Lincoln MKX Reliability and Common Problems

There’s a lot to love about the Lincoln MKX. All of its model years have something great to offer, from advanced safety features and superb fuel efficiency to excellent steering and engine performance. Even its resale value is good, only depreciating by 32% in five years, according to CarEdge.com.

Is the Lincoln MKX a Reliable SUV?

The Lincoln MKX enjoys above-average reliability ratings, with some model years scoring better than others. RepairPal gave it a rating of 3.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 9th out of 14 luxury midsize SUVs in its category. Meanwhile, J.D. Power rated the 2018 Lincoln MKX an 79/100 on quality and reliability.

Meanwhile, US News & World Report ranked the 2018 Lincoln MKX 7th out of 19 luxury midsize SUVs, giving it a rating of 7.7 out of 10. With these figures, it’s apparent that with careful handling and regular maintenance, the Lincoln MKX can easily enjoy a long service life.

Top Lincoln MKX Problems

Although the Lincoln MKX is one dependable luxury midsize SUV, it still has its fair share of problems. Here are the most commonly reported issues for different model years:

Throttle Failure and Engine Stalling

Many owners of the 2016 Lincoln MKX have reported problems with its throttle body. Some of them complained that their vehicle lost total acceleration on the highway and the warning light and wrench symbol lit up on their dashboard. When they brought their SUV to the dealer for repairs, the technicians identified a faulty throttle body intake as the culprit.

Engine stalling is among the most reported 2016 Lincoln MKX problems. Some owners complained that their engine shut down intermittently while their vehicle was in drive. An error displayed on the tachometer screen that reads “full accessory power active” usually accompanies the issue. Once the engine stops, all electrical parts resume working.

For some, the wrench light switched on before the engine stalled. For others, the SUV suddenly jerked violently before stopping. A lot of owners experienced throttle failure as early as under 10,000 miles. Ford has issued a recall to address this problem.

Rattle Noise from Headliner

According to some owners of the 2013 Lincoln MKX, problems with the headliner are common for some units of this model year. Poor fitment of the headliner can make the sunroof area of the MKX create a rattling noise. This sound is reportedly caused by the foam isolation blocks detaching from the headliner. This problem also affected 2008-2011 Lincoln MKXs.

Many owners have reported hearing consistent rattling noises from the headliner. The reason behind the sounds varies from the headliner becoming loose to the headliner sagging behind the sunroof.

To repair this, the foam blocks should be re-secured with cable or zip ties. An ill-fitting headliner that’s making rattling noises may be covered by a warranty.

Coolant Leaks

Many owners of the 2011 Lincoln MKX have complained about coolant leaks in their SUV. Drivers have reported that their vehicle would make clicking noises before completely shutting down. Some noticed the yellow coolant light and check engine light come on before their MKX stopped working. In some cases, smoke started coming out of their hood.

Door Ajar Sensor Issues

According to some owners of the 2011 Lincoln MKX, problems with the door ajar sensor are common for the model. This sensor reportedly works intermittently, causing the lights inside of their SUV to stay on even after they left the vehicle. Others have complained that their door ajar sensor light turns on even though the door is closed. In some cases, the panic alarm may go off due to the issue.

Some owners had to slam their door repeatedly or close it lightly to turn off the sensor. Fortunately, replacing the switch usually fixes this problem.

Brake Problems

Although complaints from those who drive a 2010 Lincoln MKX are fewer compared to other model years, that does not mean that it’s perfect.

Hissing noises may be heard from the brake pedal before it starts to malfunction. The brake pedal may squeak or feel low while groaning sounds may be heard from the brake boosters.

Ford has released several technical service bulletins (TSBs) to address this issue. Some models’ brake booster issues may even be covered by the extended warranty.

Fluid Leak from Axle Area

Many owners of the 2008 Lincoln MKX have reported problems caused by a leaking axle seal and power transfer unit (PTU) cover seal.

Aside from hearing whining noises coming from the vehicle, drivers may notice red or brown liquid leaking from both sides of the vehicle. The red fluid typically comes from the transmission, whereas the brown fluid comes from the PTU.

This problem also affected 2007-2014 Lincoln MKXs. Most owners were able to resolve the leak by replacing the seals.

Foam Seal Popping Out

According to some owners of the 2007 Lincoln MKX, the foam seal between their SUV’s dash and the windshield slipped out of place. This allowed water to enter the front driver side floorboard when it’s raining or the vehicle is being washed. Reports show that the foam seal of 2008 could also exhibit the same problem.

Some owners tried fixing this by shoving the foam seal back in with a paint stick. However, this was just a temporary fix, as the foam seal pops back out after some time. To resolve this issue, most drivers had to remove the windshield and replace the foam seal.

If you’re in the market for a Lincoln MKX, be prepared to embrace the good and the potential bad. As long as you know the issues that the specific model year you’re planning to get may have, buying it should come with little risk. Knowing what to watch out for will also help you avoid costly repairs through preventive maintenance, so you can maximize the service life of your luxury midsize SUV.

Where to Buy Parts For Your Lincoln MKX

Throttle failure, engine stalling, coolant leaks, and brake problems are all issues you could face when driving a Lincoln. The good thing is that you can prolong your vehicle’s lifespan and prevent complex and costly repairs by nipping them in the bud. The key is to choose high-quality replacement parts for maintenance and repairs. Luckily, CarParts.com has a catalog of top-notch Lincoln MKX parts for you to choose from.

Browsing our website is easier thanks to our user-friendly interface. With everything one click away, you can narrow down our selection to the MKX parts that you need. Our team of industry experts carefully curates and checks our products before shipping to make sure that you’re getting the best value for your money.

Don’t sit around and wait for the issues to start piling on before repairing your Lincoln MKX. Shop now, and get the best deals on high-quality aftermarket parts!