The Lincoln MKX Years To Avoid
The Lincoln MKX is a mid-size, two-row luxury crossover that has been a part of the Lincoln brand’s lineup since 2007. It’s known for its comfortable ride, high-quality interior, and a long list of standard features, making it a popular choice among luxury crossover buyers.
Customers appreciate the Lincoln MKX’s smooth and quiet ride thanks to its well-tuned suspension and sound-deadening materials. As expected, the interior is luxurious and well-appointed, with high-quality materials and a stylish design. However, the material choice may be less extravagant than comparable SUVs from Lexus and Mercedes.
The Lincoln MKX goes against several other luxury crossovers, including the Lexus RX, Acura MDX, and the Cadillac XT5. The MKX goes up against several other luxury crossovers. Some of its main competitors include the Lexus RX, Acura MDX, and the Cadillac XT5.
Given the significant financial commitment of buying a used luxury SUV, evaluating its long-term reliability is vital. So for today, we check out the Lincoln MKX years to avoid and offer insights into why used car buyers should avoid them.
Which Lincoln MKX Years To Avoid?
Below are the Lincoln MKX years to approach with caution due to reliability issues and the high number of complaints:
- 2007 Lincoln MKX
- 2008 Lincoln MKX
- 2011 Lincoln MKX
- 2012 Lincoln MKX
- 2016 Lincoln MKX
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2007 Lincoln MKX
Reliability can be quite spotty regarding first production models, and the 2007 Lincoln MKX is no exception. According to CarComplaints.com, the 2007 MKX has received 378 complaints and six recalls, making it one of the most problematic iterations of the luxury SUV.
When considering this model year, be on the lookout for the transfer case failure issue. Some owners have reported unexpected transfer case failures, even with relatively low mileage and regular maintenance. Obviously, this unpredictability could be a concern for potential buyers. In addition, the cost of repairing or replacing the transfer case is relatively high, ranging from $1,200 to $2,500.
Another widely reported issue for this MKX is the airbags problem, which received hundreds of complaints. Many owners reported that the airbags did not deploy in accidents, leading to injuries – needless to say, this raises a significant safety concern for buyers. In addition, this vehicle is also affected by the notorious Takata recall.
2008 Lincoln MKX
The 2008 Lincoln MKX shared many major issues with the debut model year. CarComplaints logged 326 complaints and seven recalls for the 2008 MKX.
Unfortunately, the 2008 Lincoln MKX also struggled with a problematic airbag system. For instance, the Takata recall also affected this model year, where the inflator may explode and cause significant injuries when deployed. In addition, many users also complained about the non-deployment of the airbags, which is a significant safety issue. Make sure to check the airbags if you’re considering the 2008 MKX.
Transmission is also a major trouble spot for the 2008 MKX, particularly with transmission fluid leaks. Owners reported transmission fluid leaking from their vehicles, sometimes in large amounts. This issue was noticed both while driving and when the car was parked. Another user claimed that the transmission issues started with a leaking PTO unit, suggesting a potential connection between these two problems.
2011 Lincoln MKX
Based on the number of complaints and the nature of the issues, the 2011 model is one of the worst Lincoln MKX years to avoid. CarComplaints listed 200 complaints and three recalls for this model – not quite as troublesome as the abovementioned model years, but it has some serious issues on its own.
At the top of the 2011 MKX’s trouble list are the electrical problems, specifically with its door sensors. Many owners have reported a persistent “door ajar” warning even when the doors were securely closed. This issue was intermittent at first but became constant over time. The door-ajar warning affected various vehicle functions, such as preventing the doors from locking while driving, keeping the interior lights on, and sometimes triggering the alarm system.
However, its engine issues made the 2011 MKX a sure pass for us. According to numerous reports, the vehicle suffered from coolant leaks which may damage the engine, resulting in an expensive engine replacement (up to $7,200 in repairs). Owners reported that coolant leaked into the engine, consequently mixing with the oil. This led to significant engine damage and, in some cases, the need for a complete engine replacement.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE LINCOLN MKX
The Lincoln MKX is a midsize luxury SUV offering flexibility, comfort, and a spacious interior cabin for its owners. If you’re in the market for the most reliable Lincoln MKX year possible, you’ve come to the right place.
2012 Lincoln MKX
The 2012 Lincoln MKX is much less unreliable than the previous models, but it certainly had numerous annoying issues most people would rather avoid. CarComplaints has listed 116 complaints and one recall for the 2012 MKX.
According to the complaints, the 2012 MKX struggled with a problematic brake system. Several owners have reported difficulty in braking, with the brake pedal going to the floor. While it started to be intermittent, it happened more often over time. Some owners reported a sudden brake failure, which could pose a serious safety risk, especially when driving at high speeds or in heavy traffic.
Sadly, this model year also suffered from faulty door sensors, which caused the system to display the “door ajar” warning. Some owners attempted temporary fixes, such as using WD-40 on the sensor or repeatedly closing the door, but to no avail.
WHAT TO DO IF A DEALER REFUSES TO CANCEL EXTENDED WARRANTY
Car buying can occasionally be frustrating, especially if you’re purchasing your vehicle through a dealership. We’re here to tell you how to navigate a situation in which a dealer refuses to cancel your extended warranty.
2016 Lincoln MKX
CarComplaints says that 2016 is the worst model year of the Lincoln MKX. It collected 187 complaints and six recalls. This is because the 2016 MKX had major engine issues.
With 14 written complaints on the website, the engine of the 2016 Lincoln MKX has been reported to shut down while driving. Of course, this issue is potentially dangerous as it can lead to accidents due to the sudden loss of power. One user reported that the engine shut down without warning while driving at 70 mph on the highway. The vehicle lost power steering and brakes, making it difficult to control.
Despite the severity of the issue, no recalls or investigations are related to this problem based on the last update from CarComplaints or NHTSA.
Common Lincoln MKX Problems
Here are some of the most common issues reported by Lincoln MKX owners across various model years, according to CarParts.com:
- Throttle failure and engine stalling: Many 2016 Lincoln MKX owners experienced a loss of acceleration due to a faulty throttle body intake, sometimes accompanied by warning lights on the dashboard. Engine stalling was also a frequent complaint, with the vehicle suddenly jerking or shutting down while driving.
- Rattle noise from the headliner: 2013 Lincoln MKX owners reported that the headliner’s poor fitment, particularly around the sunroof area, caused rattling noises. This issue was attributed to the foam isolation blocks detaching from the headliner.
- Coolant leaks: Owners of the 2011 Lincoln MKX complained about coolant leaks, which often led to clicking noises, warning lights, and the vehicle shutting down completely. In some instances, smoke emanated from under the hood.
- Malfunctioning door ajar sensor: The door ajar sensor in the 2011 Lincoln MKX was known to work intermittently, causing interior lights to remain on even when the doors were closed. Some owners had to repeatedly slam or gently close the door to turn off the sensor.
- Fluid leaks from the axle area: Leaking axle seals and power transfer unit (PTU) cover seals were common problems for 2008 Lincoln MKX owners, resulting in red or brown fluid leaking from both sides of the vehicle.
- Foam seal popping out: In 2007 and 2008 Lincoln MKX models, the foam seal between the dash and windshield tended to slip out of place, allowing water to enter the front driver’s side floorboard during rain or when washing the vehicle.
Be on the lookout for these issues when browsing the used car market for a Lincoln MKX.
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