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 driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message "Coolant Overheated" was displayed on the digital display screen. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart as intended. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an air intake valve fracture and abnormal engine oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated complete failure warning message was displayed. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle and functionality was returned. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,700.
Engine shutoff suddenly while driving, mainly on freeways & roads that have long downhills, while foot is off the gas pedal. But it happens on flat roads also. The stability control lights comes on, & I have to pull over with residual speed put suv in park, turn engine button off & wait for seat to return to neutral position then restart. This had happened at least 12 times & mostly in dry conditions while driving straight with no lane changes. Dealer could not duplicate & find the problem, visited them 4 times so far. Otherwise it will not start the engine.
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 internal water pump failed, dumping a half gallon of antifreeze into the engine oil. This caused the engine to suddenly stall and lose all power while driving in the middle of active traffic, creating a severe crash hazard .
I have an oil consumption issue. There is a technical service Bulletin# 19-2243 indicating this is a known problem with my SUV. My Lincoln Protection Plan and Lincoln Corporate refuse to assist in replacing the engine.
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 owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. When the vehicle was started, smoke appeared under the hood of the vehicle. The contact noticed that there was a coolant leak underneath the front of the vehicle, and the radiator and reservoir containers were empty. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 21,000.
After start and short drive including a left than right turn. At stop sign, vehicle dashboard lit up with safety warnings, started shaking, lost power, and started on fire. Smoke began in drivers side engine compartment and engulfed whole engine. Vehicle was serviced two days prior.
2016 Lincoln MKX has stalled numerous times. We left home and had driven about a mile in our subdivision when I slowed for and stopped at stop sign. The engine shuddered and shook, engine revolutions slowed down. Sped up, slowed down and engine quit. The message, "full accessory power active' displayed on the dash and my wife got a pad and pencil and copied it down for me. This was the second time that has happened and evidently was the same message displayed when the engine quit while we were on vacation in new orleans. Checked the internet and found several instances to this happening due to a computer glitch. Ford has known about this problem for some time. Do we have to get killed before Ford corrects their faulty computers? …
Engine complaints in other MKX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2016 Lincoln MKX?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2016 Lincoln MKX, 21% of the model year's 156 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 Lincoln MKX engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2016 Lincoln MKX, though it has 7 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 2016 Lincoln MKX engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 7,000 miles, and 79% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.