Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 5 | 16% | 75,000 miles |
| 2017 | 7 | 13% | 40,000 miles |
| 2016 | 33 | 21% | 7,000 miles |
| 2015 | 6 | 32% | 30,000 miles |
| 2014 | 8 | 23% | 16,000 miles |
| 2013 | 17 | 10% | 56,000 miles |
| 2012 | 8 | 10% | 47,000 miles |
| 2011 | 26 | 17% | 57,000 miles |
| 2010 | 4 | 4% | 96,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% | 153,000 miles |
| 2008 | 16 | 6% | 86,000 miles |
| 2007 | 21 | 7% | 91,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the vehicle was scanned, and a fault code for the catalytic converter was retrieved. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Faulty catalytic converters. Ford has a CSP for the 2018 Lincoln mkx 3.7L engine and only included police driven Mkx's which is totally unfair when they're well aware that Faulty/failing emissions catalytic converters were installed on all of them and they fail and produce p0430 codes regardless of driving habits, I've never driven any of my vehicles harshly and maintain my vehicles, yet since I've owned this 2018 mkx since September of 2024, the rear catalytic converter had to be replaced and now the front catalytic converter is giving the same p0430 permanent code. Its bias of Ford to only extend police vehicles coverage and not regular consumers knowing that this emissions part is faulty because catalytic converters don't normally fail prematurely unless the parts are faulty. …
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.
While driving on interstate 271/480 my check engine light started flashing and my car suddenly died putting me in harms way as I tried navigating 3 lanes to get to the berm. It was towed to 2 different Lincoln dealerships where they both confirmed the engine lost compression and would need a full replacement. This vehicle is only a 2017 and 100K miles and shouldn't have total engine failure at that age. I read articles on NHTSA investigating Ford engines and feel this may have a similar engine issue and is worth investigating. Please let me know how I can assist.
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.
Vehicle loses power, steering and braking without warning. Orange wrench alert illuminates. Car must be shut off and restarted. Very dangerous condition. Several other complaints online. This has happened twice, luckily at low speeds and little traffic.
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. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Lincoln MKX years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (33), 2011 (26), 2007 (21), 2013 (17) and 2008 (16) model years. Engine complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2016.
Is there a recall for Lincoln MKX engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Lincoln MKX model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Lincoln MKX engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles; 54% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the exhaust system (2 mentions), followed by the exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (2).
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.