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2008 Lincoln MKX problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Lincoln MKX is airbags, typically around 73,000 miles. It has 2.3 times the complaints of a typical MKX model year.

Year to avoid2.3x the typical complaints
Year score
41/100
Owner complaints
253
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
29
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
18-19mpg

The worst 2008 Lincoln MKX problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Lincoln MKX

Fuel leak 11Check engine light 6Fire or smoke 6Loss of power 6ABS 5Jerking 5

Recalls 6

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported March 10, 2021 · 2,602,668 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator or module with an alternate one, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 9, 2021 for the passenger side, and November 14, 2022 for the driver side. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S12.

Recall number 21V158000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported February 16, 2021 · 1,067 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver and passenger air bag module, and replace either the module or the inflator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S05.

Recall number 21V081000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 10, 2017 · 654,695 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain 2009 Ford Ranger, Edge, Fusion and Mustang, Lincoln MKX, MKZ and Zephyr and Mercury Milan vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Ford is recalling certain 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ, 2005-2008 Ford Mustang and 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners of the recall and that parts are not yet available began mailing March 1, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.

Recall number 17V024000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported May 31, 2016 · 1,892,343 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Ford is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Ford Ranger, Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles, 2006-2008 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ vehicles, 2005-2006 Ford GT vehicles and 2005-2008 Ford Mustang vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Any vehicle not included in "Zone A", or "Zone B" is not included in the safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. Ford mailed interim letters informing owners that parts are not yet available on July 15, 2016. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S01.

Recall number 16V384000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported October 29, 2014 · 186,024 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Lincoln MKX, and Ford Edge vehicles, manufactured June 15, 2006, to September 22, 2008, and originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Due to corrosion from salt water exposure such as from road salt use, the affected vehicles may leak fuel from the fuel tank seam weld under the tank mounting reinforcement brackets.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 12, 2014. The recall began on October 6, 2015. Dealers will inspect the vehicles and either clean and treat the fuel tank with a corrosion preventative or replace the tank, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S22.

Recall number 14V682000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported July 3, 2008 · 142 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford is recalling 142 my 2008 edge and lincoln mkk all wheel drive vehicles. The fuel tank weld fixture may have been exposed to a contaminant during production which could cause a dimple in the bottom of the fuel tank at a spot weld.
Risk
This dimple could result in a fuel leak or a fuel drip from the tank. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel tank free of charge. The recall began on july 11, 2008. Owners may contact ford at 1‑866‑437‑7332.

Recall number 08V301000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 2008 Lincoln MKX

Defect investigations

Front suspension lower ball jointOpened July 13, 2009, closed November 19, 2009

On july 13, 2009, the office of defects investigations (odi) opened preliminary evaluation pe09-031 to investigate allegations of front lower ball joint separation in model year (my) 2007 and 2008 ford edge and lincoln mkx vehicles.the investigation was based on three owner complaints alleging that the front lower ball joint separated and caused the front suspension to collapse while driving.odi also identified information related to the alleged defect in early warning data submitted by ford.preliminary analysis indicated that the failures were related to the pinch bolt used to secure the front lower ball joint stud to the steering knuckle.one complaint alleged that a crash occurred which resulted in a minor injury.however, no additional information could be obtained to support this claim.information provided by ford in response to odi's information request letter for pe09-031 indicate that in early my 2007 production there were some issues with the front lower control arm ball joint assembly process.the pinch bolts used were hand started and had the potential to cross thread and not achieve proper clamp load, potentially resulting in a loose joint.in november 2007, changes were implemented to chase and clean the first six threads of the bolt to provide easier hand starting of the nut and ensure good thread engagement before tightening. Ford also identified ongoing concerns with the power transmission unit (ptu) seals and front suspension hydro-bushings on the subject vehicles, which both require disassembly of the front lower ball joint to repair.if the ball joint is not properly reassembled following such service, the joint may separate in later service.ford has provided additional instructions and new pinch bolts to the ptu repair kit to improve the joint reassembly process. Odi's analysis of failure data identified 31 incidents of joint separation (with 12 specifically stating that they occurred while driving).repair records for these 31 vehicles shows that 28 involve separation of the joint on the passenger (right) side, which is the side that must be disassembled for ptu service.twenty-three of these were found to have been previously disassembled for control arm bushing service, ptu service or other transmission repair. The eight claims that did not involve prior service repairs requiring joint disassembly all occurred very early in vehicle life, indicating that it is unlikely that any joints manufactured with loose pinch bolts are still in service.all of these joints failed within 6 months in service and 10,000 miles (the maximum failure mileage is 8,097 miles).there haven't been any such failures (I.e., not involving prior service/disassembly) since december 2008.the rate for incidents that did not occur following service and, thus, may be related to the manufacturing process issues identified by ford is very low (2.5 per 100,000 vehicles) and these incidents occurred very early in the life of the vehicles and are not showing a continuing failure trend.accordingly, this investigation has been closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.

