2013 Lincoln MKX Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 11, 2026 · 163 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other MKX years
More complaints than other years 3rd of 14 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
4 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 163 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Lincoln MKX. That ranks 3rd out of 14 MKX model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is service brakes (60 complaints, 37%), typically at around 76,000 miles. Complaints mention 7 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year.

Lincoln MKX
LINCOLN MKX SECOND GENERATION China. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Dinkun Chen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2013 Lincoln MKX problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Service Brakes60 · ~76,000 mi
Electrical System30 · ~40,000 mi
Unknown or Other21 · ~70,000 mi
Power Train16 · ~46,500 mi
Engine15 · ~55,100 mi
Structure9 · ~60,000 mi
Vehicle Speed Control7 · ~36,000 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic6 · ~94,055 mi
Back Over Prevention5 · ~68,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System5 · ~50,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Service Brakes problems6037%76,000“brake booster” (45%)—
Electrical System3018%40,000——
Unknown or Other2113%70,000——
Power Train1610%46,500——
Engine159%55,100——
Structure96%60,000——
Vehicle Speed Control74%36,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic64%94,055——
Back Over Prevention53%68,000——
Fuel/propulsion System53%50,000——
Suspension53%95,000——
Exterior Lighting42%181,000——
Steering42%79,650——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)21%83,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling21%70,000——
Forward Collision Avoidance21%70,000——
Visibility21%70,000——
Visibility/wiper21%34,044——
Wheels21%95,000——
Air Bags11%———
Equipment11%145,000——
Lane Departure11%———
Latches/locks/linkages11%39,362——
Seat Belts11%40,000——
Tires11%74,400——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2023, with 25 complaints
2013: 4201342014: 8201482015: 2201522016: 6201662017: 192017192018: 172018172019: 212019212020: 172020172021: 142021142022: 8202282023: 252023252024: 122024122025: 6202562026: 420264

n = 163 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2013 Lincoln MKX recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Power train:axle assembly:axle shaftJul 2, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V393000 · 83,250 vehicles

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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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.

Electrical System · received Jul 11, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11749706

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…

Power Train · received Jun 8, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11742681

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.

Back Over Prevention · received Apr 26, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11733840

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…

Unknown or Other · received Feb 25, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11720331

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…

Service Brakes · received Dec 15, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11705002

Other Lincoln MKX years

← 2012 MKX · 2014 MKX →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2020 MKX01
2019 MKX01
2018 MKX315
2017 MKX525
2016 MKX1567
2015 MKX190
2014 MKX351
20131631
2012 MKX841
2011 MKX1493
2010 MKX1116
2009 MKX666
2008 MKX2536
2007 MKX2985

See all Lincoln MKX problems by year, every Lincoln model, or the Lincoln VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Lincoln MKX?

Owners most often report service brakes, electrical system, unknown or other problems. The top one, service brakes, accounts for 60 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2013 Lincoln MKX?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2013 Lincoln MKX a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other MKX model years, the 2013 has more complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.