LINCOLN MKX · model year

2009 LINCOLN MKX

77 NHTSA complaints, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2009LINCOLNMKX carries 77 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2009 MKX is air bags with 35 filings, followed by service brakes (10) and electrical system (7). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 7 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 15 investigation files overlapping the 2009 MKX, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

77
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

77 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS35
SERVICE BRAKES10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
WHEELS3
POWER TRAIN3
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
ENGINE2
SEATS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
VISIBILITY1
STEERING1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.1

Recalls (7)

16V38400031/05/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Ford Ranger vehicles, 2006-2011 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles, and 2005-2011 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever register

15V71200027/10/2015

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured September 11, 2008, to July 1, 2010, and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 23, 2008, to July 1, 2010, originally sold in, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana

21V08100016/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as

21E01300016/02/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain air bag inflator and/or module replacement service parts that may have been used as part of a collision repair. The parts include certain driver-side air bag inflators and/or modules, designed to fit 2005-2014 Ford Mustang and Mustang GT500. It also i

18V04600011/01/2018

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013 Ford Mustang vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Vir

21V15800010/03/2021

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to

17V02400010/01/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2012 Ford Fusion and Mustang and Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Marian

Recent Complaints

20240129ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine power reduced message was displayed and the wrench warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to allow the engine to cool down. The contact removed the oil cap and stated that the engine oil looked like chocolate milk. The contact took the vehicle Precision Tune to get the oil changed and was informed there was a major coolant leak. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

20240129ENGINE

The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine power reduced message was displayed and the wrench warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to allow the engine to cool down. The contact removed the oil cap and stated that the engine oil looked like chocolate milk. The contact took the vehicle Precision Tune to get the oil changed and was informed there was a major coolant leak. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed to call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

Mileage: 125,000

20231206AIR BAGS

My car has a Recall for the AIRBAGS . The car started life in south Texas where it is hot and humid which makes the problem worse. My dealer hasn't complied with the RECALL, [XXX] , Stone Lake, WI [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20221022SERVICE BRAKES

Car frequently failed to stop timely when brakes were pressed. A HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT was advised and BRAKE BOOSTER to be installed.

20220831UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8/31/22 While I am driving, at 25 miles per hour in my neighborhood, or 45 mph through town, or 65 mph on the freeway, without any warning there occasionally will be an EXTREMELY LOUD BANG!! I actually duck down and cover my head for fear a huge rock has come through the windshield. Or a double-barreled shotgun was aimed at my car, or a major jetliner had fallen out of the sky and landed on my roof. Only to look up and see no damage whatsoever, but the shrill, high pitched ring piercing my ears. The radio won't respond, the gps won't respond, the heater or AC won't respond. The sound continues for as long as it takes to get to my destination. When I return to my car the next time, EVERYTHING WORKS FINE, and no high pitched ring. I have seen others' notes on this topic say it is the radio/speakers. This BANG occurs for me even when I am NOT using the radio or media. However, my cell phone auto connects each time I turn on the engine. I will today 8/31/22 disconnect my cell phon

20220412SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated she continued to pump on the brake pedal until the vehicle began to decelerate. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.

Mileage: 162,000

20220412AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2009 Lincoln MKX. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20220206POWER TRAIN

Automatic transmission is slipping badly. Results in temporary loss of power & speed. Taking my foot off the gas pedal, for two-to-three seconds, seems to remedy the situation. It's quite scary losing control of the vehicle during that period. Below, I am identifying an "approximate date"; however, this issue has been ongoing for quite some time - At least one, perhaps two, years. A mechanic's remedy may be checking the transmission fluid, or having the fluid replaced. I ensure I keep the fluid at its' proper level and I'm not replacing the fluid. I don't believe any transmission fluid ever needs draining and replacing - I think that's a scam when it's suggested!

20210512SERVICE BRAKES

ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND THE REPAIR SHOP SAYS THE ABS MODULE HAS FAILED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

Mileage: 106,000

20210211ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I'VE REPLACED A STARTER / ALTERNATOR/ BATTERY/ COIL PACKS/ TUNE UP/AND MY TRUCK IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH STAYING STARTED..I HAVE TO PUSH THE GAS IN PARK BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE IT WILL SHUT OFF.

Mileage: 153,000

20210211ENGINE

I'VE REPLACED A STARTER / ALTERNATOR/ BATTERY/ COIL PACKS/ TUNE UP/AND MY TRUCK IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH STAYING STARTED..I HAVE TO PUSH THE GAS IN PARK BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE IT WILL SHUT OFF.

Mileage: 153,000

20210211POWER TRAIN

I'VE REPLACED A STARTER / ALTERNATOR/ BATTERY/ COIL PACKS/ TUNE UP/AND MY TRUCK IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH STAYING STARTED..I HAVE TO PUSH THE GAS IN PARK BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE IT WILL SHUT OFF.

