The 2013 Lincoln MKX has 1 safety recall and 164 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes (60 complaints).
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
Risk: If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2013 Lincoln MKX SUV AWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
14%
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
2013 Lincoln MKX SUV FWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
15.9%
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
MKX FWD
21mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
MKX AWD
19mpg combined
City / highway
17 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.7 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Service brakes
60
3
0
1
76,000 mi
Electrical system
30
0
1
0
40,000 mi
Unknown or other
22
3
0
0
70,000 mi
Power train
16
0
1
0
46,500 mi
Engine
15
0
0
0
55,100 mi
Structure Body
9
0
0
0
60,000 mi
Vehicle speed control
7
0
0
0
36,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light
6
0
0
0
94,054 mi
Fuel/propulsion system
5
0
0
0
50,000 mi
Back over prevention Camera system; Sensing system › Camera
5
0
0
0
68,000 mi
Suspension
5
0
0
0
—
Steering
4
0
0
0
79,650 mi
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Oct 11, 2026Unknown or other Back up camera either turns upside down, goes blank and or stripped. You get one of the 3 options.
Jul 1, 2020Electrical system 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.
Jan 6, 2026 · 155,000 milesPower train 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.
Oct 1, 2021Back over prevention › Rearview system braking 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.
Feb 13, 2026Unknown or other 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.
Nov 1, 2025Service brakes 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.
Nov 18, 2023 · 100,000 milesBack over prevention The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera displayed a distorted image and an upside-down image. In addition, the contact stated that an error message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. In addition, the contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Oct 20, 2025Power train 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 passengerâs 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.
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.