RoadVitals

2013 Lincoln Mkx Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints 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.
163
Latest Jul 11, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
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.
9

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Lincoln Mkx, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

66
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11705002 · filed Dec 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal felt soft. The contact depressed the brake pedal to the floorboard while slowing the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the HECU was leaking, causing the brake booster and other braking systems to fail. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact was advised by an independent mechanic that the brake failure for the year, make, and model was known by the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID 11660991 · filed May 14, 2025
All 66 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

30
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Back up camera don't work half the time or it is upside down and don't allow proper visibility to back up safely. Have to rely on mirrors and windows to back up.

NHTSA ID 11749706 · filed Jul 11, 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.

NHTSA ID 11705002 · filed Dec 15, 2025
All 30 reports naming electrical

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11628023 · filed Nov 30, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that the heating and A/C units had increased to high levels. The defroster was fogging up the windshields. The driver had a limited visibility of the roadway. Additionally, the vehicle was running hot. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the thermostat and the center head module. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID 11562084 · filed Dec 27, 2023
All 17 reports naming engine

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Back up camera don't work half the time or it is upside down and don't allow proper visibility to back up safely. Have to rely on mirrors and windows to back up.

NHTSA ID 11749706 · filed Jul 11, 2026

My rear veiw camera only works when it wants to. It is either upside down and no use for backing up or black screen with no working message. I see other years are being recalled for that same reason.

NHTSA ID 11733840 · filed Apr 26, 2026
All 17 reports naming driver assistance

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11742681 · filed Jun 8, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11696437 · filed Oct 29, 2025
All 16 reports naming powertrain (other)

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle liftgate no longer properly latches and has opened suddenly. The interior audible warning sound continuously alerts and the interior lights sometimes fail to turn-off. The 'Liftgate Ajar' warning light remains on. This problem seems similar to the recall on 2011 Lincoln MKX.

NHTSA ID 11509638 · filed Mar 1, 2023

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY HOOD LATCHES COME UNDONE LEAVING HOOD COMPLETELY UNLATCHED. FIRST TIME, CAR WAS BEING BACKED OUT ON A CONCRETE DRIVEWAY AFTER SITTING FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THE SECOND TIME, ANOTHER DRIVER NOTICED IT AS I WAS LEAVING A PARKING LOT. HE EXITED HIS CAR AT A STOP SIGN TO TELL ME ABOUT IT AND TO CLOSE THE HOOD. NEITHER LATCH WAS ENGAGED IN EITHER INSTANCE AND WAS AFTER CAR SAT UNDRIVEN FOR A FEW HOURS UP TO 3-4 DAYS. NO DRIVING AT ANY TIME ON ROUGH TERRAIN, POT HOLES, OR GRAVEL/DIRT ROADS. ALL CITY OR HIGHWAY DRIVING M

NHTSA ID 11402604 · filed Mar 12, 2021
All 9 reports naming body & structure

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN YOU HIT THE GAS PEDAL YOU LOSE ALL ACCELERATION. YOU HAVE TO DRIFT TO A COMPLETE STOP, TURN THE CAR OFF AND THEN RESTART IT. HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT MULTIPLE TIMES AND ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MPH. THANKFULLY TRAFFIC WAS NOT HEAVY AND I WAS ABLE TO GET MY CAR STOPPED AND RESTARTED BEFORE THE POSSIBILITY OF SOMEONE RUNNING INTO US. THERE WAS NO SHOULDER TO PULL OFF ON BECAUSE OF CONSTRUCTION. IT WAS TERRIFYING. IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND THERE IS NO WARNING AS TO WHEN. A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND LINCOLN SEEMS TO NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS SO THEY SEND PEOPLE HOME IN THEIR DEFECTIVE VEHICLES BECAUSE AS THEY SAY THEY CAN'T GET THE PROBLEM TO DUPLICATE SO THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR AND SENT ME HOME NOW TWICE. TRUST ME THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY CAR AND MANY OTHERS AND IT IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD!!!

