2018 Lincoln Mkx

Routine

Owners filed 31 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the unknown or other. It has been recalled 5 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Unknown or Other6
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
000
Service Brakes4
000
Electrical System4
000
Engine2
000
Air Bags2
100
Wheels1
000
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior1
000
Structure › Body1
000
Steering1
000

5 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings25V544000
Filed Aug 22, 2025499,129 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The rear brake jounce hose may rupture and leak brake fluid.

Risk. A brake fluid leak can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the brake jounce hoses and adjust brake jounce hoses with no damage present, free of charge. Interim owner letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S87.

Service Brakes20V469000
Filed Aug 10, 2020488,594 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.

Risk. A ruptured front brake hose will cause a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S42.

Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust20V414000
Filed Jul 17, 202019,299 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more wires within the harness, which can result in either inadvertent deployment of the air bag or nondeployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.

Risk. An air bag that deploys inadvertently increases the risk of a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in the event of a crash increases the risk of injury.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective flocking tape onto the exposed edge of the 16-way seat cushion frames, and inspect the wire harness for damage, and repair or replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began August 12, 2020. Owners may contact Ford/Lincoln customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S37.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch18V612000
Filed Sep 11, 2018503 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles. These vehicles may have door striker bolts that are shorter than intended. Vehicles with shorter door striker bolts fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components" potentially resulting in the doors opening in the event of a crash.

Risk. If the doors open in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door striker bolts, free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C06.

Electrical System › Starter Assembly18V548000
Filed Aug 20, 201887 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, 2019 Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The power supply cables at the starter and the alternator may not have been properly secured, possibly resulting in an electrical arc.

Risk. An electrical arc can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and starter motor power supply cables to verify that they are properly secured, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S25.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Sep 16, 2026ME

My vehicle had an electrical recall; I took it in and it gotten worse. The vehicle is making noise, and saying 911 operator is unavailable. The turning signals turn on and off, if I turn one going left, it stays on a while, or I have to shut car off a while to get it to cooperate of it doesn't signal at all. The brake light is on, no airbag light on, has hill assist warning, park aid malfunction light when park aid works, powertrain malfunction light on, pressure monitor on, and I took it to the shop, the mechanic said he couldn't get the correct electrical info to change it. Service steering warning comes on and blinks. I was driving two separate occasions and the car put itself in park and it stop abruptly when I slowed down. I tried to download a new version and it will not update. Theirs static in my speakers even after I turn the car off and windshield wipers work when they want to. I have another appointment next week, theirs so many recalls on this car, the rear brake lines and other recalls I'm not sure if it was handled. The dealership said I have no issues with the last report but my car stoppin in traffic, can't put on signals is very dangerous.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 20, 2026TX

I have experienced this issue and it's been 9 months since the first issuance from Ford on this recall. I paid $523 to repair and this is insane since mechanic told me its an OME part so still going to possibly have same issue till recall is handled.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 1, 2026WI

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) However, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Engine
Filed Apr 14, 2026SC

Faulty catalytic converters. Ford has a CSP for the 2018 Lincoln mkx 3.7L engine and only included police driven Mkx's which is totally unfair when they're well aware that Faulty/failing emissions catalytic converters were installed on all of them and they fail and produce p0430 codes regardless of driving habits, I've never driven any of my vehicles harshly and maintain my vehicles, yet since I've owned this 2018 mkx since September of 2024, the rear catalytic converter had to be replaced and now the front catalytic converter is giving the same p0430 permanent code. Its bias of Ford to only extend police vehicles coverage and not regular consumers knowing that this emissions part is faulty because catalytic converters don't normally fail prematurely unless the parts are faulty. The original owner maintained this vehicle before me and I've maintained it since I've owned it, yet the catalytic converter has been replaced 3 times (carfax) which proves its Faulty. My 2005 Lincoln aviator had 303,000 miles before the engine blew, yet the catalytic converter had never been changed and I owned it for 15 years. I'd like an explanation from Ford as to why my 2018 Lincoln mkx 3.7L engine vehicle wasn't included in the CSP19M01. Ive owned a ford Explorer, Lincoln navigator and aviator that were built ford tough but this Lincoln mkx seems to be worse than a BMW. Thanking you in advance for your timely response. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

Engine
Filed Apr 4, 2026SC

My vehicle has had emissions vehicle since before I owned it up to now. The catalytic converter has been replaced 4 times which is unheard of. Its presently giving the same codes/issues. The last catalytic converter replacement was November of 2024. It has to be a computer programming issue as my mechanic express. Im asking that this be looked into by Ford. I've owned 1973 Ford Pinto as a teenager, a 1998 Ford Explorer, 2000 Lincoln navigator, 2005 Lincoln aviator and now this 2018 Lincoln mkx has been the only vehicle with this type of issue. Maintenance records can prove this vehicle has properly been maintained before and during my ownership. I only use Shell, sunoco and other top tier 87 octane gasoline in this vehicle and have records of that too. P0430 code has come back on even after replacing the purge valve twice, 2025 and last month 2026, then code p0430 came back stating catalytic converter smh.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 23, 2026MI

