2013 Lincoln MKX: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 163 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (35% of complaints); the 2012 and 2014 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 163 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“1. Rear diff is making grinding noise, front ptu is making a grinding noise and pinion seal is leaking, front axle throwing grease out inner boot. 2. Car stopping in middle of travel. Had a hard time getting it off the road. 3. The problem was confirmed by the dealership car was purchased from. 4. Only inspected by dealership mechanic. 5. Only by dealership mechanic. 6. There were no warning lamps prior to failure. The grinding was happening at time of purchase.”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2026
“The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal, with the transmission warning light illuminated. Occasionally, the contact was forced to shut off the vehicle and wait a few moments before restarting, after which the vehicle resumed normal operation. The vehicle was initially towed to the dealer twice; however, the dealer could not duplicate or diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and another service appointment was made. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2026
“Brake failure. Pedal drops, especially when ABS is activated. Dealer diagnosed ABS control module and HCU hydraulic leak. Parts for this are on back order per dealer leaving me with a dangerous driving situation or inability to use my vehicle. No warning lamp or message displays. The fact that the parts to fix a major safety item are not available is unacceptable.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH and while attempting to make a right turn, the contact heard a grinding noise coming from the front of the vehicle on the front passenger's side. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V393000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2025
“The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera failed to display an image. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the backup prevention camera. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Back Over Prevention · May 2025
“Moonroof glass component off track described by third party Lincoln/Ford mechanic, and will not go back on track when using buttons to open and close.”Owner report · Visibility · Nov 2024
“On two occasions i was on my way to church when the brake pedal went completely to the floor with no braking effect. i pumped the brake peddle several times and then in both instances braking was reestablished. These instances happened about a month and a half apart.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2024
“The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated when the vehicle was started the "Service Brakes" warning light illuminated. The contact stated that several other unknown warning lights were illuminated when the vehicle was started several days later. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed who retrieved DTC code: U3000; 49-68. The dealer determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the parts to repair the vehicle were on a national backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,109.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2024
“Vehicle randomly dies while driving. Can happen at anytime and at any speed. No warning at all. Does not leave a check engine light so no code is recorded. Very dangerous. Otherwise vehicle runs well but is too dangerous to drive. All steering, acceleration, brakes, etc. are lost when it dies. Will immediately start back up if in park or neutral and foot on the brake. Again - DANGEROUS! This has been going on for over 6 months now. Some days all ok and other days can be multiple events.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2024
“Brake booster is a known issue with these cars. It failed today and my car has 100,000 miles. Ford has issued a customer satisfaction notice, but they refuse to fix my car because it was built 3 months too early.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2013 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact MKX by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Lincoln MKX reliable?
NHTSA has 163 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2013 Lincoln MKX. The most complained-about area is service brakes (35% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2013 Lincoln MKX problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 59,500 miles or less.
Does the 2013 Lincoln MKX have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning power train:axle assembly:axle shaft. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.