Lincoln MKX Body Problems

Owners have filed 62 complaints about body & structure problems with the Lincoln MKX — 4% of all MKX complaints. The worst model years are 2011 (13), 2007 (10) and 2012 (10). Problems typically start around 68,000 miles. One related recall has been issued.

62complaints
2011worst year
68ktypical miles
1related recalls
3crashes
1fires

Body complaints by model year

20072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201810425131092511
Body complaints per model year, Lincoln MKX.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
201813%—
201712%0 miles
201653%40,000 miles
201426%—
201396%60,000 miles
20121012%60,000 miles
2011139%83,000 miles
201055%60,000 miles
200923%115,000 miles
200842%35,000 miles
2007103%90,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Body
    44
  • Body › Door
    3
  • Body › Hatchback/liftgate
    3
  • Frame and members › Underbody shields
    2
  • Frame and members
    1
  • Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
    1
  • Body › Trunk lid
    1

Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    1125%
  • 25k–50k
    716%
  • 50k–75k
    818%
  • 75k–100k
    920%
  • 100k–150k
    716%
  • 150k+
    25%

What owners report

Rear doors would not latch after being opened in 24 weather. This situation happened after the car was preheated outdoors and persisted throughout a 60 mile trip. Car had to be parked with the doors held shut using the seat belts to keep them closed. After returning during above freezing temperatures the door worked as it should. Children had to hold doors shut during trip.

2016 MKX · Body · Jan 2023

Tl* the contact owns 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that the vehicle liftgate inadvertently closed trapping her. The contact stated that the failure previously occurred twice and others were able to assist her. However, this time she was by herself and when the liftgate came down, she sustained a broken hip and femur which required medical attention. The vehicle was towed to boulevard Ford Lincoln of lewes (18443 coastal hwy, lewes, de 19958) were the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the manufacturer engineer was unable to diagnose the failure also. In addition, the contact stated that the side view mirror readjust independently while in reversing out of her driveway. …

2016 MKX · Body › Hatchback/liftgate · 17,000 miles · Oct 2019 · 1 injury

The vehicle liftgate no longer properly latches and has opened suddenly. The interior audible warning sound continuously alerts and the interior lights sometimes fail to turn-off. The 'Liftgate Ajar' warning light remains on. This problem seems similar to the recall on 2011 Lincoln MKX.

2013 MKX · Body · Feb 2023

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact noticed that the bumper was cracked and separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred months later. The contact mentioned that the bumper was attracting heat. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the technician noticed that the bumper was very hot and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.

2013 MKX · Body · 23,000 miles · Feb 2015

DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR SENSOR SAYS CAR DOOR IS OPEN EVEN WHEN DOOR IS FIRMLY SHUT. CAUSES DOORS NOT TO LOCK, INTERIOR AND PUDDLE LIGHTS REMAIN ON, DRAINS BATTERY, DOORS WON'T LOCK EVEN WITH CAR IN MOTION. Severe Rust problems under carriage Air Bag light remains on

2012 MKX · Body · May 2023

My 2012 Lincoln MKX is experiencing an issue with the brakes making it almost impossible to stop. The brake pedal is requiring extreme force to stop and goes all the way to the floor, followed by a hissing airy sound. The vehicle was taken to the Lincoln dealer who diagnosed the issue as a brakes and charged me $900. After picking up the vehicle and test driving it, the problem persisted. After re-diagnosing they pointed the finger to a hydraulic control unit. This issue poses great danger and the inability to stop without literally standing and applying force to the brakes. I have had to stop driving the car because when coming to a stop at any speed, the force needed to stop and a couple close calls with ramming in the back of someone, the car is just too dangerous. Additionally, I've had other issues with this car where the trunk will not stay open. …

2012 MKX · Body · 11,000 miles · Nov 2020

The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while the vehicle was turned off, the driver's side turn signal and parking lights remained illuminated with the other lights in the vehicle being inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V659000 (Structure) however, the Vin was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. There was no additional assistance provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000. Consumer stated left turn signals remain on (even with ignition off) will not flash. Passenger side will not activate at all.

2011 MKX · 111,000 miles · Jun 2021

This vehicle has been producing a strong exhaust/burning/sulfur smell in the cabin while using the climate control system/recirculator. There is a technical service bulletin out for this exact problem that states under certain conditions exhaust fumes can be pulled back into the cabin when using the climate controls. I took the vehicle to the dealership and paid $105.00 for them to tell me exactly what I already know. I would like to know what they did to pinpoint this specific problem. They told me TSB is not paid for by Ford. They quoted me $500-600 to fix the problem following the TSB. My wife and kids are in this vehicle 95% of the time and have complained to me about the nauseating smell. Not to mention exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide! The dealership said the rear bumper needs to be pulled off and numerous areas of the body sealed where fumes are getting in. …

2011 MKX · Body · 40,000 miles · Jul 2015

Related recalls (1)

Structure › Body

NHTSA recall 10V-659 · Dec 29, 2010 · 14,737 vehicles

Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 f-150, f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550, edge and Lincoln mkx vehicles. During a six-day production period, the supplier of the body control module manufactured modules that May have the potential for an internal short.

Remedy: Dealer will replace the body control module if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2011. Owners May contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Frequently asked questions

Which Lincoln MKX years have body problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (13), 2007 (10), 2012 (10), 2013 (9) and 2010 (5) model years. Body complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2011.

Is there a recall for Lincoln MKX body problems?

Yes — 1 recall, including 10V-659 (body, Dec 29, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Lincoln MKX body problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles; 41% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the body (44 mentions), followed by the body › door (3).

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.