Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Lincoln MKX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while pulling into the ATM at approximately 10 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound, and the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then driven to an independent mechanic, and was diagnosed with brake failure. The mechanic determined that the rear passenger's side brake hose had ruptured, and the rear driver's side brake hose needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced both rear brake hoses, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. …
The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed but traveled down to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. Additionally, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the brakes. The brake fluid warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the brake fluid reservoir was refilled, and days later, the low brake fluid warning light was illuminated. Most recently, the contact stated that when the vehicle was started, it rolled away. The vehicle was parked and was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The local dealer was not contacted. …
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the "Low Brake Fluid" warning light was displayed while the contact pumped the brake pedal before the vehicle drifted to a stop. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and was diagnosed with a rear brake hose failure. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); however, parts for the recall were not yet available. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer acknowledged the recall, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. …
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle slowly stopped. The vehicle almost rear-ended another vehicle. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that there was brake fluid on the ground at the rear passenger's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a cracked brake hose. The contact was informed that the brake hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. …
My car is currently under two recall notices however only one of the issues has been communicated to me of resolution. One being emissions control 25E02 and second being Recall 25S87 REAR BRAKE FLEXIBLE HOSE LEAK. Recall 1- emissions has been a problem for about 2 years now. Emissions are connected to my engine thus having my check engine light come on. My car failed an emissions test but was only 4 years old and the catalytic converters are not broken, have hole, anything leading to failed test, car repair fees and non-registered vehicle. The second recall is not being fixed, and I have had to replace my brake house, line and rear right brake twice this year. Lastly, I have collision warning however it does not work properly if at all. I was in a minor fender bender when I went to push on brakes the sound to warn me of a collision did not go off until after the crash! …
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal became inoperable, and the brake warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled away from oncoming traffic to ensure that the vehicle stopped and avoided a crash. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failure of the front caliper and brake hydraulic system, which needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired multiple times. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure via telephone. …
The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that while coming to a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard, requiring hard braking to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times while driving. The message "Hydraulic Brake Fluid Low" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear flexible brake hoses and the corroded rear brake calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 64,200.
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately stop with the message "Low Brake Fluid" displayed. Brake fluid was later added to the brake reservoir, and the vehicle was driven to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the brake hoses were faulty and needed to be replaced. The brake hoses were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact previously received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V469000 (SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). Additionally, the contact stated that the back over prevention camera had intermittently failed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake assist, brake, traction control, and anti-skid warning lights illuminated. The auto-braking system became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the wheel hub, wheel sensor, lower control arm, and ball joint. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact about several low voltage codes. The battery, alternator, and starter were working as designed, but there was low voltage. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I have had to replace my rear brake pads, rotors, and the whole braking system (not related to sensors) three times in a year. I received the recall notice after the third time and had a mechanic fix my brake hose as a short-term remedy for my car. Not only does my car have a delay in breaking it is a delay in the monitoring service. Technically the sounds related to my vehicle are not related to braking at all by the speed in which a car slows down before it breaks. In this case that mean if I slam on my breaks the "emergency sound" does not go off. I have a minor fender bender as well due to these two problems associated with my braking system.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The rear brake jounce hose may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake jounce hoses and adjust brake jounce hoses with no damage present, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 17, 2026.
Service brakes
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021.
Brake complaints in other MKX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2016 Lincoln MKX?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the brakes of the 2016 Lincoln MKX, 36% of the model year's 156 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › abs warning light (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Lincoln MKX brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 25V-544 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Aug 22, 2025); NHTSA recall 20V-469 (service brakes, Aug 10, 2020). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2016 Lincoln MKX brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes 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.