CarBrief

The 2016 Lincoln MKX has 7 recalls on file, two of them for brake hoses that can leak fluid[1][2][3]. NHTSA also lists 156 owner complaints, and brakes are the biggest group[4][5].

156owner complaints[4]
7recalls[3]
19–20MPG combined (EPA)[6]
5★NHTSA overall rating[7]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 156 owner complaints on file for this model year[4]. Six mention a crash, 3 a fire and 3 an injury[4]. None report a death[4]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one component[4].

Here are the largest groups:

Because one complaint can name several groups, these counts do not add up to the total[4]. They are also not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What owners describe. We read a small sample of complaint texts for each group. This is not a count of all owners, so treat it as a flavor of what people report.

Brakes. In a sample of 12 brake complaints, 3 describe a brake line or fluid loss with a sudden loss of braking[5]. Two describe the brake pedal shape, with a metal bar that gets in the way of the foot[5]. Three describe owners waiting on parts for a recall repair[5].

Engine. In a sample of 12 engine complaints, 10 describe the car losing power or stalling while driving[8]. Four of those name the throttle body as the cause[8]. Two describe exhaust smell or fumes inside the cabin[8].

Electrical system. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, 6 describe power cutting out or the engine shutting off while driving[9]. Two describe the liftgate moving on its own[9]. Two describe a screen freezing or warning messages that dealers could not reproduce[9].

Power train. In a sample of 12 power train complaints, 7 describe lost acceleration or stalling[11]. Four describe problems with rear drive or all-wheel-drive parts, including parts that were backordered[11].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2016 MKX[3]. Here they are, newest first. Keep the dated wording in the bullet and add: 'Check by VIN whether the remedy is now available.'

Two of these seven recalls are about brake hoses[1][2]. Brakes are also the largest complaint group[5]. That does not prove the hoses explain every brake complaint. Before you buy, ask for a recall check by VIN so you know which of these repairs were done.

Fuel economy

The EPA lists four versions of the 2016 MKX. Front-wheel drive gets 20 combined MPG with either engine[6][20]. All-wheel drive gets 19[21][22].

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA yearly fuel cost
FWD, 3.7L 6-cyl[6] 17 / 25 / 20 $3,350
FWD, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo[20] 18 / 26 / 20 $3,350
AWD, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo[21] 17 / 24 / 19 $3,550
AWD, 3.7L 6-cyl[22] 16 / 23 / 19 $3,550

All four use regular gas and an automatic (S6)[6][20][21][22]. The yearly cost uses the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives both versions 5 stars overall, 5 stars in the frontal test and 5 stars in the side test[7][23]. The rollover rating is 4 stars[7][23]. The rollover risk is 15.5% for all-wheel drive and 15.4% for front-wheel drive[7][23].

Engine and size

The EPA test car list shows two engines[24][25]:

Size, from Transport Canada specifications, so these are Canadian-market figures that can differ slightly from US models[26]:

Measure 4-door SUV
Length[26] 190 in
Width[26] 76 in
Height[26] 66 in
Wheelbase[26] 112 in
Curb weight[26] 4,387 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

2007: 298 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 253 complaints, 6 recalls20082009: 66 complaints, 6 recalls20092010: 111 complaints, 6 recalls20102011: 149 complaints, 3 recalls20112012: 84 complaints, 1 recalls20122013: 163 complaints, 1 recalls20132014: 35 complaints, 1 recalls20142015: 19 complaints, 0 recalls20152016: 156 complaints, 7 recalls15620162017: 52 complaints, 5 recalls20172018: 31 complaints, 5 recalls2018
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each MKX model year. The 2016 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20072985
20082536
2009666
20101116
20111493
2012841
20131631
2014351
2015190
20161567
2017525
2018315

NHTSA's counts for each Lincoln MKX model year put 2016 at 156 complaints and 7 recalls[3].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so use them as a rough guide only. They are fair to compare across years of the same model[3].

Should you buy a used 2016 Lincoln MKX?

The numbers do not rule the car out, but they ask for homework. It has 7 recalls, including two for brake hoses, so a VIN check for completed repairs matters more than usual[1][2][3]. Brakes are the largest complaint group at 56, and owners in our sample describe sudden power loss in the engine group[5][8]. On the plus side, NHTSA gives 5 stars overall[7][23], and EPA combined mileage is 19 or 20 MPG[6][20][21][22]. Our data does not cover price, towing, tires or oil, so check those separately and have a mechanic look at the brake lines and hoses.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Lincoln MKX?
NHTSA has 156 owner complaints[4]. Brakes lead with 56, then engine with 33 and electrical with 27[5][8][9]. In the small samples of texts we read, owners describe brake line fluid loss and sudden power loss, but these are unverified reports[5][8].
Does the 2016 Lincoln MKX have recalls?
Yes, 7 recalls are on file[3]. They cover rear and front brake hoses, power seat wiring, a battery cable, steering motor bolts, the driver air bag and child seat tether anchors[1][2][15][16][17][18][19][3].
What gas mileage does the 2016 Lincoln MKX get?
The EPA rates it at 19 or 20 combined MPG[6][20][21][22]. Front-wheel drive gets 20 and all-wheel drive gets 19[6][20][21][22].
How safe is the 2016 Lincoln MKX?
NHTSA rates it 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for rollover[7][23].
Is 2016 a bad year for the Lincoln MKX?
It has the most recalls of any year at 7 and the fourth-highest complaint count at 156[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat this as a signal to check the recall history, not a verdict.

Facts and sources

  1. Recall 25V544, filed August 22, 2025: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
  2. Recall 20V469, filed August 10, 2020: Service Brakes. NHTSA recall database
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Lincoln MKX model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. NHTSA has 156 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Lincoln MKX (6 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 3 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 56 complaints name the brakes component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,200). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. EPA rating for MKX FWD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 33 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 7,225). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 27 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 2 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 14,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 22 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 7,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 12 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 12 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 5,482). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 7 complaints name the wheels component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 6 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. Recall 20V414, filed July 17, 2020: Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 19V809, filed November 12, 2019: Electrical System › 12V / 24V / 48V Battery › Cables. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 19V632, filed August 29, 2019: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 17V123, filed February 27, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 16V343, filed May 24, 2016: Child Seat › Tether › Connector / Clip. NHTSA recall database
  20. EPA rating for MKX FWD, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for MKX AWD, 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for MKX AWD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Lincoln MKX with 2.7L 6-cylinder: rated 325 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Lincoln MKX with 3.7L 6-cylinder: rated 303 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MKX 4DR SUV: length 190 in, width 76 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 4,387 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.