Lincoln

MKX (2018)

2018 · Midsize SUV ยท 1 engine
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (3.5)
26 NHTSA Complaints
5 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
2 Crash Reports
View all 4 generations of the Lincoln MKX → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 5/5
Frontal Crash
5/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.4% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional

Engine Reliability Ratings

Lincoln MKX Unidentified Engine

โœ… Recommended (3.5)
16 complaints 16.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
5
other
4
safety systems
4
electrical
2
engine
2

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (5 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (4 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (2 complaints)
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

GTDI

2.7L 6-cyl Turbo / 335 hp
โœ… Recommended (4.0)
9 complaints 7.0 per year Gasoline
View details

3.7L TIVCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing)

3.7L 6-cyl / 303 hp
โœ… Recommended (5.0)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
1

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Lincoln MKX regardless of engine variant.

Brakes Issues (5 complaints)
brakes cosmetic

Recalls (5)

25V544000Aug 21, 2025serious
Service Brakes

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.

20V414000Jul 16, 2020serious
Seats

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.

20V469000Oct 7, 2020serious
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.

18V548000Aug 19, 2018serious
Electrical System

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, 2019 Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The power supply cables at the starter and the alternator may not have been properly secured, possibly resulting in an electrical arc.

18V612000Nov 8, 2018serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles. These vehicles may have door striker bolts that are shorter than intended. Vehicles with shorter door striker bolts fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components" potentially resulting in the doors opening in the event of a crash.

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2018-2018 Lincoln MKX problems?

The 2018-2018 Lincoln MKX has accumulated 26 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Safety Systems, 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 2018-2018 Lincoln MKX was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.7L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2018-2018 Lincoln MKX a good used car?

The 2018-2018 Lincoln MKX can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 26 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 2018-2018 Lincoln MKX have?

The 2018-2018 Lincoln MKX has 26 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 2018-2018 Lincoln MKX?

There are 5 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2018-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” 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, Safety Systems, 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 2018 Lincoln MKX received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (15.5% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 26 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: low. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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