This page covers 5 recalls, 28 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Lincoln Mkx.
19–20 mpg combined
11.8–12.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
The 2016 to 2018 Lincoln MKX received an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. The MKX earned 5 stars in frontal crash, side crash, and side pole crash tests. It received 4 stars in rollover testing. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a redesign occurs, so this rating covers the entire 2016 to 2018 range.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2018 Lincoln MKX, the complaint set is small, 28 total, and no single system dominates by a wide margin. Engine complaints center on catalytic converter failures, with several owners describing repeated replacements and persistent emissions-related fault codes returning after each repair. Brake complaints are also logged at the same frequency, though the representative narratives don't detail a consistent symptom pattern across multiple reports. Airbag complaints round out the top systems at two reports each. The catalytic converter issue is the most coherent recurring theme: owners describe the same fault codes reappearing after replacement, in some cases four or more times on the same vehicle.
28
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Lincoln MKX has 5 recalls, with two tied for most serious: unsecured power cables at the starter and alternator that can arc and start a fire, and front and rear brake hoses that can rupture and leak fluid, extending stopping distances.
The brake hose issue affects both the front lines and the rear jounce hoses, and in either case a rupture causes brake fluid to escape, meaning the pedal may go soft or require much more travel before the vehicle slows. On vehicles equipped with 16-way power tilt seats, a wiring problem tied to the seat adjustment mechanism can interfere with the airbag system, causing a front airbag to deploy without warning while driving or fail to deploy in a crash when it is needed. There is also a door latch concern: some vehicles have door striker bolts that are shorter than they should be, and a door held by an undersized bolt may swing open in a crash, leaving an occupant exposed.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear brake jounce hose can rupture and leak brake fluid, potentially affecting braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace damaged rear brake jounce hoses and adjust undamaged hoses at no cost.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely, potentially affecting braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front brake hoses with new hoses featuring revised braid material at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The edge of the seat cushion frame may contact and damage the wire harness when using the seat's tilt function, which could cause the airbag to deploy unexpectedly or fail to deploy in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply protective tape to the seat cushion frame edge and inspect and repair or replace the wire harness if damaged, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Door striker bolts are shorter than designed, which may cause doors to open during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the door striker bolts at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Power supply cables connecting to the starter and alternator may not be properly secured, which could cause an electrical arc.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and properly secure the alternator and starter power supply cables as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
