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2013 Lincoln MKX: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 163 owner complaints for the 2013 MKX, and brakes are the biggest group[1][2]. The car also has one recall, for a halfshaft that can come apart while driving[3].
Most reported problems
Owners filed 163 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Seven mention a crash, 2 a fire, 2 injuries and 1 a death[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.
| Component group | Complaints | Median mileage at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes[2] | 66 | 91,404 |
| Electrical system[7] | 30 | 40,000 |
| Unknown or other[8] | 21 | 70,000 |
| Engine[9] | 17 | 55,315 |
| Power train[10] | 16 | 46,500 |
| Structure[11] | 9 | 60,000 |
| Speed control[12] | 7 | not listed |
| Fuel/propulsion system[13] | 5 | 50,000 |
Brakes. In a sample of 12 brake complaints we read, 8 describe a failing brake booster. Owners describe a hissing sound, a stiff pedal, or a pedal that sinks to the floor[2]. Three brake complaints mention a crash and 1 an injury[2].
Electrical. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, 6 describe the screen or dashboard panel freezing or going dark[7], and in some of them the car also shut down[7]. Two describe a door ajar warning that stays on after the doors are closed[7]. One electrical complaint mentions a fire[7].
Engine. In a sample of 12 engine complaints, 10 describe the engine stalling or losing power while driving[9]. Some owners say steering and brake assist went with it, and that the dealer could not find a cause. Four say a throttle body was replaced and the trouble came back or continued[9].
Power train. In a sample of 12 power train complaints, 3 describe a "shift to Park" warning even though the shifter was in Park, and 3 describe a power transfer unit or transfer case failure or leak[10]. One power train complaint mentions a fire[10].
Recalls
NHTSA lists one recall for this model year[4].
- Halfshaft retention clip (14V393). Announced 2014-07-02 and covering 83,250 vehicles across several Ford and Lincoln models, including the MKX[3]. A clip that holds the halfshaft may not have been installed properly. The halfshaft can then slide out and disconnect while driving, with no warning. If that happens, power stops reaching the wheels, which raises the risk of a crash. If the parking brake is not set, the car may also roll away even in Park[3]. The fix is free. Dealers inspect the part. If it is not held properly, they replace the linkshaft, and the halfshaft too if its splines are damaged. The recall began on August 4, 2014[3].
In the complaint samples we read, a few owners say they were told their car was not included in this recall, so confirm by VIN[9][10].
Fuel economy
Both versions use a 3.7L 6-cylinder engine with an Automatic (S6) transmission and regular fuel[5][14].
| Version | City / Highway / Combined MPG | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Front-wheel drive[5] | 19 / 26 / 21 | $3,200 |
| All-wheel drive[14] | 17 / 23 / 19 | $3,550 |
EPA fuel cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives both the all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive versions 4 stars overall, 3 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash and 4 stars for rollover[6][15]. Rollover risk is 14.0% for all-wheel drive[6] and 15.9% for front-wheel drive[15].
Engine and size
The EPA lists a 3.7L 6-cylinder engine[5][14]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[16].
How 2013 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 298 | 5 |
| 2008 | 253 | 6 |
| 2009 | 66 | 6 |
| 2010 | 111 | 6 |
| 2011 | 149 | 3 |
| 2012 | 84 | 1 |
| 2013 | 163 | 1 |
| 2014 | 35 | 1 |
| 2015 | 19 | 0 |
| 2016 | 156 | 7 |
| 2017 | 52 | 5 |
| 2018 | 31 | 5 |
NHTSA shows 163 complaints and 1 recall for 2013[4]. Only two model years have more complaints, 2007 with 298 and 2008 with 253[4]. Other years sit lower, such as 2012 with 84, 2014 with 35 and 2015 with 19[4]. The 2016 model year has 156 complaints but 7 recalls[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2013 MKX?
The 2013 MKX has a fairly high complaint count for this model line, and brakes lead it at 66 complaints[1][2][4]. Ask whether the brake booster has ever been repaired, and check the VIN for recall 14V393, since the fix is free[3]. Engine stalling and screen blackouts show up in the complaint samples, so a long test drive is sensible[7][9]. Safety ratings are 4 stars overall[6][15], and fuel costs run higher with all-wheel drive[5][14]. Complaints are unverified, so weigh them with a pre-purchase inspection.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Lincoln MKX?
- Brakes lead with 66 of 163 NHTSA complaints, then the electrical system with 30[1][2][7]. In a sample of 12 brake complaints we read, 8 describe brake booster trouble[2].
- Does the 2013 Lincoln MKX have any recalls?
- Yes, one: 14V393, for a halfshaft that can disengage while driving. Dealers inspect and repair it for free[3].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2013 Lincoln MKX?
- Front-wheel drive is rated 19 city, 26 highway and 21 combined MPG[5]. All-wheel drive is rated 17, 23 and 19[14].
- Is 2013 a good year for the Lincoln MKX?
- It has the third highest complaint count of 12 model years listed, with 163 complaints[4]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 163 owner complaints on file for the 2013 Lincoln MKX (7 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 2 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 66 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 91,404). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 14V393, filed July 2, 2014: Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Lincoln MKX model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for MKX FWD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 30 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 21 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 17 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,315). NHTSA vehicle records
- 16 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 9 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for MKX AWD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MKX 4DR SUV: length 187 in, width 76 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 4,427 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov