Which Years of Used Lincoln MKXs Are Most Reliable?
Lincoln MKX by MSVG - CC-BY-SA-4.0
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. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the different Lincoln MKX model years you can purchase in used condition, plus an exploration of some of the most common mechanical issues or complaints you may encounter in your search.
THE LINCOLN MKX YEARS TO AVOID
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.
Most Reliable Years for the Lincoln MKX
The Lincoln MKX isn’t a very old vehicle, so there are only a handful of model years you’ll want to target during your used car shopping experience. When all is considered, the most reliable Lincoln MKX model years are:
- 2009 Lincoln MKX
- 2010 Lincoln MKX
- 2015 Lincoln MKX
- 2016 Lincoln MKX
- 2017 Lincoln MKX
- 2018 Lincoln MKX
At this time, Lincoln strove to make its midsize luxury SUV a worthwhile competitor relative to other car manufacturers. These used cars, therefore, were designed for durability, dependability, and consistency in terms of performance. They have the fewest number of complaints or recall orders compared to other used Lincoln MKXs. If you buy a used car from this selection of years, odds are you’ll be happy with your purchase.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP
The CoPilot car shopping app is the smartest way to buy a car. Get a curated list of the best cars for sale in your area, as well as notifications if a similar vehicle is listed nearby at a lower price. CoPilot is the smartest way to shop for used cars.
Are Lincoln MKXs Generally Reliable?
Even if you buy one of the most reliable Lincoln MKX years, that doesn’t mean you can trust the entire vehicle line, does it? Overall, you’ll find that the Lincoln MKX is a generally reliable vehicle line.
Carparts.com indicates that the Lincoln MKX has above-average reliability ratings, though of course some model years score significantly better compared to others. Still, you can expect an 8 out of 10 or so average dependability score for this vehicle across all of its model years, with a few exceptions.
Getjerry.com also says that the Lincoln MKX is a reliable vehicle, especially more recent Lincoln MKXs from 2016 to 2018 or so. That’s partially because – at this time in the market – there was a lot of competition in the SUV sector, leading many manufacturers to strive their best to produce dependable, highly valuable vehicles in relation to their competitors.
Which Lincoln MKXs Are the Least Reliable?
There are unfortunately several model years of the Lincoln MKX you should try to avoid, as they are known to be played with production errors or recall orders. The least reliable Lincoln MKX years include:
- 2007 Lincoln MKX
- 2008 Lincoln MKX
- 2011 Lincoln MKX
- 2012 Lincoln MKX
- 2013 Lincoln MKX
- 2014 Lincoln MKX
As you can see, many of the first generation Lincoln MKXs aren’t worth your time and money. That’s partially because Lincoln was still working out the kinks of this particular vehicle.
However, even later iterations of the car, specifically those from 2011 to 2014, had problems with the axle shaft assembly. This resulted in several recalls and expensive repairs.
THE 10 MOST RELIABLE USED SEDANS
If you’re ready to start shopping for a used car and reliability is a priority for you, take a look at our list of the top 10 most reliable used sedans on the market today.
Are Lincoln MKXs Expensive to Maintain?
Buying a used Lincoln MKX is just the start. You’ll then need to maintain your vehicle over the long term. On the plus side, repairpal.com says that the average annual cost of maintaining a used Lincoln MKX is $811. That’s not overly cheap, but it’s not excessively expensive, either.
Furthermore, your annual repair bills will depend on what exactly you need to be fixed. For example, a radiator replacement could cost up to $1200, but the cabin air filter replacement will be less than $100. To save money and peace of mind, have your vehicle checked out and maintained regularly. That will allow mechanics to catch growing problems before they become even worse.
Which Lincoln MKX is Most Reliable?
If you just want to cut your search short, purchase one of the most reliable Lincoln MKX years: the 2018 Lincoln MKX. This luxury crossover vehicle scored several awards, according to fordauthority.com, and is known for its solid dependability, even in used condition.
The 2018 Lincoln MKX is known for offering a very composed ride, lots of excellent safety features, and a quiet cabin. On top of that, drivers find that the vehicle handles nimbly and agilely, giving them an easy, enjoyable driving experience that’s perfect for commuting to work or facilitating some light off-roading adventures.
What Are the Most Common Lincoln MKX Problems?
Even the most reliable Lincoln MKX year may encounter some issues, which you need to be aware of. According to various auto communities and consumer complaints, the most common mechanical issues you might encounter include:
- Engine stalling: Some MKX owners have experienced sudden engine shutdowns while driving, often accompanied by warning lights and loss of acceleration. This issue can be particularly dangerous on highways.
- Coolant leaks: Drivers have reported coolant-related problems, including sudden vehicle shutdowns, warning lights, and smoke from under the hood. These issues can lead to engine overheating and potential damage.
- Brake system issues: Certain model years have exhibited brake problems, including unusual noises, low pedal feel, and booster malfunctions. These issues can compromise vehicle safety and require attention.
- Door sensor malfunctions: Faulty door ajar sensors have caused problems like interior lights staying on, false alarms, and unnecessary panic alerts. This can lead to battery drain and inconvenience.
- Headliner rattles: Some MKX models have experienced annoying rattling noises from the headliner area, particularly around the sunroof. This issue often stems from poorly secured foam isolation blocks.
- Fluid leaks: Owners have reported leaks from the axle area and power transfer unit, often accompanied by whining noises. If left unaddressed, these leaks can damage the transmission or PTU.
- Throttle body failures: Several drivers have experienced loss of acceleration due to faulty throttle bodies, sometimes occurring at relatively low mileage.
- Windshield seal problems: In some cases, the foam seal between the windshield and dashboard has come loose, allowing water to enter the vehicle during rain or car washes.
As always, be sure to take your used Lincoln MKX to a mechanic’s shop if you notice any sign of concern.
Is the Lincoln MKX Worth It?
In the end, a used Lincoln MKX from 2018 is a particularly good choice. Not only is this vehicle relatively recent, thereby benefiting from major technological advancements and available parts, but it also has the advantage of fewer mechanical problems. Lincoln took lessons learned from earlier versions of the Lincoln MKX and applied them well, resulting in a very consistent, dependable luxury SUV that provides stellar driving most of the time.
Final Thoughts
As with any used car, you’ll want to ask for a vehicle history report before buying a used Lincoln MKX. Once you do this, you’ll be able to determine whether a given used vehicle was ever involved in an accident or if there are mechanical concerns you should be aware of.
If all looks good, go ahead and purchase a used Lincoln MKX. So long as you get one of the most reliable Lincoln MKX years, you’ll likely enjoy your purchase and find that your luxury SUV serves you well in town, on the freeway, and even on the road to remote campsites.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
