2013 Lincoln MKX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2013 Lincoln MKX has a complaint index of 62 and ranks 6th worst out of 14 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Brakes are the top problem area with 68 complaints (42% of all complaints) and a median failure mileage of 90,700.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 62/100
- #6 of 14 MKX years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 163
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 7
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 20
- 18 city / 24.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 1
Top 2013 Lincoln MKX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes68 (42%)
- Electrical System33 (20%)
- Engine23 (14%)
- Other22 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain16 (10%)
- Structure & Body10 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras7 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (4%)
- Fuel System5 (3%)
- Steering4 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brake pedals reportedly went soft or sank to the floor unexpectedly, in some cases leading to collisions.
- Owners describe repeated brake booster and master cylinder replacements after recurring spongy pedal problems.
- Some owners reported a burning smell and fluid leaking from the transfer case at low mileage.
- Electrical system complaints include the Sync infotainment screen going black or restarting on its own at highway speed.
- One owner reported a fire that melted the vehicle's cabin while parked.
- A steering seizure was reported along with a low oil pressure warning and sluggish braking at low mileage.
2013 Lincoln MKX recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2013 Lincoln MKX reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 62 for the 2013 MKX, ranking it 6th worst among 14 model years and rated Caution. Brakes are the leading concern, making up 42% of complaints.
- What is the most common problem on the 2013 Lincoln MKX?
- Brakes are the top problem area, with 68 complaints (42% share) and a median failure mileage of 90,700. Electrical system issues follow with 33 complaints.
- Does the 2013 Lincoln MKX have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall for the 2013 MKX, campaign 14V393000, covering the transmission and powertrain for halfshaft retention issues. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2013 MKX compare to other MKX years?
- The 2013 model's complaint index of 62 is better than 2007 (100), 2008 (92), and 2010 (85), all rated Avoid, but worse than 2012 (46, Good) and 2014 (23, Best).
- 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 estimated annual fuel cost of $3,250.