LINCOLN MKX · model year

2014 LINCOLN MKX

48 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2014LINCOLNMKX carries 48 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 3/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2014 MKX is service brakes with 10 filings, followed by engine (7) and power train (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 1 active recall campaign, 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 2014 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.

48
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
2014 LINCOLN MKX — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2014 LINCOLN MKX. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 3.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

48 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 3/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SERVICE BRAKES10
ENGINE7
POWER TRAIN7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)2
BACK OVER PREVENTION2
STEERING1
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1

Recalls (1)

14V39300002/07/2014

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

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 vehi

Recent Complaints

20251027BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that a message was displayed, indicating that the camera was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, but was also not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer suggested that the rearview camera system might need to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.

Mileage: 119,000

20251008ENGINE

This automobile has a 3.7-liter engine manufactured by Ford Motor Company. We are the second owner of the vehicle. A dealer representative informed us the motor has an inherent defect while inspecting pinch weld failures. This engine, transversely mounted, was created whereby the chain driven water pump is located behind the front casing placing access on the passenger side of the vehicle. Water pumps have planned obsolescence and when these water pumps fail, the antifreeze drains into the engine crankcase mixing with the engine oil causing catastrophic failure of the engine within minutes of the water pump failure. This is a significant safety hazard causing the engine to seize and when at expressway driving could cause a serious accident due to the sudden loss of power and being stranded on the side of the road. There are approximately four (4) million vehicles manufactured by Ford and Mazda with the 3.5 and 3.7 liter transversely mounted engines. As the vehicles age, the water pump

20250921UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The rear view camera has a major issue it either goes black or even upside down creating a major hazard when I have to park or go into reverse

20250916UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Backup camera will be upside down at times and this seems to happen when you really need the help of the camera. I have had the check with your dealership come up when it doesn't work at all and they didn't have any answers for me. I see there are several vehicles out there that are having the same problem and there is a recall on them. I would appreciate your help with this. I haven't had any accident with this but would really like to have this fixed. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250801SERVICE BRAKES

A year ago, Lincoln issued a "voluntary recall" for a safety issue affecting loss of power brake assist due to a problem with the Electronic Brake Booster, identical to the recall recently issued for newer models. I took my Lincoln to the dealership, only to be told they cannot fix it unless it is happening when you bring it in. It is a very sporadic failure, lasts for a short time, and impossible to predict. So, while they claimed to have issued a 'voluntary recall', it is ineffective since the sporadic nature makes it impossible to get it fixed. Then the voluntary recall expired a few months after they sent out the notice.

20241015FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

The ABS module has failed. Lincoln doesn't have one and they don't know when the will. Apparently (from what I gather from Lincoln Corporate) there is a plethora of these units that have failed. Why is this not a safety recall?

20241015FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The ABS module has failed. Lincoln doesn't have one and they don't know when the will. Apparently (from what I gather from Lincoln Corporate) there is a plethora of these units that have failed. Why is this not a safety recall?

20240906SERVICE BRAKES

Continious soft brake pedal , with failure of brakes a couple of times nearly causing wreck. Auto inspected by Reineke Ford Findlay, Oh. Needs replacement of ABS brake module - hydrolic and electrical. No warning lights ever. Ford needs to extend the ABS module recall to include additional years, one of those being my 2014 MKX. To add to problem, even if I could afford to fix $2,000.00 repair......parts are on backorder........hence defining what a problem this is! This has been going on since April 2024.

20230615SERVICE BRAKES

The master cylinder for the brakes wen out an I replaced it on may 30th 2023 and today is June 15th and the same problem is happening.

20230309SERVICE BRAKES

I was driving and went to apply the brakes and they went almost to the floor, with very little braking ability. Thankfully I was going uphill and the car in front of me was not too close or I would have hit that car. And in a snowstorm to boot! I had no warning lights or any other indication that my brakes were going to suddenly go very soft. I got the car to my mechanic and he stated that the brake booster was leaking and needed to be replaced, and that is what caused the loss of pressure in the braking system. He said that there was a service bulletin #13N02 for that exact same problem for model years up to 2013, but because I had a 2014, the cost of the repair was not covered.

20230306SERVICE BRAKES

In 2021 I took vehicle in for intermittent soft brakes where the pedal would suddenly sink to the floor. Dealer replaced brake booster under warranty. Issue was still intermittent and 2 months into driving after the booster was replaced I suddenly lost all brakes. Took vehicle to dealer and now I am out of warranty and they claim there is a bad Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) for the ABS system. Said there’s nothing they can do and it’s a separate issue even though it’s the same issue they failed to correct previously. The part number is DT4Z-2C215-A. I believe this is a replacement part for the obsolete BT4Z-2C215-A. The dealer is now quoting me $2000 for the fox and said it’s very common issue. Looking at other safety bulletins the year of my vehicle wasn’t included and believe it was either cut off at 2010/2011’s. But if most vehicles still have this issue 2012-2015 then why were they not included in the safety recall. I believe losing brakes warrants a recall especially su

20230117SERVICE BRAKES

on or about dec 24, 2022 while driving my brakes would not engage the pedal went to the floodboard. Mechanic inspection of my vehicle found that the control assy -ABS Hydraulics had failed . This was the 3rd incident the mechanic had found in the last month. Ford motor has acknowledged the problem but no parts are available. Over 900 customers are waiting for parts since the beginning of December 2022 (that we know of). There is no estimate time of when this part will be available and many vehicles to include mine are on the road with improperly working brakes.

