RoadVitals

2017 Lincoln Mkx

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
52
Latest Jun 23, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
5
Latest Aug 22, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 52 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Lincoln Mkx, most frequently naming the brakes, electrical and engine categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 167 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes1628.1%
  • Electrical1322.8%
  • Engine712.3%
  • Driver assistance47.0%
  • Other / unspecified47.0%
  • Powertrain (other)35.3%
  • Seat belts23.5%
  • Interior & seats23.5%

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

Safety recalls

5 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Aug 22, 2025
499,129 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: A brake fluid leak can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 25S87View on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Aug 10, 2020
488,594 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 20S42View on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH; SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

Jul 17, 2020
19,299 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 20S37View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA21002OpenEngineering Analysis

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structureBrakes
Filed Jun 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle veered to the right. Additionally, the vehicle shuddered while slowing down and while making a turn. The contact stated that while driving downhill and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle jerked unexpectedly. The trunk warning light was illuminated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted; however, the part for the recall repair was not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not drivable. The contact was informed that the part was not yet available. The approximate failure mileage was 100.

NHTSA ID
11745876
Incident
Apr 1, 2025
Mileage
100 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 8, 2026

The check engine light is on for periods of time and then goes off. Maybe the sensor is faulty?

NHTSA ID
11742705
Incident
Jun 8, 2026
Interior & seats
Filed May 15, 2026

I submitted a safety complain on recalls that the Lincoln Client Relationship Center informed whereby my VIN is not included on the recalls I listed from NHTSA complaint I just filed, complaint Number: XXX I also have a case number with the Lincoln Client Relationship Center which is: C-XXX Please reference this number to confirm the conversation I had yesterday with them on this issue whereby I was told that the recall numbers from NHTSA are not assigned to my Lincoln MKX, although the issue my driver's seat is having matches exactly what both of those recalls I stated in my NHTSA complaint [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11738081
Incident
Dec 1, 2025
Interior & seats
Filed May 15, 2026

Urgent Safety!!! I called and spoke with Lincoln Client Relations Center regarding two recalls that are for the exact same vehicle I now own; 2017 Lincoln MKX, VIN: [XXX] . The recalls that are in existence for 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles are NHTSA recalls: 20V414000/Ford 20S37 and NHTSA recall 20V399/Ford 20S35. Both of these recalls explain specifically and exactly what has happened to to my front driver's seat. Representative states that my VIN is not assigned as having this recall. The problem as explained in these recalls are as follows: -front seat wiring harness may chafe against seat frame; leading to potential airbag failure or unintended deployment. Harness wires can become damaged. My seat will go forward/backward, but does not tilt or recline. According to these recalls, it states that power seats have insufficient clearance between main seat wiring harness and metal cushion frame edge. Because different motors rely on different pin outs with that single harness, a partially severed harness will kill specific functions like tilt, and recline). Which is exactly what no longer works. While leaving the track forward/back in tact. And that's all that is working in my vehicle presently. Lincoln rep I spoke with tells me they only issued for certain MKX's, but mine describes the same exact problems. This is a safety hazard for any driver, and Ford/Lincoln should acknowledge this recall is happening to other Lincoln MKX owners . I do hope that the NHTSA will take this seriously as this is a serious safety concern, when you're talking about airbags deployment failure. I do hope that the NHTSA can relist or reissue this recall for additional VINs, including mine. This should not be overlooked. And I do expect that someone will respond back to me so that I can have this repaired at a local Ford/Lincoln dealership without cost to me, the owner. Thank you [XXX] Cell: [XXX] email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11738068
Incident
Dec 1, 2025
Brakes
Filed May 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKX. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts were not available for the recall repair. The contact then stated while driving at at speeds, the brake pedal had become soft and spongy upon depression without warning. In addition, the contact stated that a puddle of brake fluid would accumulate underneath the vehicle near the rear passenger tire. The contact called a local dealer in reference to the failure and was informed that a temporary fix can be made to the failure; the contact declined the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID
11736963
Incident
Apr 15, 2026
Mileage
75,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)Visibility
Filed Apr 9, 2026