NHTSA ID 11366359 · filed Oct 26, 2020

CAR WAS IN MOTION AT 65MPH ON A 4 LANE FREEWAY TRAVELING IN LANE 2 OR 3. IT MADE A LOUD THUD AND THE WRENCH ICON APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. AT THE SAME TIME, THE GAS PEDAL NO LONGER PROVIDED ACCELERATION AND THE ONLY THING I COULD DO WAS COAST TO A STOP, WHILE MANEUVERING THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER. AFTER STOPPING I RESTARTED THE CAR AND IT FUNCTIONED PERFECTLY FINE. THE WRENCH LIGHT WAS NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. TWO MONTHS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE IN A FORWARD MOTION ON CITY STREETS...MADE A LOUD THUD, THE WRENCH ICON APPEARED. I WAS AT THE WEST SIDE OF A 4 LANE INTERSECTION AND BARELY HAD ENOUGH POWER TO COAST THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND PULL OVER ON THE EAST SIDE. AFTER SHUTTING THE CAR OFF, IT STARTED UP FINE AGAIN. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT NOW

NHTSA ID 11351426 · filed Aug 26, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11720331 · filed Feb 25, 2026

REAR END - REAR DIFFERENTIAL I TOOK CAR IN MANY MANY TIMES BECAUSE OF A STRANGE NOISE IT WAS MAKING AND THEY KEPT TELLING ME NOTHING IS WRONG, WELL NOW MY REAR END SOUNDS LIKE IT IS FALLING APART. THEY GAVE ME MY CAR BACK AND TOLD ME PARTS ARE ON A NATIONAL BACKORDER. NO WARNING LIGHTS IN THE CAR ARE ON, NOR EVER CAME ON. MY CAR WAS SERVICED REGULARLY BY THE LINCOLN DEALERSHIP, Bob Ferrando in Girard, PA. I ONLY DRIVE TO WORK AND STORE SO LITTLE MILEAGE. I AM JUST AT 64,000 MILES AND IT IS A 2013. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THEY ALSO HAVE A 2016 LINCOLN IN THE SHOP WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. I AM REPORTING THIS BEFORE ANY ACCIDENT OCCURS. DEALERSHIP GM HAS LIED TO ME SAYING THE HEAD OF SERVICE IS LOOKING INTO THIS AND HE WILL CALL ME. I WAITED AND WAITED THEN I CALLED HIM AND HE SAID THAT THE GM NEVER TALKED TO HIM ONCE ABOUT MY CAR OR SERVICE.

NHTSA ID 11432921 · filed Sep 14, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11623345 · filed Nov 3, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that the heating and A/C units had increased to high levels. The defroster was fogging up the windshields. The driver had a limited visibility of the roadway. Additionally, the vehicle was running hot. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the failure was due to the thermostat and the center head module. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID 11562084 · filed Dec 27, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle liftgate no longer properly latches and has opened suddenly. The interior audible warning sound continuously alerts and the interior lights sometimes fail to turn-off. The 'Liftgate Ajar' warning light remains on. This problem seems similar to the recall on 2011 Lincoln MKX.

NHTSA ID 11509638 · filed Mar 1, 2023

FRONT HEADLIGHTS (DRIVING LIGHTS) GO COMPLETELY OUT WHILE CAR IS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS STARTED WITH THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT WHEN THE CAR WAS LESS THAN TWO YEARS OLD AND NOW BOTH HEADLIGHTS GO OUT WHILE DRIVING. THE LIGHTS CAN BE TURNED BACK ON BY TURNING THE SWITCH OFF AND THEN BACK ON. VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE??

NHTSA ID 11156959 · filed Dec 8, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

STEERING LOCKED & POWER STOPPED. INTERIOR DASH LIGHTS REMAINED ON. REVERSED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT, SHIFTED TO DRIVE & STEERING LOCKED. I WAS BARELY ROLLING FORWARD. BRAKED, PUT ON FLASHERS, SHIFTED TO PARK & RESTARTED. A COUPLE OF DAYS EARLIER IT HAPPENED, BUT TWICE ? !

NHTSA ID 11405660 · filed Mar 30, 2021

MY VEHICLE'S POWER SHUT DOWN WITHOUT ANY WARNING ON BUSY CITY STREET (3 LANE ROAD). I WAS UNABLE TO STEER OR BRAKE. I HAD TO COAST OFF THE ROAD UNTIL CAR STOPPED. THEN I PUT IT INTO PARK. IT RESTARTED AND DROVE FINE AFTER THE RESTART. VERY SCARY. THANKFUL I WASN'T DRIVING 70 MPH ON BUSY INTERSTATE. THROTTLE BODY REPLACED RECENTLY AS ENGINE HAD BEEN BUCKING AND WASN'T ACCELERATING WHEN GAS PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED.

NHTSA ID 11245337 · filed Aug 20, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH with the radio playing, the contact stated that only the rear speaker was playing. The contact increased the volume to hear the sound in the front speakers; however, while merging onto the highway, the speakers in the front of the vehicle started working and the volume increased. The increased volume of the speakers startled the contact who jumped and jerked the steering wheel. The contact stated that the passenger in the vehicle suffered a panic attack and passed out with his eyes rolling back in his head. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

NHTSA ID 11562418 · filed Dec 28, 2023

MY TRANSFER CASE IN MY CAR BROKE AND I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR IN AUGUST. IS IT FROM THE RECALL?