Mileage: 153,000

20201122SERVICE BRAKES

I HAVE TO CHANGE THE BREAKS & ROTORS TWICE IN 2 YEARS. MY MECHANIC SAYS IT IS THE 'BREAK BOOSTER'. HE STATED THAT THEIR MIGHT BE A RECALL. THE VEHICLE IS HAVING ISSUES STOPPING. I AM AFRAID THE WILL GO OUT AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE BREAKS MAKE A RELEASED AIR SOUND AND IT IS HARD TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP. SO I STOPPED DRIVING IT.

Mileage: 20

20200309POWER TRAIN

THE PTU (POWER TRANSFER UNIT) IS CAUSING ENGINE LIGHT TO FLASH AND LOSS OF POWER WHEN ACCELERATING. TRANSMISSION SPUTTERS AND SEEMS TO BUCK AS IF NOT FINDING THE GEAR (ALMOST ALWAYS AROUND 2ND GEAR).

Mileage: 235,000

20200206SERVICE BRAKES

BRAKES INTERMITTENTLY DON'T GRAB SOMETIMES AND SOMETIME THEY GRIND WHEN APPLIED. I HAVE HAD THEM WORKED ON MULTIPLE TIMES AND I'VE HAD MECHANICS TO TELL ME THAT THERE'S SOME PROBLEM IN THE CONTROL UNIT THAT'S CAUSING THIS. I'VE HAD EVERYTHING REPLACED AND IT STILL HAPPENS.

20191211SERVICE BRAKES

I HEAR A HISSING NOISE WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKES FEEL SPONGY AND NOT VERY RESPONSIVE. GARAGE HAVE DIAGNOSED A LEAKING BRAKE BOOSTER. LINCOL RECALL 13N02 EXACTLY FITS THIS FAULT BUT IS ONLY BEING APPLIED TO 2010 - 2013 MODELS, MINE IS 2009. THIS RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED TO COVER 2009 MODELS TOO.

Mileage: 90,000

20190729FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

SUBJECT : GETTING A RAW DEAL ! JUST BOUGHT 2009 LINCOLN MKX. PROBLEMS ARE SURMOUNTING QUICKLY. FUMES IN CABIN RECALL IS CONNECTED TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN FORDS, LINCOLNS, MAZDA YEARS 2007 - 2013 APPROXIMATELY AS REPORTED. THE FUEL PUMP FAILS AND IS NOT EASILY REPLACEABLE. FORD IS AT FAULT FOR POORLY DESIGNING A $200 PART BEHIND A "TIMING CHAIN" WHICH REQUIRES REMOVAL BEFORE YOU CAN REACH THE FUEL PUMP TO REPLACE - COSTING THE CUSTOMER EXORBITANT AMOUNT OF MONEY TO REPAIR.

Mileage: 173,334

20190729VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

SUBJECT : GETTING A RAW DEAL ! JUST BOUGHT 2009 LINCOLN MKX. PROBLEMS ARE SURMOUNTING QUICKLY. FUMES IN CABIN RECALL IS CONNECTED TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN FORDS, LINCOLNS, MAZDA YEARS 2007 - 2013 APPROXIMATELY AS REPORTED. THE FUEL PUMP FAILS AND IS NOT EASILY REPLACEABLE. FORD IS AT FAULT FOR POORLY DESIGNING A $200 PART BEHIND A "TIMING CHAIN" WHICH REQUIRES REMOVAL BEFORE YOU CAN REACH THE FUEL PUMP TO REPLACE - COSTING THE CUSTOMER EXORBITANT AMOUNT OF MONEY TO REPAIR.

Mileage: 173,334

20190729UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SUBJECT : GETTING A RAW DEAL ! JUST BOUGHT 2009 LINCOLN MKX. PROBLEMS ARE SURMOUNTING QUICKLY. FUMES IN CABIN RECALL IS CONNECTED TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN FORDS, LINCOLNS, MAZDA YEARS 2007 - 2013 APPROXIMATELY AS REPORTED. THE FUEL PUMP FAILS AND IS NOT EASILY REPLACEABLE. FORD IS AT FAULT FOR POORLY DESIGNING A $200 PART BEHIND A "TIMING CHAIN" WHICH REQUIRES REMOVAL BEFORE YOU CAN REACH THE FUEL PUMP TO REPLACE - COSTING THE CUSTOMER EXORBITANT AMOUNT OF MONEY TO REPAIR.

Mileage: 173,334

20190715SERVICE BRAKES

BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM LEAKS CAUSING BRAKES TO SQUEAL AND HISS THUS RENDERING VEHICLE UNSAFE STOP.. THE RECALL STARTS ON 2010 MODELS BUT THE RECALL SHOULD HAVE STARTED ON THE 2009S. I HAD TO REPLACE IT AND IT COST 700. NOW MY VEHICLE IS MECHANICALLY SOUND.

Mileage: 117,000

Compare 2009LINCOLNMKX to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2009 LINCOLN MKX have?
The 2009 LINCOLN MKX has 77 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2009 LINCOLN MKX?
Yes, the 2009 LINCOLN MKX has 7 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 LINCOLN MKX?
The most-complained component for the 2009 LINCOLN MKX is AIR BAGS with 35 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2009 LINCOLN MKX safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.