Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full
Data refreshed
Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
253
Latest Dec 4, 2025
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
1
Reports on file since Feb 21, 2008
What this page shows
Our database holds 253 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Lincoln Mkx. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaints, most recent first
Showing 1–25 of 253 · page 1 of 11
Fuel system
Filed Dec 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel-burning odor on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the abnormal fuel-burning odor was on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. While the contact was attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel tank had fractured and was leaking fuel. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). However, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
NHTSA ID
11703008
Incident
May 4, 2016
Mileage
180,000 mi
Engine
Filed May 1, 2025
I am reporting a serious mechanical defect in my 2008 Lincoln MKX involving the internal water pump. This vehicle uses the Ford 3.5L V6 Cyclone engine, where the water pump is mounted inside the engine and driven by the timing chain. My water pump failed unexpectedly, causing coolant to leak into the engine oil. This design flaw poses a serious safety risk due to potential engine failure while driving. This could lead to the engine seizing without warning, loss of power steering and braking, and increased risk of a crash. Ford and Lincoln are aware of this issue, and many owners have reported similar failures, but no recall has been issued. Repairs cost thousands of dollars and often require full engine replacement. This is a known design defect that puts drivers and passengers in danger. I urge NHTSA to investigate and mandate a recall before someone is seriously injured or worse. This failure is unpredictable, dangerous, and affects many vehicles using this engine platform
NHTSA ID
11658100
Incident
May 1, 2025
Driver assistance
Filed May 1, 2025
I am reporting a serious mechanical defect in my 2008 Lincoln MKX involving the internal water pump. This vehicle uses the Ford 3.5L V6 Cyclone engine, where the water pump is mounted inside the engine and driven by the timing chain. My water pump failed unexpectedly, causing coolant to leak into the engine oil. This design flaw poses a serious safety risk due to potential engine failure while driving. This could lead to the engine seizing without warning, loss of power steering and braking, and increased risk of a crash. Ford and Lincoln are aware of this issue, and many owners have reported similar failures, but no recall has been issued. Repairs cost thousands of dollars and often require full engine replacement. This is a known design defect that puts drivers and passengers in danger. I urge NHTSA to investigate and mandate a recall before someone is seriously injured or worse. This failure is unpredictable, dangerous, and affects many vehicles using this engine platform
NHTSA ID
11658099
Incident
May 1, 2025
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
NHTSA ID
11614318
Incident
Sep 12, 2024
Mileage
165,000 mi
Brakes
Filed May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the brake pedal was firm when depressed, and the vehicle was slow to respond. There was an abnormal hissing noise detected from the dashboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Cavalier Ford Greenbrier (1515 S Military Hwy, Chesapeake, VA 23320), who informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN and to schedule an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V469000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
NHTSA ID
11586390
Incident
May 1, 2024
Mileage
91,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 10, 2023
My front sliding panaromic sunroof glass blew right off the vehicle while I was driving on the highway. Not to mention my sunroof was closed. I heard a gust off wind and then my sunshade started flobbing from the wind ans thats when I noticed something was wrong. I pulled over and the glass was completely gone off the car. It could have caused a major accident or even hit and killed someone. Definitely a manufacturing defect. No warning signs or problems with it beforehand as well.
