Check a VIN

Lincoln MKX brake failure problems

43 of the 1,418 owner complaints about the Lincoln MKX describe brake failure, most of them for the 2013 model year.

owner complaints
43
worst model year
2013
typical mileage
84,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 3, 2026 · Brakes · 64,200 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2016 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 contact stated that while coming to a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard, requiring hard braking to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times while driving. The message "Hydraulic Brake Fluid Low" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear flexible brake hoses and the corroded rear brake calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 64,200.

Filed Jun 16, 2026 · Brakes · FL

I am writing to file a formal safety complaint regarding the extreme delay in the recall remedy for my vehicle. Despite the recall being issued months ago, Ford Motor Company/Lincoln has failed to resolve this critical safety issue in a timely manner. Here are my vehicle details: Year/Make/Model: 2016 Lincoln MKX VIN [XXX] the federal safety agency Recall Number: 25V544 Manufacturer Recall Number: 25S87 Component Affected: Rear Flexible Brake Hoses Description of the Safety Concern: The recall notice explicitly states that a failure in the rear flexible brake hoses can lead to a loss of brake fluid, resulting in increased brake pedal travel and significantly increased stopping distances, which greatly elevates the risk of a crash. Recently, I have started experiencing a noticeable softening in the brake pedal ("increased pedal travel"), which makes driving the vehicle extremely hazardous. When I contacted my local Lincoln dealership, I was informed that they do not have the necessary parts in stock and could not provide a definitive timeline for the repair. As a consumer, I am being forced to drive a vehicle with a known, severe braking defect because the manufacturer has failed to supply the remedy parts. This is a direct threat to my life, my family’s safety, and the safety of others on the road. Furthermore, this prolonged delay is causing me significant financial hardship and stress. I urgently request the federal safety agency to intervene and hold Ford Motor Company accountable for expediting the parts distribution for this critical safety recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Brakes · 57,532 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while pulling into the ATM at approximately 10 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound, and the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then driven to an independent mechanic, and was diagnosed with brake failure. The mechanic determined that the rear passenger’s side brake hose had ruptured, and the rear driver’s side brake hose needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced both rear brake hoses, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact later 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a request for reimbursement was made. The manufacturer informed the contact that the reimbursement would be provided once the part for the recall repair was available. The failure mileage was approximately 57,532.

Filed Mar 27, 2026 · Brakes · IN

Unknown Still waiting for solution for possible brake failure. Not comfortable just waiting for an accident to happen while driving.

Filed Feb 8, 2026 · Brakes · MD

While driving home from work during rush hour, a warning light illuminated on my dashboard and my vehicle suddenly lost braking ability. When I pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not slow or stop. I was forced to pull onto the shoulder of the road and pump the brake pedal extremely hard multiple times before the vehicle finally came to a stop. This occurred in heavy traffic and created an immediate and severe safety risk. The vehicle was towed to a dealership for inspection. I was informed that only a “temporary fix” could be performed, and I was required to pay approximately $500 for this repair in order to regain use of the vehicle. The vehicle has not received a permanent repair, and the dealership has taken several months without completing a permanent fix. I have also been waiting several months for reimbursement of the almost $500 paid for the temporary repair, with no resolution. I am concerned that I was charged for a temporary repair related to a serious safety failure and that continued delays in both reimbursement and permanent repair place me at ongoing risk. I am filing this complaint due to the dangerous nature of the brake failure, the lack of a permanent repair, the extended delay in resolving a critical safety issue, and the financial burden placed on me for a temporary solution.

Filed Dec 22, 2025 · Brakes · GA

Brake fluid leaks, loss of braking. Brake light showing on dash. Noticeable leak when parked. When driven, brakes have to be pressed to floor to begin operating

Filed Dec 17, 2025 · Brakes · IL

Brake pedal went to the floor couldnt stop nearly crashed

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 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.

Filed Sep 2, 2024 · Brakes · OH

My brakes have failed on this car three times. I had new front and back brakes installed on [XXX] mileage 44882. Again my brakes failed on [XXX] mileage 47626. A new brake booster was installed along with front brakes. Again on [XXX] brakes failed again and a brake booster and front brakes were installed. Mileage 54924. Today I was driving to my daughters house in Zanesville, Ohio and my brakes failed again. My car is still down in Zanesville because I could not drive it home. The mileage is 57000. Every time this happens I risk an accident. Even though the brake booster is covered by extended warranty, because Lincoln knows about this problem, I still have to pay for brakes and other cost. Isn't there anything that can be done about this? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Related recalls

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

Questions about the Lincoln MKX brake failure

Which Lincoln MKX years have brake failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2013 (10 complaints), 2016 (10 complaints) and 2012 (9 complaints).

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Lincoln MKX?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history