During a manufacturer-mandated software module update, North Central Ford (Plano, TX) bypassed continuous power supply safety protocols. This negligence caused a voltage drop, interrupted the software flash, and completely corrupted the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM). The dealership returned the vehicle to me, stating the update was complete. The corrupted module failed to power down, causing a severe parasitic drain that completely killed the battery overnight, leaving the vehicle immobilized and immune to jump-starting. The APIM is completely corrupted. The disabled vehicle was towed back to North Central Ford and remains available for immediate inspection. Safety Risks: The corrupted APIM permanently disabled the federally mandated backup camera (violating FMVSS 111) and touch-screen climate/defroster controls, creating severe rear and forward visibility hazards. The module's failure to sleep causes a continuous parasitic battery drain that has already stranded me and introduces a high risk of sudden electrical failure in traffic. Dealer Confirmation: North Central Ford's paperwork confirms they caused the failure. Their Day 1 intake Multi-Point Inspection officially documented my battery in "GOOD CONDITION" prior to service, and their initial invoice explicitly states the update was "UNSUCCESSFUL." Furthermore, after I supplied a new replacement battery for a second diagnostic, they confirmed a U2100 code (Initial Configuration Not Complete), proving the module was electronically wiped during their botched procedure. Prior Symptoms / Inspections: None. The electrical system and screen were fully functional prior to the software update. Inspected solely by North Central Ford. Status: The General Manager dismisses their own diagnostic codes, refuses to repair these technician-caused safety defects under consequential damage guidelines, and is attempting to charge me out-of-pocket, The vehicle remains at the dealership due to active safety hazards.

NHTSA ID
11730101
Incident
Mar 19, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Apr 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that after the vehicle was serviced by the dealer under an undisclosed recall repair, the rearview camera and other driver-assisted features became inoperable. The camera was functioning properly prior to the recall repair. The dealer indicated that there was no failure at the time with the back-over prevention camera, and no repair was performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was. 172,500.

NHTSA ID
11728794
Incident
Feb 22, 2026
Mileage
172,500 mi
Brakes
Filed Mar 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The brake pedal was soft and spongy. In addition, the service brake warning light was illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal to the floor, and the vehicle rolled forward before coming to a complete stop. The vehicle was driven to the residence of a friend. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floor to stop the vehicle. The contact's friend, who was an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined there was failure with rear passenger's side brake hose. The contact was informed that the rear passenger's side brake hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts were not available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,779.

NHTSA ID
11723951
Incident
Mar 12, 2026
Mileage
88,779 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

25N17

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING; BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS; LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation

SSM 54504

EXTERIOR LIGHTING; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Some 2016-2017 Edge/MKX, 2017 Continental/Fusion/MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine and built on 1-Apr-2016 and through 1-Jan-2017 may exhibit white or blue smoke from the exhaust, rough idle in neutral or park at normal operating temperature or after a hot restart. The vehicle may also exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306 and/or P0316, P0524 and/or P06DD with excessive oil consumption. Oil consumption may be 1 Liter (1 quart) in less than 4,800 km (3,000 miles). This may be due to the valve guides. To correct the condition replace the cylinder heads. During service and repair, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in timing gear failure and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair. The bolt requires a 4 stage torque procedure. Hold the pulley using a universal holding tool OTC 4754 or equivalent. Refer to Workshop Manual, Section 303-01. The bolt torque procedure can be

TSB 25-2570

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to:  Display operation concerns  Navigation inoperative  Voice recognition concerns  Phone connection issues  Dropped phone connections  Applink related performance  Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic  Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.

25E02

POWER TRAIN

The affected vehicles have an emissions control system that does not account for certain in-use conditions and might not control tailpipe emissions effectively over time.

SSM 54366

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.

25E02

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The affected vehicles have an emissions control system that does not account for certain in-use conditions and might not control tailpipe emissions effectively over time.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Lincoln Mkx by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2020010
2019010
2018295062.4
2017Viewing525162.5
20161507168.0
2015190151.7
2014351047.6
20131631044.5
2012841039.4
20111483051.3
20101117052.6
2009657045.0
20082537254.7
20072986258.0

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.