2018 Lincoln MKX Complaints

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 09/16/2026

My vehicle had an electrical recall; I took it in and it gotten worse. The vehicle is making noise, and saying 911 operator is unavailable. The turning signals turn on and off, if I turn one going left, it stays on a while, or I have to shut car off a while to get it to cooperate of it doesn't signal at all. The brake light is on, no airbag light on, has hill assist warning, park aid malfunction light when park aid works, powertrain malfunction light on, pressure monitor on, and I took it to the shop, the mechanic said he couldn't get the correct electrical info to change it. Service steering warning comes on and blinks. I was driving two separate occasions and the car put itself in park and it stop abruptly when I slowed down. I tried to download a new version and it will not update. Theirs static in my speakers even after I turn the car off and windshield wipers work when they want to. I have another appointment next week, theirs so many recalls on this car, the rear brake lines and other recalls I'm not sure if it was handled. The dealership said I have no issues with the last report but my car stoppin in traffic, can't put on signals is very dangerous.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/03/2026

I have experienced this issue and it's been 9 months since the first issuance from Ford on this recall. I paid $523 to repair and this is insane since mechanic told me its an OME part so still going to possibly have same issue till recall is handled.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 09/15/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number:  25V544000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) However, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

ENGINE — Filed 03/13/2026

Faulty catalytic converters. Ford has a CSP for the 2018 Lincoln mkx 3.7L engine and only included police driven Mkx's which is totally unfair when they're well aware that Faulty/failing emissions catalytic converters were installed on all of them and they fail and produce p0430 codes regardless of driving habits, I've never driven any of my vehicles harshly and maintain my vehicles, yet since I've owned this 2018 mkx since September of 2024, the rear catalytic converter had to be replaced and now the front catalytic converter is giving the same p0430 permanent code. Its bias of Ford to only extend police vehicles coverage and not regular consumers knowing that this emissions part is faulty because catalytic converters don't normally fail prematurely unless the parts are faulty. The original owner maintained this vehicle before me and I've maintained it since I've owned it, yet the catalytic converter has been replaced 3 times (carfax) which proves its Faulty. My 2005 Lincoln aviator had 303,000 miles before the engine blew, yet the catalytic converter had never been changed and I owned it for 15 years. I'd like an explanation from Ford as to why my 2018 Lincoln mkx 3.7L engine vehicle wasn't included in the CSP19M01. Ive owned a ford Explorer, Lincoln navigator and aviator that were built ford tough but this Lincoln mkx seems to be worse than a BMW. Thanking you in advance for your timely response. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE — Filed 03/18/2026

My vehicle has had emissions vehicle since before I owned it up to now. The catalytic converter has been replaced 4 times which is unheard of. Its presently giving the same codes/issues. The last catalytic converter replacement was November of 2024. It has to be a computer programming issue as my mechanic express. Im asking that this be looked into by Ford. I've owned 1973 Ford Pinto as a teenager, a 1998 Ford Explorer, 2000 Lincoln navigator, 2005 Lincoln aviator and now this 2018 Lincoln mkx has been the only vehicle with this type of issue. Maintenance records can prove this vehicle has properly been maintained before and during my ownership. I only use Shell, sunoco and other top tier 87 octane gasoline in this vehicle and have records of that too. P0430 code has come back on even after replacing the purge valve twice, 2025 and last month 2026, then code p0430 came back stating catalytic converter smh.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/20/2026

The 2018 Lincoln MKX Third Brake Light lens cracked off in 3 pieces while going through the automatic car wash dryer on the evening of Friday March 20, 2026. This appears to be an Engineering design issue.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 09/01/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 09/01/2025

The contact's husband owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 12/01/2025

The rear view camera is intermittent. The camera listed for replacement is F2GZ19G490C. That was a recall item listed for the problem that we are having . It is intermittent and is a safety hazard as indicated in the LINCOLN MKX 2015 THRU 2019. WHY IS IT INDICATED AS NOT HAVING A RECALL TO MY 2018 LINCOLN MKX VIN [XXX] . IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CAMERA F2GZ19G490C IS THE CAMERA LISTED AS THE REPLACEMENT AND THEY LIST IT AT FORD FOR $560.68. THE REPAIR DEPARTMENT TOLD ME IT WAS OVER $600 AND IT WOULD COST $1300 TO FIX IT. SOMETHING IT IS WRONG HERE BECAUSE i CAN GET THE REPLACEMENT FOR ABOUT $60 DOLLARS. IT LOOKS LIKE A DENIAL OF SERVICE UNDER A RECALL AND A REDICULOUS AMOUNT TO REPAIR THE DEFECTIVE ITEM WITH THE SAME TYPE. i WOULD LIKE TOO GET AN EXPLANATION ON THIS . [XXX] AT [XXX] OR [XXX] THANK YOU FOR LOOKING AT THIS PROBLEM AND GIVING ME A CLARIFYING ANSWER. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 11/23/2025

The 3rd brake light lens has separated from light assembly while in a drive thru carwash.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 09/17/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 09/13/2025

Was advised by a law enforcement officer the high-mount stop lamp lens had detatched from the lamp housing. Apparently, the adhesive holding the plastic lens had deteriorated and allowed seperation of the components. The LED circuit board is now exposed to the elements. This without a doubt will cause the CHMSL to fail due to water and salt intrusion. Additionally, the non-diffused LED's are blinding drivers behind this vehicle at night. This failure occurred on the highway, and the lens nearly struck a car behind me.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 12/21/2024

