LINCOLN MKX · model year

2016 LINCOLN MKX

190 NHTSA complaints, 13 crash reports, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016LINCOLNMKX carries 190 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 13 crashes, 4 fires, 8 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 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 2016 MKX is service brakes with 31 filings, followed by engine (31) and electrical system (25). 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 2016 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.

190
Complaints
13
Crashes
4
Fires
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
2016 LINCOLN MKX — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2016 LINCOLN MKX. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

190 filings

Crashes Reported

13 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

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

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SERVICE BRAKES31
ENGINE31
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25
UNKNOWN OR OTHER20
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM11
POWER TRAIN10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC9
WHEELS6
EXTERIOR LIGHTING5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
STEERING5
STRUCTURE:BODY4
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS4
SUSPENSION3
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY2

Recalls (7)

19V63200029/08/2019

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Min

17V12300027/02/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles and 2017 Lincoln Continental vehicles. In the event of a crash, the driver's frontal air bag may not fully inflate or the air bag cushion may detach from the air bag module. As such, these vehicles fail to

16V34300024/05/2016

CHILD SEAT:TETHER: CONNECTOR/CLIP

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 24, 2015. An incorrect seat back trim cover was installed on the affected vehicles, blocking the child seat tether anchors in the second row center seating position. As such, these vehicles fai

25V54400022/08/2025

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The rear brake jounce hose may rupture and leak brake fluid.

20V41400017/07/2020

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more w

19V80900012/11/2019

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Lincoln MKX vehicles equipped with 3.7L engines. The battery positive cable harness may contact the transmission shifter cable bracket resulting in a short circuit.

20V46900010/08/2020

SERVICE BRAKES

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.

Recent Complaints

20260218SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed but traveled down to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. Additionally, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the brakes. The brake fluid warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the brake fluid reservoir was refilled, and days later, the low brake fluid warning light was illuminated. Most recently, the contact stated that when the vehicle was started, it rolled away. The vehicle was parked and was no longer driven due to safety concerns. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. How

Mileage: 122,934

20260208SERVICE BRAKES

While driving home from work during rush hour, a warning light illuminated on my dashboard and my vehicle suddenly lost braking ability. When I pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not slow or stop. I was forced to pull onto the shoulder of the road and pump the brake pedal extremely hard multiple times before the vehicle finally came to a stop. This occurred in heavy traffic and created an immediate and severe safety risk. The vehicle was towed to a dealership for inspection. I was informed that only a “temporary fix” could be performed, and I was required to pay approximately $500 for this repair in order to regain use of the vehicle. The vehicle has not received a permanent repair, and the dealership has taken several months without completing a permanent fix. I have also been waiting several months for reimbursement of the almost $500 paid for the temporary repair, with no resolution. I am concerned that I was charged for a temporary repair related to a serious safety fai

20260208UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving home from work during rush hour, a warning light illuminated on my dashboard and my vehicle suddenly lost braking ability. When I pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not slow or stop. I was forced to pull onto the shoulder of the road and pump the brake pedal extremely hard multiple times before the vehicle finally came to a stop. This occurred in heavy traffic and created an immediate and severe safety risk. The vehicle was towed to a dealership for inspection. I was informed that only a “temporary fix” could be performed, and I was required to pay approximately $500 for this repair in order to regain use of the vehicle. The vehicle has not received a permanent repair, and the dealership has taken several months without completing a permanent fix. I have also been waiting several months for reimbursement of the almost $500 paid for the temporary repair, with no resolution. I am concerned that I was charged for a temporary repair related to a serious safety fai

20251216UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Catalytic Converter Issues with Ford after Emissions Recall I recently had an emissions recall on my 2016 Lincoln MKX by Ford (25E02) in which the "vehicle has an emissions control system that does not account for certain in-use conditions and might not control tail pipe emissions effectively over time." Now one of the catalytic converters in the car is not working and needs to be replaced. The safety issue is the emissions being released as a result of the emissions control system not working properly for years and damaging the catalytic converter. I believe the company is aware of the issue but is refusing to include catalytic convertors in the recall. This is an environmental hazard that should fall on Ford to resolve.

20251212UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Ford Customer Satisfaction Programs (CSPs) 23B11/24E04 for P0420/P0430 codes they did the update and now the check engine light is on all the time and they will not replace catalytic converter

20251211CrashFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

My car is currently under two recall notices however only one of the issues has been communicated to me of resolution. One being emissions control 25E02 and second being Recall 25S87 REAR BRAKE FLEXIBLE HOSE LEAK. Recall 1- emissions has been a problem for about 2 years now. Emissions are connected to my engine thus having my check engine light come on. My car failed an emissions test but was only 4 years old and the catalytic converters are not broken, have hole, anything leading to failed test, car repair fees and non-registered vehicle. The second recall is not being fixed, and I have had to replace my brake house, line and rear right brake twice this year. Lastly, I have collision warning however it does not work properly if at all. I was in a minor fender bender when I went to push on brakes the sound to warn me of a collision did not go off until after the crash! I am unsure of the process but if connected to my braking system it failed and if it is a preventative measure it suck