NHTSA ID
11516348
Incident
Apr 7, 2023
Airbags
Filed Nov 17, 2022
Crash reported1 injury reported
The contact owned a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V001000 (Air Bags) and later Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact had made several attempts to set up recall appointments, however, the dealer kept advising her that the parts were not available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and following a right bend on the road she crashed into a parked vehicle. The contact stated that it was raining and the road surface was wet. The contact's vehicle crashed into the driver's side of the parked car, damaging the rear quarter panel and both doors. The contact's vehicle had damage to the front driver-side bumper and headlight, and the passenger door which was crushed by the impact. The contact stated that both side-impact air bags deployed but did not inflate and that the driver and passenger front air bags had not deployed. The contact stated that she received minor cuts to her left leg and bruises to the left side of her face, neck and shoulders. The contact stated that she had been transported by ambulance for medical attention. The contact's vehicle was towed from the scene and taken to an impound lot where it had later been declared a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. The police had filed a report. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ID
11494012
Incident
Nov 13, 2022
Mileage
230,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Nov 9, 2022
Crash reported1 injury reported
The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while his son was pulling up to a stop sign prior to pulling into oncoming traffic and noticed a dump truck speeding that lost control and eventually crashed into the passenger side door. No air bags deployed. The driver had received injuries to their shoulder, arm, and minor whiplash. No medical attention was needed. The driver of the truck had not received any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle had been towed to a body shop. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
NHTSA ID
11492865
Incident
Nov 4, 2022
Mileage
75,000 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 23, 2022
MKX has 75000 miles on it and the tss and oss sensors have gone out. Car goes into limp mode and will barely move, it shifts very hard, speed odometer quits and all the warning lights come on. If you stop let it sit and restart car it resets issue but you never know when it will happen again. It can happen at cruising speed or at start of car. VERY unsafe
NHTSA ID
11470718
Incident
Jun 20, 2022
Airbags
Filed Jun 13, 2022
I sold this vehicle over three years ago to Enterprise Car Sales in Santa Clara, CA. I have responded to these recall statements without success. Please tell me what I need to do ??
NHTSA ID
11469039
Incident
Jun 13, 2022
AirbagsBrakesEngine
Filed Mar 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the ABS, air bag, and check engine warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the ABS sensor; however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.
NHTSA ID
11458318
Incident
Oct 1, 2021
Mileage
134,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jan 20, 2022
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) and contacted the manufacturer for assistance with locating a dealer who had the parts for the recall repair; however, the manufacturer informed her that the local dealers did not yet have parts for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA ID
11448192
Incident
Jan 20, 2022
Filed Jun 21, 2021
Fire reported2 injuries reported
The fuel system was faulty on my 2008 MKX, my life as well as my family life was almost loss due to the fact that my MKX caught on fire. Everytime I would put gas in my truck when i got back in the cabin I always smell gas. One time when i was on my way to work I walked outside and smelled gas and when I looked under my truck I could see the gas leaking out at an alarming rate, i put a pan under it and went to work to tell them i need some time off cause if someone walk by my car smoking they would blow up, I got it fix and it was the fuel system and cost me 800 dollars and at that time the mileage was around 117000. Yesterday on fathers day I watch my MKX burn to the ground and me and my family almost didnt make it out. Lincoln knew about this problem since 2013 and have done nothing about it, to this day there are Innocence people driving these MKX and their life is in danger just like my family life was put in danger and they knew about the problem NHTSA campaign number 14V68200 (fuel system, gasoline) since 2013 here it is 2021 and I almost loss my family and they knew since 2013, 9 years later and i had the same problem and at the same mileage as these other complaints
NHTSA ID
11421749
Incident
Jun 20, 2021
Interior & seats
Filed May 12, 2021
MY MKX DRIVER SEAT AND PASSENGER SEAT KEEP ROCKING BACK AND FORTH. MY FIANC WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WE START TO SLOW DOWN ON A CITY STREET AND AS HE IS STOPPING HIS SEAT ROCKS BACK AND HIS FOOT COMES OF THE BREAK AND ALMOST HITS THE BACK OF ANOTHER CAR. I'M SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT ALSO FEELING MY SEAT MOVE AS WELL. I LOOK OVER AT HIM AND SEE HIS FACE AND YOU CAN TELL HE GOT SCARED FOR A SECOND BECAUSE HE IS WONDERING WHY HIS SEAT ROCKED BACK AND HE ALMOST HIT A CAR IN FRONT OF HIM.IT IS ALSO HAPPENING WHEN ACCELERATING. MAKING IT A SAFETY HAZARD AS WELL BECAUSE YOU ARE SLOWING DOWN WHILE THE DRIVER BEHIND US IS SPEEDING UP AND COULD POSSIBLY HIT US BECAUSE OUR FOOT IS NO LONGER ON THE GAS.
