YearToAvoid

2013 Lincoln MKX Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 16 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 Lincoln MKX, 10% of its 163 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 46,500. A related recall (14V393000) covers halfshaft retention on the same vehicles.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
16
10% of 163
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
46,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the shifter fails to register "park," triggering a "shift to park" or not-in-park dashboard warning and requiring repeated shifting between gears to clear it.
  • Some vehicles unexpectedly stall or lose power at highway speeds (around 50-75 mph), sometimes with the powertrain warning light on and no diagnostic codes found by dealers.
  • A wrench icon and limp mode have appeared periodically, forcing owners to park, stop, and restart the vehicle to regain normal operation.
  • Several owners describe the power transfer unit (PTU) or transfer case failing or leaking fluid, in one case accompanied by a burning odor and a reported fire.
  • Isolated reports describe sudden unexplained downshifts or a transmission that momentarily disengages (high RPM with no forward motion) before re-engaging.

When 2013 Lincoln MKX transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 23, 2017, latest Jun 8, 2026.

2013 Lincoln MKX transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month1Jun 2017Jun 2018Oct 2019Aug 2020Dec 2020Dec 2021Jan 2023Oct 2025
16 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2017 to Jun 2026; peak Jun 2017 (1).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2013 Lincoln MKX

  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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by MKX model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200735 (12%)
  2. 200830 (12%)
  3. 20093 (5%)
  4. 20104 (4%)
  5. 201112 (8%)
  6. 201211 (13%)
  7. 201316 (10%)
  8. 20147 (20%)
  9. 20155 (26%)
  10. 201611 (7%)
  11. 20173 (6%)
  12. 20181 (3%)
  13. 20190 (0%)
  14. 20200 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2013 Lincoln MKX have?
NHTSA lists 16 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2013 MKX, which is 10% of the 163 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do 2013 Lincoln MKX transmission problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 46,500 miles.
Is there a recall for 2013 Lincoln MKX transmission or powertrain issues?
Yes. Recall 14V393000, reported in 2014, covers 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles for halfshaft retention; Ford dealers inspect and repair as needed. It is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
What are the most common transmission complaints for the 2013 MKX?
Owners most often describe the shifter not registering park, sudden loss of power or stalling while driving, limp mode with a wrench icon, and power transfer unit or transfer case failures.
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to 2013 MKX transmission complaints?
NHTSA records show 0 crashes and 0 injuries among these complaints, though 1 fire was reported.

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.