What years of the Lincoln MKX should I avoid?

NHTSA data points to 2011, 2013, and 2016 as the years to avoid, with Complaint Index scores of 80, 100, and 90 respectively — the three highest among all 11 model years covered.

What is the best year for the Lincoln MKX?

The 2015 Lincoln MKX is the best year, with a Complaint Index of only 20 and just 19 total complaints, the lowest complaint count of any year with data.

What is the most common problem with the Lincoln MKX?

Across all years, brakes are the top problem area, accounting for 256 complaints, or 32% of the total, followed by electrical system issues at 20% and engine problems at 17%.

Is the 2013 Lincoln MKX reliable?

The 2013 MKX has the highest Complaint Index (100) of any MKX year and ranks worst overall, with brakes accounting for 42% of its complaints and one reported death.

How many recalls does the Lincoln MKX have?

Across the 2010-2020 model years, the Lincoln MKX has 20 recall campaigns total, with 2016 alone accounting for 7 of them.

Lincoln MKX Best and Worst Years (2010–2020)

Avoid the 2011, 2013, and 2016 Lincoln MKX, which post the highest Complaint Index scores (80, 100, and 90) out of all 11 model years. The 2015 MKX is the best year, with a Complaint Index of just 20 and only 19 complaints. Brakes, electrical, and engine issues dominate across the avoid years.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2011 Avoid 2013 Avoid 2016 Best 2015

Model years: 11; 2010–2020
NHTSA complaints: 799
Recall campaigns: 20
Crashes reported: 35
Fires reported: 10
Top problem area: Brakes

MKX Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Lincoln MKX problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Caution	70	111	9	1	6 !	Airbags	19.5	—
2011	Avoid	80	149	6	4	3	Electrical System	20	—
2012	Caution	60	84	2	0	1	Brakes	20	4★
2013	Avoid	100	163	7	2	1	Brakes	20	4★
2014	Good	30	35	2	0	1	Brakes	20	4★
2015	Best	20	19	1	0	0	Engine	19.5	4★
2016	Avoid	90	155	6	3	7	Brakes	19.5	5★
2017	Caution	50	52	0	0	5	Brakes	19.5	5★
2018	Good	40	31	2	0	5	Brakes	19.5	5★
2019	No verdict	0	0	0	0	1	—	—	—
2020	No verdict	10	0	0	0	1	—	—	—

MKX years to avoid: what went wrong

2013 Lincoln MKX Index 100 · 163 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2013 MKX has the highest Complaint Index of any year at 100, ranking worst overall. Brakes account for 42% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 90,700 miles, while electrical issues follow at 20% (40,500 miles) and engine at 14% (55,315 miles). Owners described vehicles catching fire, seatbelts failing to lock during crashes, transfer case fluid leaks with burning odors, and brake pedals sinking to the floor. One death was recorded for this year, along with 7 crashes and 2 fires, plus a transmission-related recall.

2013 brakes problems →2013 electrical system problems →2013 engine problems →

2016 Lincoln MKX Index 90 · 155 complaints · 7 recalls

The 2016 MKX has a Complaint Index of 90, ranking second-worst of all years. Brakes make up 37% of complaints (60,866 miles median), engine issues 25% (7,425.5 miles), and electrical problems 20% (17,000 miles), showing failures happening at very low mileage. Owners reported dashboard warnings followed by fires and smoke from the engine compartment, tailgates reopening unexpectedly, coolant leaks with empty reservoirs, and brake pedals going to the floor. This year carries 7 recalls, more than any other MKX year, including two separate brake hose recalls and a seat frame recall.

2016 brakes problems →2016 engine problems →2016 electrical system problems →

2011 Lincoln MKX Index 80 · 149 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2011 MKX carries a Complaint Index of 80 and ranks third-worst of all years. Electrical System complaints lead at 28% of the total, with a median failure mileage of 80,500 miles, followed by brakes at 21% (84,500 miles) and engine problems at 21% (55,500 miles). Owners reported unintended surging while parking, coolant warning lights paired with smoke, and body control module failures tied to three recalls covering electrical and structure/body systems. NHTSA logged 6 crashes and 4 fires for this year.

2011 electrical system problems →2011 brakes problems →2011 engine problems →

Most common Lincoln MKX problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Brakes256 (32%)
Electrical System159 (20%)
Engine136 (17%)
Other106 (13%)
Transmission & Powertrain70 (9%)
Airbags64 (8%)
Structure & Body60 (8%)
Fuel System33 (4%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires30 (4%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras28 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Lincoln MKX should I avoid?: NHTSA data points to 2011, 2013, and 2016 as the years to avoid, with Complaint Index scores of 80, 100, and 90 respectively — the three highest among all 11 model years covered.
What is the best year for the Lincoln MKX?: The 2015 Lincoln MKX is the best year, with a Complaint Index of only 20 and just 19 total complaints, the lowest complaint count of any year with data.
What is the most common problem with the Lincoln MKX?: Across all years, brakes are the top problem area, accounting for 256 complaints, or 32% of the total, followed by electrical system issues at 20% and engine problems at 17%.
Is the 2013 Lincoln MKX reliable?: The 2013 MKX has the highest Complaint Index (100) of any MKX year and ranks worst overall, with brakes accounting for 42% of its complaints and one reported death.
How many recalls does the Lincoln MKX have?: Across the 2010-2020 model years, the Lincoln MKX has 20 recall campaigns total, with 2016 alone accounting for 7 of them.