2017 Lincoln Mkx Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 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
- Brakes1628.1%
- Electrical1322.8%
- Engine712.3%
- Driver assistance47.0%
- Other / unspecified47.0%
- Powertrain (other)35.3%
- Seat belts23.5%
- Interior & seats23.5%
- Visibility23.5%
- Fuel system11.8%
- Body & structure11.8%
- Airbags11.8%
- Exterior lighting11.8%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The check engine light is on for periods of time and then goes off. Maybe the sensor is faulty?
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving on interstate 271/480 my check engine light started flashing and my car suddenly died putting me in harms way as I tried navigating 3 lanes to get to the berm. It was towed to 2 different Lincoln dealerships where they both confirmed the engine lost compression and would need a full replacement. This vehicle is only a 2017 and 100K miles and shouldn't have total engine failure at that age. I read articles on NHTSA investigating Ford engines and feel this may have a similar engine issue and is worth investigating. Please let me know how I can assist.
The contact owns 2017 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while driving at highway speeds. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle would operate normally. The contact stated that during the failure, the check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable the determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 58,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera displayed a black screen. The contact stated that the failure impaired the ability to operate the vehicle safely. In addition, the contact stated that the failure prevented the contact from seeing anything behind the vehicle while reversing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in a recall for the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I took Automobile in for 4 new tires and the tire shop had to replace 5 Lug Nuts.
Lug nuts are swollen and almost impossible to remove. I could not change a flat tire. Firestone insisted that I needed to replace the lug nuts. Apparently this is a known Ford/Lincoln problem.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
10 MILES AFTER STARTING OUR 2017 LINCOLN MKX IT SUDDENLY GAVE ME THE WARNING CODE OF ERROR: VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN NOW. THE CAR COASTED ACROSS 5 LANES OF SPEEDING TRAFFIC. I ALMOST DIED WITH OUR SMALL CHILD IN THE CAR. THE CAR RESTARTED FINE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SANDERSON LINCOLN TOWED THE CAR AND DID THE BARE MINIMUM TESTS ON THE CAR PER THE MANUFACTURER STANDARDS. I REQUESTED THEM TO DO MORE AS THIS EXACT SAME SITUATION HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER LINCOLN OWNERS MULTIPLE TIMES IN ONE CAR. THERE HAS ALSO BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ON PREVIOUS YEARS. THIS VEHICLE ALSO HAD SOME STRANGE ACCELERATION ISSUES WHEN WE INITIALLY BOUGHT IT AND IT WAS DISMISSED BY THE SERVICER. LINCOLN CUSTOMER SERVICE NOW TOLD US WE ARE OUT OF LEMON LAW AND THEY CANNOT HELP US. DUH. LINCOLN CUSTOMER SERVICE ALSO DID SHADY THINGS TO US. THEY WOULD CALL US AT 11PM FLORIDA TIME FROM A DUMMY PHONE LINE SO THAT THEY COULD "SAY" THEY CALLED US. THE SERVICER REPLACED OUR BATTERY AND CALLED IT A DAY. INITIALLY THE MANUFACTURER SEEMED OUTRAGED THAT THE BATTERY COMPLETELY FRIED ON THE VEHICLE DURING TESTING....THEN THEY SUDDENLY CHANGED THEIR TUNE AND SAID WE WERE OUT OF LEMON LAW IN OUR STATE.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
The seatbelt On the driver side doesn’t work it will not come out cannot clamp on it has been looked at by an independent service technician there were no warning lights came on The service center said the seatbelt and it parts has to be replaced
BELT JAMS WITHOUT LETTING ME PULL IT TO PUT IT ON.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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)
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 LINCOLN MKX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE SUN ROOF CRACKED WITHOUT IMPACT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAR SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING. IT HAS HAPPENED 6 TIMES IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS. THE POWER STEERING SHUTS OFF AND THE CAR COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP BEFORE YOU ARE ABLE TO TRY TO RESTART THE CAR. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE WHEN THIS HAPPENS ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AND YOU ARE IN THE FAST LANE OR MAKING A LEFT TURN ACROSS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL DEALER (JERRY'S FORD OF LEESBURG VA) AND IT IS NOT SHOWING ANY MAINTENANCE CODES FOR THE ISSUE AND THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. I SPOKE TO FORD (CASE# CAS-17221031-Z4L4R3) AND THEY SAID TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL THE ISSUE HAPPENS AGAIN AND HAVE IT TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER AS RESTARTING THE CAR WILL CLEAR THE MAINTENANCE CODE. I TOLD FORD THIS WAS UNACCEPTABLE DUE TO THIS BEING A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND I DIDN'T THINK IT WAS A GOOD IDEA TO PUT SOMEONE'S LIFE AT RISK TO TROUBLE SHOOT THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. FORD HAS NO OTHER OPTIONS AT THIS TIME. FROM RESEARCH I HAVE DONE ONLINE I CAN SEE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME EXACT ISSUE. NHTSA ID NUMBERS 11047965 AND 11055106 SEEM TO BE THE SAME ISSUE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
NHTSA 20V414 RECALL DID 7/10/20 NOT REMEDIED.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
I recently had some touch up work done on my car. While in I had an estimate done on my headlights because they constantly had condensation and moisture inside the light cover, This is at all times of the day and especially challenging in the winter months when there was ice frozen over. My body shop called the local dealer to get pricing on parts. Can provide the body shop and dealership if needed. When talking to the service department they informed my body shop that they had issues with the original install of these lights and the seals were compromised letting moisture in that could not easily leave. This explains why, not one, but both of my lights are doing the same thing and compromising my safety especially at night. They are only giving out partial light due to having heavy condensation or ice covering the internal side of the headlight. This is not an issue that would activate any warning lamps or messages just visual compromised.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .