MKX (2016)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
GTDI
2.7L 6-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Lincoln MKX Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Lincoln MKX regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (7)
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.
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 wires within the harness, which can result in either inadvertent deployment of the air bag or nondeployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
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, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
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.
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 comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
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 fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2016-2016 Lincoln MKX problems?
The 2016-2016 Lincoln MKX has accumulated 137 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Engine, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Lincoln MKX engine is most reliable?
The 2016-2016 Lincoln MKX was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.7L Turbo 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2016-2016 Lincoln MKX a good used car?
The 2016-2016 Lincoln MKX can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 137 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016-2016 Lincoln MKX have?
The 2016-2016 Lincoln MKX has 137 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2016-2016 Lincoln MKX?
There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2016-2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Lincoln MKX?
Before buying a used Lincoln MKX, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Engine, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the MKX?
The 2016 Lincoln MKX received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.4% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 137 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.