen, VA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Subject: Urgent Health Risk Due to Mold in Lincoln MKX & Additional Considerations I'm submitting a formal complaint regarding our Lincoln MKX, purchased in 2018 with an extended warranty valid through 2026. A significant water leak has resulted in extensive mold and mildew buildup, posing severe health risks, particularly to my immunocompromised wife. Despite minimal use of the vehicle, exacerbated by reduced mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic declared by the WHO on March 11, 2020, we've discovered this longstanding issue, indicating it likely existed since purchase. The remediation process requires complete removal of the contaminated carpeting and padding, thorough cleaning of the underlying metal, and replacement with new materials to ensure safety. Efforts to resolve this with Ford/Lincoln have been met with inadequate support, not covering the extent of necessary repairs. Attached documentation and photographs outline the severity of the issue, the health implications, and our struggle for a satisfactory response from the manufacturer. We urge the NHTSA to consider these factors and our vehicle's low mileage as evidence of the defect's pre-existence and the pandemic's impact on its delayed detection. Immediate action is necessary to address this safety hazard.

NHTSA complaint #11574897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ocoee, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Catalytic converter internally failed on April 12th 2023 based on an initial check engine light Part# F2GZ-5E213-F converter assembly under ESP warranty @ 74,408. Returned back for check engine light 22, 888 miles later on 1/31/24 for check engine light . I was advised that although it was determined a part failure of catalytic converter , that it was my responsibility to pay for 2 catalytic converters, water pump and radiator for cost of $11k. Contacted Lincoln Conceirge they were unable to provide assistance .

NHTSA complaint #11570180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ocoee, FL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

Catalytic converter internally failed on April 12th 2023 based on an initial check engine light Part# F2GZ-5E213-F converter assembly under ESP warranty @ 74,408. Returned back for check engine light 22, 888 miles later on 1/31/24 for check engine light . I was advised that although it was determined a part failure of catalytic converter , that it was my responsibility to pay for 2 catalytic converters, water pump and radiator for cost of $11k. Contacted Lincoln Conceirge they were unable to provide assistance .

NHTSA complaint #11570180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Norristown, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When I utilize my ac or heat without pressing a certain button after a while I start smelling a burning smell coming through the vents. When I'm outside the vehicle I smell it as well. The smell is hard to pinpoint. A dealership told me that maybe I needed to change my air filters. However the burning smell still would happen just the same. Then they checked to see if anything(such as plastic or anything) was stuck to any components that get hot to no avail. But something is wrong and it's scary. Also my vehicle has a very rough idle which sometimes can feel like a rumble. A tune up was suggested and complete and I still have the same experience. I love my vehicle but growing tired.

NHTSA complaint #11512511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 43,000 miles Gretna, NE

POWER TRAIN

The contact owned a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while parked at an inclined position, the vehicle rolled backward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

NHTSA complaint #11511794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Greenville, MS

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Unknown/Uncertain as to why the floor is wet on right rear passenger. Dealer unable to detect why floor board is wet. I need answers because this is a health risk/ lungs risk for my family and myself due to questionable mold May probably grow from the wet carpet and wet spell

NHTSA complaint #11499828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Grosse Pointe, MI

STRUCTURE:BODY

Vehicle (SUV) floor board and truck had standing water from unknown source. Suspect rear hatch and/or glass roof design allows for environmental contamination to enter. Water travels down to floor and pools. For example, spare tire was found to be submerged. Rear seat and trunk carpeting were moist (saturated) to the touch. Concern: If water in the vehicle is undetected and is allowed to pool for long periods of time, three things will happen: 1. Accelerated corrosion and loss of function for any electrical wiring. 2. Standing water can develop mold, impacting air quality through long term and repeated exposure. Impact of vehicle occupants health. (In our instance, Mom & newborn) 3. Accelerated corrosion of vehicle internal structure. For example, seat fasteners. Item was discovered by third party service center and dealership is investigating root cause now. Dealer commented this is a problem more common with other models in the same family but not the model of this vehicle. No warning or indicator of the problem was present.

NHTSA complaint #11459501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.