Lincoln MKX Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 139 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Lincoln MKX across 12 model years. The 2007 model year has the most (35). The words owners use most often: “power transfer unit” (6% of reports).
- 139power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 7mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 35%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Power transfer unit: mentioned in 9 of 139 complaints (6%)
- Transmission fluid: mentioned in 8 of 139 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 106 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 139 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 2 an injury.
Lincoln MKX power train complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Model years: 2012, 2013, 2014
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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
"AWD Temporarily Disabled" warning notification came on while driving 55 mph in the middle lane of an expressway during late afternoon/early evening hours. The roadway was clear of debris and the weather was sunny. There was no further instruction of what to do from the dashboard. However, after…
Tuesday June 2, 2026 my car went into the shop. At which time the viscous coupler was replaced for the rear AWD differential. This was a Ford OEM Part that had failed. Upon replacing it shut up they found the rear differential gear assembly was in fact also in need of being replaced. The needed…
PTU failing and leaking fluid. Needs replacement. Ford stated itâs a lifetime fluid but the fluid fails due to sitting next to hot exhaust. The unit needs replacement at a cost of $3400. Unit is currently being replaced. This can cause the PTU to fail, lock up, and implode taking the transmission…
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…
During a manufacturer-mandated software module update, North Central Ford (Plano, TX) bypassed continuous power supply safety protocols. This negligence caused a voltage drop, interrupted the software flash, and completely corrupted the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM). The dealership…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Lincoln MKXs have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 139 owner complaints about power train for the Lincoln MKX. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Lincoln MKX power train?
Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Lincoln MKX?
The most frequent phrase is “power transfer unit”, in 9 of 139 complaints, followed by “transmission fluid” (8).
Other Lincoln MKX problems
- Air Bags problems (410)
- Service Brakes problems (229)
- Electrical System problems (178)
- Engine problems (140)
See all Lincoln MKX problems.