Rear overhead break light ripped off while driving down the road.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 04/15/2024

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where the vehicle was scanned, and a fault code for the catalytic converter was retrieved. The local dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

STEERING,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/18/2025

Passenger side front wheel fell off the axel.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 12/31/2018

Subject: Urgent Health Risk Due to Mold in Lincoln MKX & Additional Considerations I'm submitting a formal complaint regarding our Lincoln MKX, purchased in 2018 with an extended warranty valid through 2026. A significant water leak has resulted in extensive mold and mildew buildup, posing severe health risks, particularly to my immunocompromised wife. Despite minimal use of the vehicle, exacerbated by reduced mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic declared by the WHO on March 11, 2020, we've discovered this longstanding issue, indicating it likely existed since purchase. The remediation process requires complete removal of the contaminated carpeting and padding, thorough cleaning of the underlying metal, and replacement with new materials to ensure safety. Efforts to resolve this with Ford/Lincoln have been met with inadequate support, not covering the extent of necessary repairs. Attached documentation and photographs outline the severity of the issue, the health implications, and our struggle for a satisfactory response from the manufacturer. We urge the NHTSA to consider these factors and our vehicle's low mileage as evidence of the defect's pre-existence and the pandemic's impact on its delayed detection. Immediate action is necessary to address this safety hazard.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 04/12/2023

Catalytic converter internally failed on April 12th 2023 based on an initial check engine light Part# F2GZ-5E213-F converter assembly under ESP warranty @ 74,408. Returned back for check engine light 22, 888 miles later on 1/31/24 for check engine light . I was advised that although it was determined a part failure of catalytic converter , that it was my responsibility to pay for 2 catalytic converters, water pump and radiator for cost of $11k. Contacted Lincoln Conceirge they were unable to provide assistance .

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 03/17/2023

When I utilize my ac or heat without pressing a certain button after a while I start smelling a burning smell coming through the vents. When I'm outside the vehicle I smell it as well. The smell is hard to pinpoint. A dealership told me that maybe I needed to change my air filters. However the burning smell still would happen just the same. Then they checked to see if anything(such as plastic or anything) was stuck to any components that get hot to no avail. But something is wrong and it's scary. Also my vehicle has a very rough idle which sometimes can feel like a rumble. A tune up was suggested and complete and I still have the same experience. I love my vehicle but growing tired.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 01/28/2023

The contact owned a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while parked at an inclined position, the vehicle rolled backward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 10/17/2022

Unknown/Uncertain as to why the floor is wet on right rear passenger. Dealer unable to detect why floor board is wet. I need answers because this is a health risk/ lungs risk for my family and myself due to questionable mold May probably grow from the wet carpet and wet spell

STRUCTURE — Filed 03/31/2022

Vehicle (SUV) floor board and truck had standing water from unknown source. Suspect rear hatch and/or glass roof design allows for environmental contamination to enter. Water travels down to floor and pools. For example, spare tire was found to be submerged. Rear seat and trunk carpeting were moist (saturated) to the touch. Concern: If water in the vehicle is undetected and is allowed to pool for long periods of time, three things will happen: 1. Accelerated corrosion and loss of function for any electrical wiring. 2. Standing water can develop mold, impacting air quality through long term and repeated exposure. Impact of vehicle occupants health. (In our instance, Mom & newborn) 3. Accelerated corrosion of vehicle internal structure. For example, seat fasteners. Item was discovered by third party service center and dealership is investigating root cause now. Dealer commented this is a problem more common with other models in the same family but not the model of this vehicle. No warning or indicator of the problem was present.

AIR BAGS — Filed 10/25/2021

2018 LINCOLN MKX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG MALFUNCTION SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN AUGUST OF 2018, WITH A RECTANGULAR HOLE CUT INTO THE CARPET. THE HOLE WAS LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT EXPOSING THE WIRING HARNESS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRPET WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNEXPLAINED INTERRUPTIONS IN CERTAIN ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS.

VISIBILITY — Filed 06/09/2021

Both right and left side view mirrors folded in on their own without being commanded to while the vehicle was being driven down the highway. Key fob was stowed and secure so it did not trigger the system. Was unable to adjust the mirrors back out until the vehicle was shutdown and restarted. Vehicle has 30,000 miles on it and this never happened before!

AIR BAGS — Filed 06/20/2020

VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING W/B ON NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY WHEN A DEER JUMPED IN FRONT OF AND WAS HIT BY CAR. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ( STEERING WHEEL, KNEE BAGS AND PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN.) PROBLEM IS THEY DID NOT DEFLATE ! THIS MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR DRIVER TO STEP ON BRAKES OR TO SEE ! VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION EXTREMELY LUCKY NO SERIOUS INJURY OR OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED DRIVER HAD HARD TIME GETTING OUT OF VEHICLE (OBSERVED BY STATE POLICE)

SEATS — Filed 04/04/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 LINCOLN MKX. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE BOTTOM OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT SLID ALL THE WAY BACK AND THE SEAT BACK RECLINED. AS A RESULT, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE CONTACT BECAUSE HE DID NOT MOVE FORWARD IN THE SEAT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK, KNEES, WRIST, AND NECK. THE CONTACT ALSO SUFFERED A CONCUSSION. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY TOOK POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE AND DEEMED IT A TOTAL LOSS. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000. POLICE REPORT XXXXXXXXXX-XX INSURANCE POLICY XXXXXXXXX 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)" *JB