20251211CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My car is currently under two recall notices however only one of the issues has been communicated to me of resolution. One being emissions control 25E02 and second being Recall 25S87 REAR BRAKE FLEXIBLE HOSE LEAK. Recall 1- emissions has been a problem for about 2 years now. Emissions are connected to my engine thus having my check engine light come on. My car failed an emissions test but was only 4 years old and the catalytic converters are not broken, have hole, anything leading to failed test, car repair fees and non-registered vehicle. The second recall is not being fixed, and I have had to replace my brake house, line and rear right brake twice this year. Lastly, I have collision warning however it does not work properly if at all. I was in a minor fender bender when I went to push on brakes the sound to warn me of a collision did not go off until after the crash! I am unsure of the process but if connected to my braking system it failed and if it is a preventative measure it suck

20251211CrashSERVICE BRAKES

My car is currently under two recall notices however only one of the issues has been communicated to me of resolution. One being emissions control 25E02 and second being Recall 25S87 REAR BRAKE FLEXIBLE HOSE LEAK. Recall 1- emissions has been a problem for about 2 years now. Emissions are connected to my engine thus having my check engine light come on. My car failed an emissions test but was only 4 years old and the catalytic converters are not broken, have hole, anything leading to failed test, car repair fees and non-registered vehicle. The second recall is not being fixed, and I have had to replace my brake house, line and rear right brake twice this year. Lastly, I have collision warning however it does not work properly if at all. I was in a minor fender bender when I went to push on brakes the sound to warn me of a collision did not go off until after the crash! I am unsure of the process but if connected to my braking system it failed and if it is a preventative measure it suck

20251120SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Mileage: 140,000

20251119SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

20251110UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Glove book hanging down. Rear cup holder in arm rest is stuck.

20251107CrashPOWER TRAIN

I have had to replace my rear brake pads, rotors, and the whole braking system (not related to sensors) three times in a year. I received the recall notice after the third time and had a mechanic fix my brake hose as a short-term remedy for my car. Not only does my car have a delay in breaking it is a delay in the monitoring service. Technically the sounds related to my vehicle are not related to braking at all by the speed in which a car slows down before it breaks. In this case that mean if I slam on my breaks the "emergency sound" does not go off. I have a minor fender bender as well due to these two problems associated with my braking system.

20251107CrashSERVICE BRAKES

I have had to replace my rear brake pads, rotors, and the whole braking system (not related to sensors) three times in a year. I received the recall notice after the third time and had a mechanic fix my brake hose as a short-term remedy for my car. Not only does my car have a delay in breaking it is a delay in the monitoring service. Technically the sounds related to my vehicle are not related to braking at all by the speed in which a car slows down before it breaks. In this case that mean if I slam on my breaks the "emergency sound" does not go off. I have a minor fender bender as well due to these two problems associated with my braking system.

20251107CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have had to replace my rear brake pads, rotors, and the whole braking system (not related to sensors) three times in a year. I received the recall notice after the third time and had a mechanic fix my brake hose as a short-term remedy for my car. Not only does my car have a delay in breaking it is a delay in the monitoring service. Technically the sounds related to my vehicle are not related to braking at all by the speed in which a car slows down before it breaks. In this case that mean if I slam on my breaks the "emergency sound" does not go off. I have a minor fender bender as well due to these two problems associated with my braking system.

20251007SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

20250925SERVICE BRAKES

Condensation build up in my passenger headlamp has caused the led rope lighting to stop working.This shows a recall but one not offered at this time.I have never received any recalls through the mail form.I recently moved and my address is as follows: [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250925EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Condensation build up in my passenger headlamp has caused the led rope lighting to stop working.This shows a recall but one not offered at this time.I have never received any recalls through the mail form.I recently moved and my address is as follows: [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250924SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the "Low Brake Fluid" warning light was displayed while the contact pumped the brake pedal before the vehicle drifted to a stop. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and was diagnosed with a rear brake hose failure. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); however, parts for the recall were not yet available. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer acknowledged the recall, and the contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that a claim could be filed to be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket repairs on the vehicle related to the failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure

Mileage: 100,000

20250912SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V469000 (SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) and 25V544000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond in a timely manner. The vehicle then slowed down and stopped; however, the contact stated that added force was used to depress the brake pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

20250912SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V469000 (SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) and 25V544000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond in a timely manner. The vehicle then slowed down and stopped; however, the contact stated that added force was used to depress the brake pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

Compare 2016LINCOLNMKX to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 LINCOLN MKX have?
The 2016 LINCOLN MKX has 190 NHTSA complaints, 13 crashes, 4 fires, 8 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 LINCOLN MKX?
The 2016 LINCOLN MKX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 LINCOLN MKX?
Yes, the 2016 LINCOLN MKX has 7 recall(s). The most common affected component is STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 LINCOLN MKX?
The most-complained component for the 2016 LINCOLN MKX is SERVICE BRAKES with 31 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2016 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 2016 LINCOLN MKX has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. 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.