The 2018 Lincoln MKX Third Brake Light lens cracked off in 3 pieces while going through the automatic car wash dryer on the evening of Friday March 20, 2026. This appears to be an Engineering design issue.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 12, 2026OH

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 1, 2025TX

The contact's husband owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 1, 2025FL

The rear view camera is intermittent. The camera listed for replacement is F2GZ19G490C. That was a recall item listed for the problem that we are having . It is intermittent and is a safety hazard as indicated in the LINCOLN MKX 2015 THRU 2019. WHY IS IT INDICATED AS NOT HAVING A RECALL TO MY 2018 LINCOLN MKX VIN [XXX] . IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CAMERA F2GZ19G490C IS THE CAMERA LISTED AS THE REPLACEMENT AND THEY LIST IT AT FORD FOR $560.68. THE REPAIR DEPARTMENT TOLD ME IT WAS OVER $600 AND IT WOULD COST $1300 TO FIX IT. SOMETHING IT IS WRONG HERE BECAUSE i CAN GET THE REPLACEMENT FOR ABOUT $60 DOLLARS. IT LOOKS LIKE A DENIAL OF SERVICE UNDER A RECALL AND A REDICULOUS AMOUNT TO REPAIR THE DEFECTIVE ITEM WITH THE SAME TYPE. i WOULD LIKE TOO GET AN EXPLANATION ON THIS . [XXX] AT [XXX] OR [XXX] THANK YOU FOR LOOKING AT THIS PROBLEM AND GIVING ME A CLARIFYING ANSWER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System
Filed Nov 26, 2025KS

The 3rd brake light lens has separated from light assembly while in a drive thru carwash.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 17, 2025FL

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 13, 2025OH

Was advised by a law enforcement officer the high-mount stop lamp lens had detatched from the lamp housing. Apparently, the adhesive holding the plastic lens had deteriorated and allowed seperation of the components. The LED circuit board is now exposed to the elements. This without a doubt will cause the CHMSL to fail due to water and salt intrusion. Additionally, the non-diffused LED's are blinding drivers behind this vehicle at night. This failure occurred on the highway, and the lens nearly struck a car behind me.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 9, 2025MN

Rear overhead break light ripped off while driving down the road.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Apr 29, 202575,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the vehicle was scanned, and a fault code for the catalytic converter was retrieved. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Steering
Filed Jan 19, 2025IA

Passenger side front wheel fell off the axel.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 1, 2024VA

Subject: Urgent Health Risk Due to Mold in Lincoln MKX & Additional Considerations I'm submitting a formal complaint regarding our Lincoln MKX, purchased in 2018 with an extended warranty valid through 2026. A significant water leak has resulted in extensive mold and mildew buildup, posing severe health risks, particularly to my immunocompromised wife. Despite minimal use of the vehicle, exacerbated by reduced mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic declared by the WHO on March 11, 2020, we've discovered this longstanding issue, indicating it likely existed since purchase. The remediation process requires complete removal of the contaminated carpeting and padding, thorough cleaning of the underlying metal, and replacement with new materials to ensure safety. Efforts to resolve this with Ford/Lincoln have been met with inadequate support, not covering the extent of necessary repairs. Attached documentation and photographs outline the severity of the issue, the health implications, and our struggle for a satisfactory response from the manufacturer. We urge the NHTSA to consider these factors and our vehicle's low mileage as evidence of the defect's pre-existence and the pandemic's impact on its delayed detection. Immediate action is necessary to address this safety hazard.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 6, 2024FL

Catalytic converter internally failed on April 12th 2023 based on an initial check engine light Part# F2GZ-5E213-F converter assembly under ESP warranty @ 74,408. Returned back for check engine light 22, 888 miles later on 1/31/24 for check engine light . I was advised that although it was determined a part failure of catalytic converter , that it was my responsibility to pay for 2 catalytic converters, water pump and radiator for cost of $11k. Contacted Lincoln Conceirge they were unable to provide assistance .

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 18, 2023PA

When I utilize my ac or heat without pressing a certain button after a while I start smelling a burning smell coming through the vents. When I'm outside the vehicle I smell it as well. The smell is hard to pinpoint. A dealership told me that maybe I needed to change my air filters. However the burning smell still would happen just the same. Then they checked to see if anything(such as plastic or anything) was stuck to any components that get hot to no avail. But something is wrong and it's scary. Also my vehicle has a very rough idle which sometimes can feel like a rumble. A tune up was suggested and complete and I still have the same experience. I love my vehicle but growing tired.

Power Train
Filed Mar 14, 202343,000 milesNE

The contact owned a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while parked at an inclined position, the vehicle rolled backward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 2, 2023MS

Unknown/Uncertain as to why the floor is wet on right rear passenger. Dealer unable to detect why floor board is wet. I need answers because this is a health risk/ lungs risk for my family and myself due to questionable mold May probably grow from the wet carpet and wet spell

20 of 31 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20200100Routine
20190100Routine
2018 — this page31500Routine
201752500Routine
2016155730Routine
201519000Routine
201435100Routine
2013163121Fatalities reported
201284100Routine
2011149340Routine
2010111710Do not drive
200966700Do not drive
2008253720Do not drive
2007298680Do not drive

Compare every Mkx year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 22, 2025. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.