NHTSA ID
11416353
Incident
Apr 24, 2021
Body & structure
Filed May 3, 2021
REAR PANORAMIC STATIONARY GLASS (SUNROOF) SHATTERED ON ITS OWN, NO IMPACT FROM ANYTHING. SHATTERED IN ALL 4 CORNERS. CAR WAS STATIONARY IN PARKING LOT.
NHTSA ID
11414949
Incident
Mar 5, 2021
Mileage
170,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 24, 2021
MY PASSENGER REAR DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK. TOU CAN'T OPEN FROM OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. MY GRANDSON GOT STUCK. I HAD TO HAVE HIM USE A DIDN'T DOOR TO GET OUT. IF THERE WAS A ACCIDENT HE WOULD HAVE BEEN STUCK IN THERE. IT WAS STATIONARY
NHTSA ID
11413674
Incident
Apr 2, 2021
Mileage
221,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 15, 2021
ENGINE COMPUTER /TRANSMISSION /ALT AT BILL TALLEY FORD ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INSTALLED ALT. THEN WAS TOLD I HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS NEVER HAD BEFORE THEY PROGRAMED ENGINE COMPUTER TWO TIMES AND GAVE THE CAR BACK BACK TO ME WITH PROBLEMS I NEVER HAD AND COULD SOLVE
NHTSA ID
11396324
Incident
Dec 16, 2020
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 7, 2020
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND TRANSMISSION SHIFT TO LOW BY ITSELF. IT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO GET IT. THE PTU IS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. YOUNEVERKNOW WHEN IT IS LOW. THIS CAR HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE IT WAS MANUFACTURED AND THEY NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM. IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED AND NEEDS A HEAT SHIELD BETWEEN THE PTU AND THE ENGINE TO KEEP IT FROM LEAKING AND CAUSING DANGEROUS SITUATIONS ON THE ROAD. THE CAR SMOKES SO BAD THAT IT LOOKS LIKE IT IS ON FIRE. SCARED TO DRIVE BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THE FLUID IS LOW. YOU CAN SEE THE LEAK FROM THE PTU UNDER THE CAR. NOT MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINED ABOUT IT BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW ABOUT THIS WEBSITE. THIS IS REALLY DANGEROUS IF IT DOESN'T GET RECALLED SOON. WHEN THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. SO THEY FIXED IT THEN BUT WHEN THE WARRANTY WAS UP. IT WAS UP TO THE CUSTOMER TO DISHUP 2500.00 TO FIX IT. YOU CAN CALL AMCCO IN ZANESVILLE OHIO THEY WILL TELL YOU HOW MANY GOT FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. THE PROBLEM IS THE PTU IS SO CLOSE TO THE ENGINE IT BURNS THE FLUID IN IT. EVENTUALLY IT WEARS OUT OTHER SEALS IN THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH MAKES THINGS WORST. MY CAR SITS MOST OF THE TIME. TOO SCARED TO DRIVE IT. PLEASE HELP ME GET A RECALL ON THIS. IF YOU LOOK UP PROBLEMS WITH 2008 LINCOLN MKX YOU WILL SEE THAT IS ONE OF THE MAIN PROBLEMS
NHTSA ID
11378213
Incident
Nov 20, 2020
Mileage
220,725 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 19, 2020
THE PTU LEAKS TRANSMISSION FLUID. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS A PROBLEM SINCE THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. I WANTED TO KNOW WHY THERE WASN'T A RECALL ON IT. IT CAN DAMAGE OTHER SEALS ON CAR AND CAUSE A SAFETY HAZARD. I JUST BROUGHT MY CAR A MONTH AGO AND WAS NEVER TOLD ABOUT IT. I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE IT THAT OFTEN TILL I GET IT FIXED. MY CAR WAS NOT SHIFTING RIGHT, SMOKING, AND I HAVE TO ADD TRANSMISSION FLUID TO IT. THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL IF IT HAS TOO MUCH, WHICH WILL CAUSE IT TO HAVE OTHER PROBLEMS IN THE LONG RUN. YOU SEE THE SMOKE WHEN DRIVING. IT LOOKS LIKE THE CAR IS ON FIRE
NHTSA ID
11375459
Incident
Oct 20, 2020
Mileage
220,675 mi
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Aug 27, 2020
