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2013 Lincoln MKX problems

The most common problem on the 2013 Lincoln MKX is brakes, typically around 92,109 miles. It has 1.5 times the complaints of a typical MKX model year.

Typical year1.5x the typical complaints
Year score
60/100
Owner complaints
164
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
63
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
19-21mpg

The worst 2013 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 2013 Lincoln MKX

ABS 13Stalling 11Brake failure 10Loss of power 8Spongy pedal 7Door locks 6

Recalls 1

Power train: axle assembly: axle shaftReported July 2, 2014 · 83,250 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
Risk
If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑800‑392‑3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.

Recall number 14V393000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2013 Lincoln MKX

Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Lincoln MKX 63

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

See all 63 bulletins for the 2013 Lincoln MKX

2013 Lincoln MKX fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.7L 6‑cylFWD192621
3.7L 6‑cylAWD172319

What 2013 Lincoln MKX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · IL

Back up camera either turns upside down, goes blank and or stripped. You get one of the 3 options.

Filed Jul 11, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · ND

Back up camera don't work half the time or it is upside down and don't allow proper visibility to back up safely. Have to rely on mirrors and windows to back up.

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Transmission · 155,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal, with the transmission warning light illuminated. Occasionally, the contact was forced to shut off the vehicle and wait a few moments before restarting, after which the vehicle resumed normal operation. The vehicle was initially towed to the dealer twice; however, the dealer could not duplicate or diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and another service appointment was made. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

Filed Apr 26, 2026 · Driver assistance · ND

My rear veiw camera only works when it wants to. It is either upside down and no use for backing up or black screen with no working message. I see other years are being recalled for that same reason.

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · Suspension · KY

1. Rear diff is making grinding noise, front ptu is making a grinding noise and pinion seal is leaking, front axle throwing grease out inner boot. 2. Car stopping in middle of travel. Had a hard time getting it off the road. 3. The problem was confirmed by the dealership car was purchased from. 4. Only inspected by dealership mechanic. 5. Only by dealership mechanic. 6. There were no warning lamps prior to failure. The grinding was happening at time of purchase.

Filed Dec 15, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · WI

Brake failure. Pedal drops, especially when ABS is activated. Dealer diagnosed ABS control module and HCU hydraulic leak. Parts for this are on back order per dealer leaving me with a dangerous driving situation or inability to use my vehicle. No warning lamp or message displays. The fact that the parts to fix a major safety item are not available is unacceptable.

Filed Nov 18, 2025 · Driver assistance · 100,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera displayed a distorted image and an upside-down image. In addition, the contact stated that an error message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. In addition, the contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Oct 29, 2025 · Transmission · MS

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH and while attempting to make a right turn, the contact heard a grinding noise coming from the front of the vehicle on the front passenger’s side. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V393000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Sep 14, 2025 · MI

When shifted into reverse the screen for my Lincoln MKX is upside down and occasionally lines blur seeing anything

Filed May 14, 2025 · Brakes · 130,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal felt soft. The contact depressed the brake pedal to the floorboard while slowing the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the HECU was leaking, causing the brake booster and other braking systems to fail. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact was advised by an independent mechanic that the brake failure for the year, make, and model was known by the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2013 Lincoln MKX

Is the 2013 Lincoln MKX reliable?

Owners have filed 164 complaints about the 2013 Lincoln MKX, 1.5 times a typical MKX model year.

What is the 2013 Lincoln MKX year score?

The 2013 Lincoln MKX scores 60 out of 100 (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 2013 Lincoln MKX?

Brakes, with 66 complaints, typically around 92,109 miles. Next is electrical (30).

How many recalls does the 2013 Lincoln MKX have?

1 recall, covering power train.

What year does the Lincoln MKX have bad brakes?

The Lincoln MKX model years with the most brakes complaints are 2013 (66 complaints), 2016 (56 complaints) and 2012 (33 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Lincoln MKX get?

Official estimates for the 2013 Lincoln MKX range from 19 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.7L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 26 highway.

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