PE09031

Tire valve crackingOpened October 14, 2008, closed April 9, 2009

On october 14, 2008, odi opened pe08-060 to investigate allegations of cracked and leaking snap-in tire valves in model year (my) 2007 vehicles manufactured by ford motor company.the valves were supplied to ford by topseal auto-parts, a subsidiary of the shanghai baolong automotive corporation in china.valves made by topseal for aftermarket sale were the subject of two recent safety recalls by tech international (08t-018) and dill air controls (08t-028), the latter of which was investigated by odi in pe08-036 and ea08-022.the defect conditions addressed by the aftermarket tire valve recalls both involved inadequate resistance to ozone cracking due to issues with the supply of anti-ozonant chemicals to topseal for a period from july to mid-november 2006.the aftermarket valves were compounded with a blend of epdm and natural rubber, using a relatively low percentage of epdm (epdm provides inherent resistance to ozone cracking).hence, the need for anti-ozonant chemicals and the problems with cracking when those chemicals were missing or out of specification in some lots of valves.both recall campaigns involved inspection programs to identify and replace valves with visible surface cracking.although the topseal valves supplied to ford also appear to have been affected by the anti-ozonant supply issues in mid to late-2006, ford indicated that its valves were made at a different topseal production line and were compounded with a higher percentage of epdm rubber to meet more stringent specifications from ford.odi's analysis of complaint and warranty data provided by ford showed that problems with cracked tire valves were significantly higher for my 2007 vehicles produced from december 2006 through march 2007.ford responded by implementing changes in its material specifications for snap-in rubber tire valves and also increasing the quality and acceptance standards for valves imported for use in its vehicles.while the complaint and warranty claim rates are elevated for subject vehicles produced from december 2006 through march 2007, the rates of leaking valves are well below one percent of production for each of the peak months for all of the affected models.a substantial majority of the subject vehicles are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) which warn the driver when any tire pressures drops below 25 percent of recommended inflation pressure. As outlined in a letter to odi dated april 6, 2009, ford has agreed to send letters to owners of certain my 2007 and 2008 ford, lincoln and mercury vehicles to provide information about the cracking concern. Letters will be sent to owners of vehicles built from november 2006 through may 2007.owners can opt for a free dealer inspection.valves exhibiting surface cracks or air leakage related to ozone attack will be replaced by ford under its normal warranty terms.ford expects to send the letter by approximately mid-may 2009. Based on the use of TPMS in the majority of subject vehicles and the relatively low rates of repairs associated with leaking valves and resultant tire damage, odi believes that the actions ford has agreed to take will provide effective and expeditious resolution for vehicles that were built during the period when valves with inadequate resistance to ozone cracking were most likely to have been used in vehicle production.further investigation of this matter would not be an efficient allocation of agency resources.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will continue to

PE08060

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Lincoln MKX 29

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 29 bulletins for the 2008 Lincoln MKX

2008 Lincoln MKX fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.5L 6‑cylFWD162419
3.5L 6‑cyl4WD152218

What 2008 Lincoln MKX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 4, 2025 · Fuel system · 180,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel-burning odor on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the abnormal fuel-burning odor was on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. While the contact was attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel tank had fractured and was leaking fuel. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). However, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Filed May 1, 2025 · Engine · OH

I am reporting a serious mechanical defect in my 2008 Lincoln MKX involving the internal water pump. This vehicle uses the Ford 3.5L V6 Cyclone engine, where the water pump is mounted inside the engine and driven by the timing chain. My water pump failed unexpectedly, causing coolant to leak into the engine oil. This design flaw poses a serious safety risk due to potential engine failure while driving. This could lead to the engine seizing without warning, loss of power steering and braking, and increased risk of a crash. Ford and Lincoln are aware of this issue, and many owners have reported similar failures, but no recall has been issued. Repairs cost thousands of dollars and often require full engine replacement. This is a known design defect that puts drivers and passengers in danger. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate and mandate a recall before someone is seriously injured or worse. This failure is unpredictable, dangerous, and affects many vehicles using this engine platform