NHTSA ID 11377245 · filed Dec 1, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK, RESULTING IN DEATH OF DRIVER. DRIVER HIT A TREE HEAD ON THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK CAUSING DRIVER TO COME UP HIT THE REAR VIEW MIRROR WITH BACK OF HEAD THEN LAND ON TOP OF STEERING WHEEL.

NHTSA ID 10993694 · filed Jun 7, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I bought the car 1 week before taking it to Ford Garage to be serviced and inspected. It has high mileage. over 208,000 miles. The engine light was on the previsce owner said it needed an 02 sensor, upon them checking it needed 2 02 sensors and a drivers side air bag replacement. upon them checking the car fax at the Ford garage the service manager told me that the vehicle had never been in an accident or any reported damage. do airbags normally just go bad. I had to replace airbag so that it would pass West Virginia's state inspection. the service manager got upset at me when I asked why it needed replaced. he ever told me they would not do the work. But it needed done to pass the state inspection, I would just have to park it and forget about it unless I sold it to someone in a state that did not require state inspections like the man i bought it from in Ohio. I even asked if it could be a sensor or component that was bad instead of replacing the complete airbag. the service manager got very upset on me asking. so i told him to do the work so that i would be able to drive the vehicle. replacement and labor was over $1,000. I live on S.S and that's a lot of money. plus the 2, 02 sensors was over $600. Plus whether it maters , the evening before they picked up the vehicle the air conditioning worked great. have witness. the picked it up and drove it to the Ford dealership In Wellsburg , West Virginia which is a drive of about 8 to 10 miles. the service manger told me the car had no air conditioning working. This is very strange since the day I bought the car the air conditioning worked great. he told me he even had his supervisor check it. I have not been able to check the vehicle because I have been extremely ill since vehicle has been returned. I have not been able to check it , I haven't even been outside my home. all together, parts and labor an different items came to over $2,800 . was there ever a recall on the airbags during this time period its a 2013MKX

NHTSA ID 11545325 · filed Sep 19, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR DID NOT SECURELY LATCH, CAUSING THE DOOR TO UNEXPECTEDLY OPEN WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BATTERY IN THE VEHICLE TO DIE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V210000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE DEALER (FRANKLIN PARK LINCOLN, INC., 5272 MONROE ST, TOLEDO, OH 43623) REPLACED THE DOOR LATCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,362. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 11100627 · filed Jun 8, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I PURCHASED A 2013 LINCOLN MKX IN APRIL 2015; DEALER SAID THEY INSTALLED 4 NEW MICHELIN GREEN-X TIRES, LATITUDE TOUR 245/60 R18, DOT AP4A 005X, AND WAS TOLD THEY ARE RATED AT 90,000 MILES I RECENTLY FELT A VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING AT 55-60 MPH SO I CHECKED THE TIRES VISUALLY AND FOUND WHAT LOOKED LIKE LITTLE JIGSAW SHAPED PIECES OF TREAD THAT YOU COULD ACTUALLY LIFT WITH A TOUCH OF YOUR FINGER!! I CALLED THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR (& TIRES) AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD TOW IT TO THEIR SERVICE FACILITY. I DECIDED TO DRIVE IT THERE, AND BY THE TIME I ARRIVED (ABOUT 40-45 MILES) ALL THOSE FLAPS OF RUBBER WERE GONE!! THEY HAD COME OFF AND LEFT GAPING HOLES WHERE THE TREAD USED TO BE, ALL OVER THE FRONT TIRES. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID HE'D NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT AND CALLED OTHER MECHANICS AND SERVICE PERSONNEL; THEY WERE ALL CURIOUS AS WELL. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED ALL 4 TIRES WITH MORE MICHELINS, THEN MY SON TOLD ME THE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. IT DOESN'T SEEM THAT MICHELIN IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMER'S SAFETY, AS THIS WEBSITE DOESN'T LIST MY TIRES AS BEING RECALLED. THE DEALERSHIP CHARGED ME ABOUT $1000 FOR THE NEW TIRES, BUT I'M VERY WORRIED THESE TIRES ARE ALSO DEFECTIVE!! I THINK MICHELIN OR THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD REPLACE THE TIRES FOR FREE, WITH SOMETHING ELSE THAT IS NOT DEFECTIVE! I WILL NEVER BUY MICHELIN TIRES AGAIN, NOR WILL I BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THIS DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ID 11032629 · filed Oct 10, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .