2016 Lincoln MKX engine problems

Filed May 21, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MI

The internal water pump failed, dumping a half gallon of antifreeze into the engine oil. This caused the engine to suddenly stall and lose all power while driving in the middle of active traffic, creating a severe crash hazard .

Filed Aug 20, 2025 · Engine · 54,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message "Coolant Overheated" was displayed on the digital display screen. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart as intended. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an air intake valve fracture and abnormal engine oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V635000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

Filed Apr 27, 2024 · Engine · FL

I have an oil consumption issue. There is a technical service Bulletin# 19-2243 indicating this is a known problem with my SUV. My Lincoln Protection Plan and Lincoln Corporate refuse to assist in replacing the engine.

Filed Jul 26, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · WI · 1 injury

I have spent numerous (more than 3 major problems) For example, a lot of dollars fixing water pump. The design is messed up where they place the water pump. Thousands in labor. The electric driver control malfunction and tire pressure is always lit. This occurred on drive home from brake recall fix. The engine stalls and also leaks. The seat moves sometimes without me wanting it to. The emergency brake slams on and stops and locks the car when in drive or reverse. Lincoln has been zero help and gave false promises.

Filed May 25, 2023 · Engine · PA

Engine shutoff suddenly while driving, mainly on freeways & roads that have long downhills, while foot is off the gas pedal. But it happens on flat roads also. The stability control lights comes on, & I have to pull over with residual speed put suv in park, turn engine button off & wait for seat to return to neutral position then restart. This had happened at least 12 times & mostly in dry conditions while driving straight with no lane changes. Dealer could not duplicate & find the problem, visited them 4 times so far. Otherwise it will not start the engine.

Filed Feb 15, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · WI

The major problem occurred right after purchase as check engine light came on. The dealership was no help and refused to take vehicle back. The vehicle is nice looking but the mechanical is a lemon. I purchased this in 2020 and paid $24000. It’s a 2016 Lincoln mkx. I repaired problems and due to covid and my lifestyle I rarely traveled. I have more medical issues and require more frequent doctor visits. I never went back to Brennegen after not standing by this vehicle shortly after purchase. I just tried to focus on the positive and started doing business elsewhere. I maintained proper service. Brennegen did not disclose active recall before purchase. Since purchase I have repaired two problems brakes, and fire risk to engine. At this months regular oils change my current mechanic Dahl ford said the water pump was leaking. The estimated repair is $5000. I paid just to have it diagnosed yesterday as I have not $5000. I followed their advice and parked this. My vehicle is currently not drivable. I investigated and discovered Lincoln Ford has several class action lawsuits filed against them. Many consumers have the water pump problem and unfortunately Lincoln was well informed of this since 2007 and purposely have not fixed the issue. Yet currently many consumers like me are in danger of eminent engine failure and catastrophic failure of Lincoln vehicles. The cost is far more expensive for many and consumers should not be victims of lemons and fraud. Lincoln knew and currently knows of problem. They denied to buy back my vehicle or repair it. The case was just filed yesterday and Lincoln denied it in less than 12 hours. Without any Investigation Or explanation they just told the other department rep to call me back and deny my complaint. I am not the only o e and lawyers are now involved in class action . Please help me start o e I. My area or get Lincoln to stand behind their advertisement as this is a blatant lie. The water pump is too expensive to fix. Please help!

Filed Feb 1, 2022 · Engine · 43,700 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated complete failure warning message was displayed. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle and functionality was returned. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,700.

Filed Feb 3, 2021 · Engine · 24,000 miles · TX

I have noticed exhaust fumes in the cabin when driving. I drive both highway and city, but it is worse on the highway. I started feeling tires and foggy headed every time I drove. I tried recycling air and open air both but didn't seem to help. I went to the dealership for oil change and told them about the problem. Service concierge said they had another 2016 mkx in at that time with the same problem. I was told they couldn't look at my vehicle for over two weeks and wouldn't have a loaner car until then. I told them I was concerned about driving with the problem and was offered two options... Leave it there until they could look at it, with no loaner car, or for times sake take it to another dealership. This is unacceptable and a liability in my opinion.

Filed Apr 13, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 28,000 miles · TX

While driving on city streets, the engine unexpectedly quit and the gears switched from drive to neutral on its own. This has happened 5 times so far. It is dangerous and could be life threatening.

Filed Jun 27, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 23,000 miles · TX

In may and june of 2019 on 2 different occasions, our 2016 lincoln mkx ignition 'turned off' on its own without any input by the driver while using cruise-control on a crowded highway going 75 MPH! When it occurred, a text message was displayed superimposed over the tachometer that read: 'caution: ignition turned off'. Fortunately, when it turned off, the car automatically shifted into 'neutral' instead of 'park', which it does automatically when the ignition switch is used to turn the car 'off'! After it shut off, we coasted in 'neutral' without power brakes or power steering while surrounded by mack trucks and other cars. Thank god there was a shoulder on the roadway where we could safely pull over. Before we could attempt to restart the car, we had to coast to a complete stop, put the car in 'park', depress the brake pedal, and press the ignition button. Had we been in a work-zone w/concrete barricades and no shoulder, we could have been run over/killed by a mack truck and/or other car(s) approaching from behind at high speeds. The service manager at our lincoln dealership said they have never heard of this occurrence, but we easily found two (2) websites discussing this issue regarding the mkx. We can only wonder how many people may have already died with no explanation about why they were at a full stop on a busy highway. Because we restarted the car, the service manager said the "error" history in the computer was erased - bad programing! Both times our incidents happened, we had been driving about an hour on the highway. The car has been 'in the shop' at the dealership for 2 weeks, and we are still awaiting an explanation and fix. I'm not sure I'll ever feel confident/safe enough to drive it again!