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2018 Lincoln MKX problems

The most common problem on the 2018 Lincoln MKX is brakes. It has fewer complaints than a typical MKX model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
87/100
Owner complaints
31
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
142
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
19-20mpg

The worst 2018 Lincoln MKX problems

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

  • Brakes
    8
  • Electrical
    5
  • Engine
    5
  • Driver assistance
    3
  • Lights
    3

Problems by type

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

  • Brakes
    8
  • Electrical
    5
  • Engine
    5
  • Driver assistance
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Trouble codes owners of the 2018 Lincoln MKX mention

P0430 2

Recalls 5

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported August 22, 2025 · 499,129 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
A brake fluid leak can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the brake jounce hoses and adjust brake jounce hoses with no damage present, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 17, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S87.

Recall number 25V544000 · Recall details

Service brakesReported August 10, 2020 · 488,594 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
Risk
A ruptured front brake hose will cause a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S42.

Recall number 20V469000 · Recall details

Seats: front assembly: power adjustReported July 17, 2020 · 19,299 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
An air bag that deploys inadvertently increases the risk of a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in the event of a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective flocking tape onto the exposed edge of the 16-way seat cushion frames, and inspect the wire harness for damage, and repair or replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began August 12, 2020. Owners may contact Ford/Lincoln customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S37.

Recall number 20V414000 · Recall details

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latchReported September 11, 2018 · 503 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
If the doors open in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door striker bolts, free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C06.

Recall number 18V612000 · Recall details

Electrical system: starter assemblyReported August 20, 2018 · 87 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
An electrical arc can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and starter motor power supply cables to verify that they are properly secured, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S25.

Recall number 18V548000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 2018 Lincoln MKX

Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Lincoln MKX 142

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

See all 142 bulletins for the 2018 Lincoln MKX

2018 Lincoln MKX fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.7L 6‑cylFWD182520
3.7L 6‑cylFWD172520
2.7L 6‑cylAWD172419
3.7L 6‑cylAWD162319

What 2018 Lincoln MKX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · ME

My vehicle had an electrical recall; I took it in and it gotten worse. The vehicle is making noise, and saying 911 operator is unavailable. The turning signals turn on and off, if I turn one going left, it stays on a while, or I have to shut car off a while to get it to cooperate of it doesn't signal at all. The brake light is on, no airbag light on, has hill assist warning, park aid malfunction light when park aid works, powertrain malfunction light on, pressure monitor on, and I took it to the shop, the mechanic said he couldn't get the correct electrical info to change it. Service steering warning comes on and blinks. I was driving two separate occasions and the car put itself in park and it stop abruptly when I slowed down. I tried to download a new version and it will not update. Theirs static in my speakers even after I turn the car off and windshield wipers work when they want to. I have another appointment next week, theirs so many recalls on this car, the rear brake lines and other recalls I'm not sure if it was handled. The dealership said I have no issues with the last report but my car stoppin in traffic, can't put on signals is very dangerous.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Brakes · TX

I have experienced this issue and it's been 9 months since the first issuance from Ford on this recall. I paid $523 to repair and this is insane since mechanic told me its an OME part so still going to possibly have same issue till recall is handled.

Filed Jun 1, 2026 · Brakes · WI

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: Â 25V544000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) However, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Engine · SC

Faulty catalytic converters. Ford has a CSP for the 2018 Lincoln mkx 3.7L engine and only included police driven Mkx's which is totally unfair when they're well aware that Faulty/failing emissions catalytic converters were installed on all of them and they fail and produce p0430 codes regardless of driving habits, I've never driven any of my vehicles harshly and maintain my vehicles, yet since I've owned this 2018 mkx since September of 2024, the rear catalytic converter had to be replaced and now the front catalytic converter is giving the same p0430 permanent code. Its bias of Ford to only extend police vehicles coverage and not regular consumers knowing that this emissions part is faulty because catalytic converters don't normally fail prematurely unless the parts are faulty. The original owner maintained this vehicle before me and I've maintained it since I've owned it, yet the catalytic converter has been replaced 3 times (carfax) which proves its Faulty. My 2005 Lincoln aviator had 303,000 miles before the engine blew, yet the catalytic converter had never been changed and I owned it for 15 years. I'd like an explanation from Ford as to why my 2018 Lincoln mkx 3.7L engine vehicle wasn't included in the CSP19M01. Ive owned a ford Explorer, Lincoln navigator and aviator that were built ford tough but this Lincoln mkx seems to be worse than a BMW. Thanking you in advance for your timely response. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 4, 2026 · Engine · SC

My vehicle has had emissions vehicle since before I owned it up to now. The catalytic converter has been replaced 4 times which is unheard of. Its presently giving the same codes/issues. The last catalytic converter replacement was November of 2024. It has to be a computer programming issue as my mechanic express. Im asking that this be looked into by Ford. I've owned 1973 Ford Pinto as a teenager, a 1998 Ford Explorer, 2000 Lincoln navigator, 2005 Lincoln aviator and now this 2018 Lincoln mkx has been the only vehicle with this type of issue. Maintenance records can prove this vehicle has properly been maintained before and during my ownership. I only use Shell, sunoco and other top tier 87 octane gasoline in this vehicle and have records of that too. P0430 code has come back on even after replacing the purge valve twice, 2025 and last month 2026, then code p0430 came back stating catalytic converter smh.

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · MI

The 2018 Lincoln MKX Third Brake Light lens cracked off in 3 pieces while going through the automatic car wash dryer on the evening of Friday March 20, 2026. This appears to be an Engineering design issue.

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · Brakes · OH

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V544000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Dec 1, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · FL

The rear view camera is intermittent. The camera listed for replacement is f2gz19g490c. That was a recall item listed for the problem that we are having . It is intermittent and is a safety hazard as indicated in the lincoln mkx 2015 thru 2019. Why is it indicated as not having a recall to my 2018 lincoln mkx VIN [xxx] . It is the same problem. The camera f2gz19g490c is the camera listed as the replacement and they list it at ford for $560.68. The repair department told me it was over $600 and it would cost $1300 to fix it. Something it is wrong here because I can get the replacement for about $60 dollars. It looks like a denial of service under a recall and a rediculous amount to repair the defective item with the same type. I would like too get an explanation on this . [xxx] at [xxx] or [xxx] thank you for looking at this problem and giving me a clarifying answer. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Dec 1, 2025 · Brakes · TX

The contact's husband owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Nov 26, 2025 · Electrical · KS

The 3rd brake light lens has separated from light assembly while in a drive thru carwash.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2018 Lincoln MKX before you buy

Compare the 2018 Lincoln MKX

Other model years

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Questions about the 2018 Lincoln MKX

Is the 2018 Lincoln MKX reliable?

Owners have filed 31 complaints about the 2018 Lincoln MKX, fewer than a typical MKX model year.

What is the 2018 Lincoln MKX year score?

The 2018 Lincoln MKX scores 87 out of 100 (good). 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 2018 Lincoln MKX?

Brakes, with 8 complaints. Next is electrical (5).

How many recalls does the 2018 Lincoln MKX have?

5 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic, service brakes and seats.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Lincoln MKX brakes?

Yes, 2 recalls: 25V544000, 20V469000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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 2018 Lincoln MKX get?

Official estimates for the 2018 Lincoln MKX range from 19 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.7L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 25 highway.

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