Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
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 the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The contact's husband replaced the battery, and the vehicle restarted; however, the failure reoccurred twice. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V809000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the battery and indicated that the gear selector indicator on the gauge cluster and shifter buttons remained illuminated while the vehicle was off causing the battery to drain. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
The power steering went completely out while I was driving down the highway. I believe the problem is related to the power steering control module and the electric assist rack and pinion steering. It was the most dangerous situation I ever encountered. I narrowly missed causing an accident. There are several makes of Ford/Lincoln vehicles that have this problem dating back to 2011. The service advance trac displayed, steering assist fault service required displayed, pre collision assist not available displayed, hill assist not available displayed and a few others. They first appeared on Dec. 4th and next appeared around the 28th. The MKX is currently at Joe Machens Lincoln in Columbia, MO being inspected by the dealership and endurance, my warranty company.
In early September the vehicle was completely without electrical power. My husband was able to jump start the car. We bought a new battery from AutoZone and it was installed by their technician. September 22, 2022 the same issue occurred and the car had to be jump started. I took the vehicle to the dealership who was able to find no cause of the failure. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms (no difficulty starting etc.) Based on other accounts this appears to be associated with NHTSA Campaign # 19V809000 - Electrical System. The dealership did not charge me for anything related to this failure as they could not recreate it.
I have spent numerous (more than 3 major problems) For example, a lot of dollars fixing water pump. The design is messed up where they place the water pump. Thousands in labor. The electric driver control malfunction and tire pressure is always lit. This occurred on drive home from brake recall fix. The engine stalls and also leaks. The seat moves sometimes without me wanting it to. The emergency brake slams on and stops and locks the car when in drive or reverse. Lincoln has been zero help and gave false promises.
The right headlight is filling up with condensation which is shorting out the battery. Replaced it more condensation is back in it. Mechanic says seals are no good says its a common problem in all lincolns. Lights and adaptive module cost well over 5K for one light not including the labor. This is a potential for a fire hazard.
While driving, there is an electrical issue that is causing warning alarms to go off for hill-descend control, advance-trac traction control, etc. During this time, there is also a complete loss of power steering and making the vehicle almost impossible to turn. The first incident happened on November 26, 2021 around 7pm were I was able to stop prior to hitting a building. I shut the vehicle off and back on again and the power steering was now working. I was unable to get Lincoln to tow the vehicle because it was "too far" from the roadside tow drivers service area. On the same day, I drove it the rest of the way home but upon exciting the highway around 7:30pm, the power steering again went out and I was able to stop the vehicle prior to going into the ditch next to the road. …
The major problem occurred right after purchase as check engine light came on. The dealership was no help and refused to take vehicle back. The vehicle is nice looking but the mechanical is a lemon. I purchased this in 2020 and paid $24000. It's a 2016 Lincoln mkx. I repaired problems and due to covid and my lifestyle I rarely traveled. I have more medical issues and require more frequent doctor visits. I never went back to Brennegen after not standing by this vehicle shortly after purchase. I just tried to focus on the positive and started doing business elsewhere. I maintained proper service. Brennegen did not disclose active recall before purchase. Since purchase I have repaired two problems brakes, and fire risk to engine. At this months regular oils change my current mechanic Dahl ford said the water pump was leaking. The estimated repair is $5000. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while coming out of a standstill, the vehicle stated "a train maintenance needed" warning light was illuminated. Shortly afterwards smoke was coming out of the engine compartment and the vehicle caught on fire. Fire marshals were called to scene and the fire was extinguished. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an insurance lot, where it was diagnosed with being destroyed. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA campaign number: 19V809000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was informed of failure and they apologized to contact for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,600.
Related recalls
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Lincoln MKX vehicles equipped with 3.7L engines. The battery positive cable harness may contact the transmission shifter cable bracket resulting in a short circuit.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the battery harness clips and elbow guide, and install a wire channel shield and protective sleeve to the battery cable harness, free of charge.
Electrical complaints in other MKX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2016 Lincoln MKX?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Lincoln MKX, 17% of the model year's 156 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery › cables (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Lincoln MKX electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 19V-809 (cables, Nov 12, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2016 Lincoln MKX electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 17,000 miles, and 63% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 2 fires and 3 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.