Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Lincoln MKX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
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.
Went for a walk with 4 year old son at the mountain, came back to a melted MKX. Fire department came. With in a span of an hour fifteen minutes, the vehicle cab had melted and cooled to touch. We barely escaped possible death had I been driving on the freeway.
When you hit the gas pedal you lose all acceleration. You have to drift to a complete stop, turn the car off and then restart it. Have almost been hit multiple times and once on the highway traveling about 50 MPH. Thankfully traffic was not heavy and I was able to get my car stopped and restarted before the possibility of someone running into us. There was no shoulder to pull off on because of construction. It was terrifying. It happens randomly and there is no warning as to when. A vehicle in this condition is not safe to drive and Lincoln seems to not know what the problem is so they send people home in their defective vehicles because as they say they can't get the problem to duplicate so they told me that there is nothing wrong with my car and sent me home now twice. Trust me there is something wrong with my car and many others and it is a huge safety hazard!!!
Started happening in 2015, "door ajar" indicator stays on when door is closed, causes indicator light to flash back and forth between that and "shift to park" non-stop when in motion. It prevents the car from being locked while stationary and in motion, dangerous with kids in car. At times dome lights will not go out when vehicle is turned off. The alarm goes at random times while parked and off, last night every 2 hrs starting at 12 am. Have come out of work to find lights flashing from alarm having gone off. Afraid to park in garage now because of fire hazard. Key fob must be pushed to unlock drivers door but not passenger side. Starting in 4-19 the navigation screen when in reverse and backing up randomly goes black.
Vehicle is stationary. The door ajar warning light, at times, remains on when the door is closed which affects several electrical components such as, automatic door locks, alarm system, courtesy lights and other electrical components. The door has to be slammed shut several times to make the warning light go off and make the inoperable components operable. The cause of this problem appears to be a faulty door lock switch which is quite common in several Ford/Lincoln vehicles. A recall of these door lock switches should be entertained.
This has been occurring since 2014. I have taken it to the dealership when I lived in ohio about this issue. The door ajar warning on the dashboard as well as the dome light while I'm driving stays on stating that the door is ajar which keeps the doors from locking and the dome light stays on which is a safety issue. This also occurs while it's park and it sometimes comes on by itself which causes the alarm to go off. The dealerships are aware of this issue on these vehicles and are waiting for Ford/Lincoln to take corrective action.
The HVAC and PCM needed the VIN number recoded?? Two hours of labor at a cost of $385. Dollars. Reason is heat would blow cold air on drivers side and heat on passagem side. Dealer said the vehicle VIN number needed to be corrected in both the HVAC and PCM modules.. Dealer said it is a glitch? Vehicle is used regularly and the cabin air filter had just been changed by the dealer when problem started.
When the air condition is on it is cool for a while then the heat is on and will not go back to air condition. Same problem with the heat it is warm for a while and then the air condition comes on. Also, I have had warm air on the passenger side and cool air on the drivers side at the same time.
Electrical complaints in other MKX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2013 Lincoln MKX?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Lincoln MKX, 18% of the model year's 163 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Lincoln MKX electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2013 Lincoln MKX, though it has 1 recall 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 2013 Lincoln MKX electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 48% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.