YearToAvoid

2013 Lincoln MKX Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

100/100

#1 most-complained of 11 MKX years

The 2013 Lincoln MKX has the highest Complaint Index (100) among all 11 model years tracked, ranking worst overall with 163 complaints, 1 recall, and a median failure mileage of 59,000. Brakes are the top problem area, accounting for 42% of complaints.

Complaints
163
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
7 / 2
Injuries / deaths
2 / 1
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
20
18 city / 24.5 hwy

Top 2013 Lincoln MKX problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Brakes68 (42%)
  2. Electrical System33 (20%)
  3. Engine23 (14%)
  4. Other22 (13%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain16 (10%)
  6. Structure & Body10 (6%)
  7. Collision Avoidance & Cameras7 (4%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (4%)
  9. Fuel System5 (3%)
  10. Steering4 (2%)

What owners report

  • Owners report brake pedal going soft or sinking to the floor unexpectedly, sometimes leading to a collision.
  • Some describe repeated brake system failures involving multiple brake boosters and a master cylinder replacement.
  • Owners report the SYNC infotainment screen going black or the navigation and radio functions failing, sometimes requiring a computer module replacement.
  • One owner reported a burning smell and fluid leaking from the transfer case while driving at low speeds.
  • A steering seizure was reported along with a low oil pressure warning and sluggish braking near a stop sign.
  • One owner reported a vehicle fire that melted the cabin interior while the car was parked.
2013 Lincoln MKX complaints: complaints filed per quarter132013 Q22016 Q12017 Q32019 Q12020 Q32022 Q12023 Q42025 Q3
201 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q3 (13).

2013 Lincoln MKX recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 14V393000Jul 2, 2014Transmission & Powertrain83,250 vehicles

    Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.

    Risk: If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.

2013 Lincoln MKX fuel economy and fuel cost

City
18 MPG
Highway
24.5 MPG
Combined
20 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,250
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2013 compared with other MKX years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020102011201220132014201520162017201820192020
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2011Avoid80149320
2012Caution6084120
2013Avoid100163120
2014Good3035120
2015Best2019019.5

All Lincoln MKX years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Lincoln MKX reliable?
Compared to other MKX model years, 2013 ranks worst, with a Complaint Index of 100 and 163 owner complaints, giving it an 'Avoid' verdict relative to other years.
What is the biggest problem with the 2013 Lincoln MKX?
Brakes are the top problem area, making up 42% of complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 90,700 miles.
Does the 2013 Lincoln MKX have any recalls?
NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 14V393000) for a halfshaft retention issue affecting the transmission and powertrain.
How does the 2013 MKX compare to other years?
The 2013 model has a Complaint Index of 100, higher than every other year listed, including 2016 (90) and 2011 (80), making it the worst-ranked year for owner complaints.
What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Lincoln MKX?
EPA rates the 2013 MKX at 20 mpg combined (18 city / 24.5 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $3,250.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.