HAD ALL AIR FILTERS REPLACED AND AIR UNIT REPLACED DUE TO OVER HEATING BUT STILL WHEN TURN AIR ON AND ON SEATS JUMPS OR LOSES THROTTLE AND LIGHTS GO OFF AND AT TIMES SEATS RE ADJUST WHILE DRIVING, KEEPS HAPPING CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT
NHTSA ID
11351658
Incident
Jul 25, 2020
Mileage
160,000 mi
BrakesEngineSuspension
Filed Aug 27, 2020
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS ALIGNMENTS AND TIRES SINCE GOT THIS VEHICLE LAST YEAR AND NOW IT'S SHACKING, RIDES LIKES I HAVE A FLAT OR WEAVING UP AND DOWN AND STARTING TO PULL/ STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING AND CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG STILL HAS ALL ORIGINAL PARTS! LIGHTS GO THRU BULBS AND CAN'T SEE
NHTSA ID
11351655
Incident
Jul 24, 2020
Mileage
160,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Aug 24, 2020
A PIECE OF PLASTIC BROKE ON THE POWER SEAT ACTUATOR, ALLOWING THE SEAT TO CHANGE POSITION UNEXPECTEDLY, PARTICULARLY WHEN ACCELERATING.. THE MANUFACTURER DOES NOT SELL THE BROKEN POWER SEAT ACTUATOR SEPARATELY. INSTEAD, IT WANTS $1100 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT BASE. THE RESULT IN THAT PEOPLE CANNOT AFFORD TO GET THIS SAFETY ITEM FIXED
NHTSA ID
11350976
Incident
Jul 1, 2020
Mileage
85,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 27, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LINCOLN MKX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER FAILED WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ADDITIONAL FORCE WAS APPLIED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY WARNING LIGHTS BEING ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED BRONDES FORD LINCOLN MAUMEE (1475 ARROWHEAD RD, MAUMEE, OH 43537), AND INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
NHTSA ID
11341631
Incident
Jul 20, 2020
Mileage
150,000 mi
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed May 5, 2020
THE VEHICLE WILL INITIALLY HAVE THE SPEED ODOMETER DROP TO 0 MPH WHILE STILL MOVING. A "WRENCH" LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE ALONG WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER AND NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. ONCE THE VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP, THE DRIVER MUST PUSH THE ACCELERATOR DOWN UNTIL THE TACH READS APPROX. 3000 RPMS BEFORE THE VEHICLE WILL START MOVING AGAIN. WHEN IT IS MOVING IT SHIFTS ERRATICALLY AND "BANG" THE GEARS. IF THE DRIVER, AFTER STOPPING, TAKES THE VEHICLE OUT OF DRIVE AND PUTS IN REVERSE, IT BANGS THE TRANSMISSION SO HARD IT FEELS IT GOING TO DROP OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED TO ME A NUMBER OF TIMES. THE IMAGE I ATTACHED I WAS GOING 55 MPH. *TR
NHTSA ID
11323414
Incident
Apr 6, 2020
Mileage
77,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 17, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 LINCOLN MKX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE) IN 2015 BY BRAD MANNING FORD INC., LOCATED AT (901 S 4TH ST, DEKALB, IL 60115 815-756-6325), DUE TO A FUEL LEAK. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE REPAIR WAS IMPROPERLY PERFORMED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS LEAK AT THE SEAMS OF THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO LINCOLN DIVISION AND WAS INSTEAD REFERRED TO CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY. FORD MOTOR COMPANY WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPAIRED OUT OF POCKET AT A COST OF $2,000. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,550.
NHTSA ID
11318365
Incident
Mar 13, 2020
Mileage
125,550 mi
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
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