20220405SERVICE BRAKES

In 2021 had an issue with brakes failing and becoming unresponsive/difficult to press almost causing a crash. Vehicle was inspected and the dealer replaced the brake booster and a vaccum line. This didn’t fix the issue. Recently had the same problem occur again where the brakes are intermittent and sometimes become soft and sink to the floor while driving. Apparently a bunch of people have been having this issue and the fix for it is to put your vehicle into reverse going 20mph and to slam on the brakes several times until the brakes become firm. Apparently there must be an issue with the ABS/HCU having a valve stick. Have seen Ford and Lincoln recall older cars up to 2010 in the past few years for DOT 3 causing corrosion to cause valve in HCU to stick. Remedy had dealer flush DOT 3 brake fluid and put DOT 4 and change HCU and master cylinder cap to say DOT 4 fluid. No recalls for my 2014 but I believe this is definitely a safety issue that should be addressed. https://m.youtube.co

20210808BACK OVER PREVENTION

Backup camera is now displaying completely upside down.

20201027ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

VEHICLE STATES THAT IT IS NOT IN PARK EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT IS CLEARLY IN PARK. PASSENGER SIDE CLIMATE CONTROL TURNS ITSELF TO LOWEST TEMP. FOGS WINDSHIELD BECAUSE OF PASSENGER SIDE CLIMATE CONTROL ISSUE. DRIVER SIDE DOOR SAYS AJAR EVEN THOUGH DOOR IS CLOSED.

Mileage: 118,000

20201027ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE STATES THAT IT IS NOT IN PARK EVEN THOUGH THE GEAR SHIFT IS CLEARLY IN PARK. PASSENGER SIDE CLIMATE CONTROL TURNS ITSELF TO LOWEST TEMP. FOGS WINDSHIELD BECAUSE OF PASSENGER SIDE CLIMATE CONTROL ISSUE. DRIVER SIDE DOOR SAYS AJAR EVEN THOUGH DOOR IS CLOSED.

Mileage: 118,000

20200617ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SPORADICALLY GET A MESSAGE THAT THE DRIVER FROM DOOR IS AJAR WHEN IT IS CLOSED. ALSO, GET A MESSAGE THAT TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK WHEN THE SHIFTER IS IN PARK, MORE RECENTLY I HAVE ALSO GOTTEN THIS MESSAGE WHEN I START MY VEHICLE AND PUT IN DRIVE. SO FAR I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET BOTH MESSAGES TO GO AWAY BY OPENING AND SHUTTING THE DOOR A FEW TIMES(FOR THE DOOR AJAR MESSAGE) AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON(THIS SOMETIMES TAKES 3 OR 4 TRIES, FOR THE TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK MESSAGE). *TR

20200617POWER TRAIN

SPORADICALLY GET A MESSAGE THAT THE DRIVER FROM DOOR IS AJAR WHEN IT IS CLOSED. ALSO, GET A MESSAGE THAT TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK WHEN THE SHIFTER IS IN PARK, MORE RECENTLY I HAVE ALSO GOTTEN THIS MESSAGE WHEN I START MY VEHICLE AND PUT IN DRIVE. SO FAR I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET BOTH MESSAGES TO GO AWAY BY OPENING AND SHUTTING THE DOOR A FEW TIMES(FOR THE DOOR AJAR MESSAGE) AND TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON(THIS SOMETIMES TAKES 3 OR 4 TRIES, FOR THE TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK MESSAGE). *TR

20200612ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE DRIVERS DOOR AJAR SENSOR IS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY. THE DOOR SENSOR ON THE DASH SHOWS AJAR WHEN THE DOOR IS ACTUALLY CLOSED. IT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. CAUSES A DRAIN ON THE BATTERY. *TR

Mileage: 58,000

20200227ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

PUT CAR IN PARK AND RECEIVED A MESSAGE ON THE DASH SAYING "TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK" BUT THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN PARK.

Mileage: 67,220

Compare 2014LINCOLNMKX to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2014 LINCOLN MKX have?
The 2014 LINCOLN MKX has 48 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2014 LINCOLN MKX?
The 2014 LINCOLN MKX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 3/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2014 LINCOLN MKX?
Yes, the 2014 LINCOLN MKX has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 LINCOLN MKX?
The most-complained component for the 2014 LINCOLN MKX is SERVICE BRAKES with 10 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and POWER TRAIN.
Is the 2014 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. The 2014 LINCOLN MKX has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. 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.