Filed May 1, 2025 · Driver assistance · OH

I am reporting a serious mechanical defect in my 2008 Lincoln MKX involving the internal water pump. This vehicle uses the Ford 3.5L V6 Cyclone engine, where the water pump is mounted inside the engine and driven by the timing chain. My water pump failed unexpectedly, causing coolant to leak into the engine oil. This design flaw poses a serious safety risk due to potential engine failure while driving. This could lead to the engine seizing without warning, loss of power steering and braking, and increased risk of a crash. Ford and Lincoln are aware of this issue, and many owners have reported similar failures, but no recall has been issued. Repairs cost thousands of dollars and often require full engine replacement. This is a known design defect that puts drivers and passengers in danger. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate and mandate a recall before someone is seriously injured or worse. This failure is unpredictable, dangerous, and affects many vehicles using this engine platform

Filed Sep 12, 2024 · Transmission · 165,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

Filed May 1, 2024 · Brakes · 91,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the brake pedal was firm when depressed, and the vehicle was slow to respond. There was an abnormal hissing noise detected from the dashboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Cavalier Ford Greenbrier (1515 S Military Hwy, Chesapeake, VA 23320), who informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN and to schedule an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V469000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

Filed Apr 10, 2023 · Body · CA

My front sliding panaromic sunroof glass blew right off the vehicle while I was driving on the highway. Not to mention my sunroof was closed. I heard a gust off wind and then my sunshade started flobbing from the wind ans thats when I noticed something was wrong. I pulled over and the glass was completely gone off the car. It could have caused a major accident or even hit and killed someone. Definitely a manufacturing defect. No warning signs or problems with it beforehand as well.

Filed Nov 17, 2022 · Airbags · 230,000 miles · NY · crash · 1 injury

The contact owned a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V001000 (Air Bags) and later Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact had made several attempts to set up recall appointments, however, the dealer kept advising her that the parts were not available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and following a right bend on the road she crashed into a parked vehicle. The contact stated that it was raining and the road surface was wet. The contact's vehicle crashed into the driver's side of the parked car, damaging the rear quarter panel and both doors. The contact's vehicle had damage to the front driver-side bumper and headlight, and the passenger door which was crushed by the impact. The contact stated that both side-impact air bags deployed but did not inflate and that the driver and passenger front air bags had not deployed. The contact stated that she received minor cuts to her left leg and bruises to the left side of her face, neck and shoulders. The contact stated that she had been transported by ambulance for medical attention. The contact's vehicle was towed from the scene and taken to an impound lot where it had later been declared a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. The police had filed a report. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Nov 9, 2022 · Airbags · 75,000 miles · PA · crash · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while his son was pulling up to a stop sign prior to pulling into oncoming traffic and noticed a dump truck speeding that lost control and eventually crashed into the passenger side door. No air bags deployed. The driver had received injuries to their shoulder, arm, and minor whiplash. No medical attention was needed. The driver of the truck had not received any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle had been towed to a body shop. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

Filed Jun 23, 2022 · Acceleration, Transmission · AZ

MKX has 75000 miles on it and the tss and oss sensors have gone out. Car goes into limp mode and will barely move, it shifts very hard, speed odometer quits and all the warning lights come on. If you stop let it sit and restart car it resets issue but you never know when it will happen again. It can happen at cruising speed or at start of car. VERY unsafe

Filed Jun 13, 2022 · Airbags · CA

I sold this vehicle over three years ago to Enterprise Car Sales in Santa Clara, CA. I have responded to these recall statements without success. Please tell me what I need to do ??

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Questions about the 2008 Lincoln MKX

Is the 2008 Lincoln MKX reliable?

Owners have filed 253 complaints about the 2008 Lincoln MKX, 2.3 times a typical MKX model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2008 Lincoln MKX year score?

The 2008 Lincoln MKX scores 41 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lincoln MKX: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Lincoln MKX?

Airbags, with 157 complaints, typically around 73,000 miles. Next is transmission (30).

How many recalls does the 2008 Lincoln MKX have?

6 recalls, covering air bags and fuel system, gasoline.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Lincoln MKX airbags?

Yes, 4 recalls: 21V158000, 21V081000, 17V024000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Lincoln MKX have bad airbags?

The Lincoln MKX model years with the most airbags complaints are 2008 (157 complaints), 2007 (154 complaints) and 2010 (54 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Lincoln MKX get?

Official estimates for the 2008 Lincoln MKX range from 18 to 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 16 city and 24 highway.

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