VehicleVerdict

2013 Lincoln MKX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 203 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.2 times the median MKX year — the 2013 model ranks #4 of 14 MKX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 2 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 66 reports (33% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

203

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

2

Injuries

1

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other MKX years?

MKX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted350 complaints2007: 350 complaints2008: 303 complaints2009: 77 complaints2010: 125 complaints2011: 190 complaints2012: 108 complaints2013: 203 complaints2014: 48 complaints2015: 28 complaints2016: 207 complaints2017: 68 complaints2018: 38 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints
MKX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MKX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Lincoln MKX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes6633%
Electrical System3115%
Other2211%
Engine178%
Transmission168%
Body & Structure94%
Driver Assistance73%
Speed Control73%
Suspension52%
Fuel System52%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Lighting42%
Steering42%
Tires & Wheels31%
Seat Belts10%
Latches & Locks10%
Airbags10%

Does the 2013 Lincoln MKX have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V393000TransmissionJuly 2, 2014 · 83,250 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AS I WAS DRIVING THE BREAK PEDDAL SEEM LIKE IT HAD GOTTEN LOOSE AND ON ITS ON WAS LITERRALY PUSH ALL THE WAY DOWN HOW EVER I WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP AND I HIT A VEHICLE I WAS NOT SPEEDING HOW EVER WAS A SOFT HIT BUT BREAKS ARE MALFUCTIONING\ ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 25, 2022 · crash

“WENT FOR A WALK WITH 4 YEAR OLD SON AT THE MOUNTAIN, CAME BACK TO A MELTED MKX. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME. WITH IN A SPAN OF AN HOUR FIFTEEN MINUTES, THE VEHICLE CAB HAD MELTED AND COOLED TO TOUCH. WE BARELY ESCAPED POSSIBLE DEATH HAD I BEEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 22, 2015 · fire

“Lately when I put the car in park it still beeps and say place in park. I have to take it in and out of park to get it to know that it is in park. the other day I put it in park and got out of the car with it still running and then it started rolling up the driveway. it was in the park position but…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 17, 2022 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY FAILED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE DEALER WHERE THE THROTTLE BODY WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 29, 2016

“The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at various low speeds, a burning odor was detected. The burning odor affected the contact's asthma. Additionally, there was fluid leaking onto the garage floor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 8, 2021 · fire

2013 Lincoln MKX — common questions

Is the 2013 Lincoln MKX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 203 complaints put the 2013 model at #4 of 14 MKX years. It is one of the MKX years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 MKX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (66 complaints), electrical system (31 complaints), other (22 complaints).

Does the 2013 Lincoln MKX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2013 Lincoln MKX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lincoln MKX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MKX years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2016, 2013, 2011, 2017, 2015. The cleanest record among MKX years belongs to 2020.

How safe is the 2013 Lincoln MKX?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Lincoln MKX earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.