Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 5 | 16% | 7,000 miles |
| 2017 | 13 | 25% | 42,000 miles |
| 2016 | 27 | 17% | 17,000 miles |
| 2015 | 5 | 26% | 30,000 miles |
| 2014 | 5 | 14% | 118,000 miles |
| 2013 | 30 | 18% | 40,000 miles |
| 2012 | 17 | 20% | 89,000 miles |
| 2011 | 41 | 28% | 79,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% | 3,000 miles |
| 2009 | 7 | 11% | 80,000 miles |
| 2008 | 11 | 4% | 100,000 miles |
| 2007 | 14 | 5% | 75,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
My vehicle had an electrical recall; I took it in and it gotten worse. The vehicle is making noise, and saying 911 operator is unavailable. The turning signals turn on and off, if I turn one going left, it stays on a while, or I have to shut car off a while to get it to cooperate of it doesn't signal at all. The brake light is on, no airbag light on, has hill assist warning, park aid malfunction light when park aid works, powertrain malfunction light on, pressure monitor on, and I took it to the shop, the mechanic said he couldn't get the correct electrical info to change it. Service steering warning comes on and blinks. I was driving two separate occasions and the car put itself in park and it stop abruptly when I slowed down. I tried to download a new version and it will not update. …
July 25, 2018: upon starting car while stationary in a parking spot, dash light and info clusters did not light up. Upon further inspection, driving and brake lights did not work or light up. Turned off car, re-started. All lights worked, then drove to an appointment approximately 5 miles away in suburban traffic. July 28, 2018: while parking the car in motion near our hotel in fredericksburg, va (marriott courtyard downtown) all car lights went out. Finished parking car while lights remained out and then went to dinner. Upon returning to car 1 1/2 hour later, lights went on after starting car. August 7, 2018: when my wife was driving the car in a suburban area in motion, all lights went out. She immediately drove home and we called the dealer for service. On August 15, 2018 the car was completed and was ready to take home, which we did without incident. …
The contact owns 2017 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving at highway speeds. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle would operate normally. The contact stated that during the failure, the check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable the determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 58,000.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Battery drain How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? stranded due to battery failure Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No
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.
While traveling on interstate 90 a approx 60 MPH. The vehicle started slowing down. I looked at the speedometer and it read 0. Seconds later the dash power flashed and went completely dark. I'm had absolutely no power at 60mph on an interstate. Fortunately, I was able to cruise along at make it to the next exit and stop on the side of the road. Once stopped, I took gear out of drive and put it in park. I push the start button and it started up. Fortunately, I was able to make it home but I was completely terrified that it would happen again. Soon as I made it home, I began researching Lincoln MKX to see if this has happened to anyone else. To my horror, many Lincoln MKX owners have reported the same problem. There is no recalls listed on my VIN. This vehicle is a death trap and Lincoln need to address this issue immediately. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKX. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power and the low oil pressure warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the computers had a glitch, which triggered a false warning indicator that resulted in loss of power. The technician was unable to remedy the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.
Related recalls (3)
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 system › Starter assembly
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, 2019 Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The power supply cables at the starter and the alternator may not have been properly secured, possibly resulting in an electrical arc.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and starter motor power supply cables to verify that they are properly secured, correcting them as necessary, free of charge.
Electrical system › Software
Ford is recalling certain model year 2011 Ford f-150, f-250, f-350, f-450, f-550, edge, and Lincoln mkx trucks manufactured from October 25, 2010, through November 20, 2010. These vehicles were inspected using integrated diagnostic system (ids) that had a custom software routine to read the suspect body control module (BCM)…
Remedy: Dealer will inspect the body control module and if necessary replace it free of charge. The safety recall began on March 7, 2011. Owners May contact Ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lincoln MKX years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (41), 2013 (30), 2016 (27), 2012 (17) and 2007 (14) model years. Electrical complaints make up 28% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for Lincoln MKX electrical problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 19V-809 (cables, Nov 12, 2019); 18V-548 (starter assembly, Aug 20, 2018); 11V-128 (software, Feb 24, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Lincoln MKX electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles; 45% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the instrument cluster/panel (3 mentions), followed by the 12v/24v/48v battery › cables (1).
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.