Most common 2013 Lincoln MKX problems
Share of the 163 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lincoln MKX complaints by model year
Best MKX years: 2015, 2014, 2009. Years to avoid: 2016, 2013. Compare all years →
2013 Lincoln MKX recalls (1)
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…
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence…
What 2013 Lincoln MKX owners say
Brakes all 66 →
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while his wife was driving 35 mph and coming to a stop, the brake pedal was depressed but hesitated to respond causing 30 feet stopping distance delay. The contact stated that the brake pedal was soft. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power brake booster had failed, and the failure was related to an unknown recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the unknown recall since the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the repair would not be completed under the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.
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.
Electrical system all 30 →
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.
Noticed for the last year or two that the buttons on my air and best turn on without to touch any button and will not power off also the windows will fog while driving. If heat is on the buttons will dial to air conditioning which causes foggy windows while on busy interstate. Also noticed there are several complaints on the internet from others who experience similarities of what is call ghost buttons. This also send sensor into a frenzy and can cause the car to over heat without warning happen to me twice.
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that the heating and A/C units had increased to high levels. The defroster was fogging up the windshields. The driver had a limited visibility of the roadway. Additionally, the vehicle was running hot. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the thermostat and the center head module. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. The VIN was not available.
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.
2013 Lincoln MKX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Lincoln MKX a good car?
Based on 163 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 MKX rates use caution: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the MKX at the same age. It is one of the MKX years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Lincoln MKX?
The brakes — 66 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module. Next are the electrical system (30) and engine & cooling (17).
How many recalls does the 2013 Lincoln MKX have?
There is 1 recall for the 2013 Lincoln MKX, the most recent from July 2, 2014 (axle shaft). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lincoln MKX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2014 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016 and 2013. See the full Lincoln MKX years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Lincoln MKX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 59,000 miles; 42% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.