Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Lincoln MKX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My 2007 Lincoln MKX had an SUA and within 10 feet totaled the front end when it was thrust into a cement building. This happened On [redacted] and the vehicle is available for inspection here in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. In 2010 Lincoln implemented an override device to the brake system knowing of the problem and there was no recall for vehicles prior to 2010. My safety was put at risk and that of others. If someone had been exiting the store or walking down the sidewalk they could have been killed. I am suffering with physical and mental problems as a result of this. Police report also states this was definitely a vehicle malfunction. There were no warning signs prior to the incident. Claim has been filed with the Office of General Council at Lincoln, but remains unresolved to date.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKX. While driving various speeds, a burning tar odor was detected coming through the vents and smoke appeared. The vehicle was taken to champion Ford Lincoln Mazda (140 southtown blvd, owensboro, ky 42303, [phone]) where it was diagnosed with a leak in the power transfer unit, which needed replacement. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 14V682000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact believed that the recall repairs failed because the odor and smoke were present before the vehicle was serviced per the recall in 2015. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKX. While driving at approximately 55 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate. As a result, the speed decreased causing the two vehicles driving behind the contact to crash into each other. The contact was not involved in the crash. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the control solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,136.
Tl* the contacts owns a 2007 Lincoln MKX. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle shuttered and an abnormal burning odor emitted from the engine. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the PCM was defective and the PCM coils burned and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000. The VIN was not provided.
Driving at 40 MPH on a five lane state highway in metropolitan area. Sudden loss of power, lost throttle response, dash send odo data error message, with no odometer reading, wrench symbol. Car coasted to stop in left turn lane. Loud cluck when attempting to shift to/from park, reverse, neutral or drive. Unable to drive more than 2 MPH, no matter what throttle position or gear selection. Ignition and engine turn off engine cleared error codes, but did not resolve issue. MKX could not be driven and needed to be towed for service. Later learned that output shaft speed (oss) sensor and turbine shaft speed (tss) sensor failed, which placed MKX in electronic status of a high gear, thereby no acceleration or control possible without repair. Later learned that Lincoln has had a technical service bulletin published that diagnosed this problem in 2007! …
I was driving down the road to the store in town at 25 MPH, and a light clanging started coming from under the car. Upon heading back toward my house the car began making a louder clanging and the car suddenly locked up. I though my car was seizing up in the middle of the road. It did not want to move forward!! It loosened up to make it the 2 blocks home.when backing into my driveway I was told one of my tires was not moving and the other one jumped. Upon having the car checked out I am td that ot os the ptu causing the issue. It is just lucky that I was not driving home from work when this started. Heaven forbid if my car would have locked up like that in the middle of the highway. That could have been deadly at 65 MPH! This issue needs to be fixed as there seems to be a lot of complaints for this issue. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that the driver was driving approximately 10 MPH and there was an explosion under the hood. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer and the contact was informed that the transmission exploded. The vehicle was repaired. A few months later, the driver informed the contact that the front passenger side ball joint fractured and the wheel was pointing outward. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer and was awaiting repair. The contact was informed that the ball joint and axle needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 46,000.
While driving on interstate I-10 at posted speeds, the engine began to sputter, lose acceleration and the check engine light appeared, the car was driven off the freeway (less than 1/8 mile) to the closest safe area. The car was then towed to the mechanic. An ignition coil was burned and the PCM/processor had failed. All 6 coils were replaced as well as the PCM following TSB 14-0059, after the PCM and coils were replaced, a check engine light still appeared indicating failure of the rear catalytic converter. At the time of the incident, mileage was approx. 71,195 miles.
I was riving about 35 MPH when the car stopped moving forward and a wrench appear in my dash. The car swerve and hit a curve to keep from hitting me had he not done that I could have been seriously injured. Previously that happen to be and it did caused an accident. On November 17, 2011 I had 49,136 miles my car was still on warranty and they bayway Lincoln repaired it. Now less than 12,000 miles this happen and no one is responsible. I am a senior citizen very seldom drive my car and don't think it is fair for me to fear driving this car or be responsible for the cost.
My 2007 Lincoln MKX AWD is making a howling/buzzing noise as I accelerate past about 35 MPH and gets louder as I accelerate. Also at times as I'm waiting traffic signal lights I sometimes smell a propane/gas odor. Took my vehicle to 2 repair shops and both determined the noise/problem is the power transfer unit. The cause of the odor was not known. Work on the ptu is going to cost between $1800 - $2100. But the part will most likely be on back order. So I'm assuming this is a common problem.. Or a manufacturer defect.
Transmission complaints in other MKX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2007 Lincoln MKX?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2007 Lincoln MKX, 12% of the model year's 298 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 Lincoln MKX transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2007 Lincoln MKX, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Lincoln MKX transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.