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Lincoln MKX engine failure problems

14 of the 1,418 owner complaints about the Lincoln MKX describe engine failure, most of them for the 2011 model year.

owner complaints
14
worst model year
2011
typical mileage
71,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

  • 2018
    1
  • 2017
    1
  • 2016
    1
  • 2014
    1
  • 2012
    1
  • 2011
    5
  • 2008
    3
  • 2007
    1

What owners say

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 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 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 Oct 3, 2023 · Engine · OH

While driving on interstate 271/480 my check engine light started flashing and my car suddenly died putting me in harms way as I tried navigating 3 lanes to get to the berm. It was towed to 2 different Lincoln dealerships where they both confirmed the engine lost compression and would need a full replacement. This vehicle is only a 2017 and 100K miles and shouldn't have total engine failure at that age. I read articles on the federal safety agency investigating Ford engines and feel this may have a similar engine issue and is worth investigating. Please let me know how I can assist.

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 Jan 7, 2023 · Engine · AR

Water pump failure 3 times. Internal water pump failed causing engine to overheat dumping coolant into the engine oil. Original water pump replaced 5/16/21. Replacement water pump failed and was replaced 6/19/22. Second Replacement water pump has failed also as of January 1, 2023 resulting in catastrophic engine failure.

Filed Dec 13, 2019 · Engine · 150,000 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 lincoln mkx. While the contact's husband was driving approximately 70 MPH, the check engine indicator suddenly illuminated and the speed reduced. The contact pulled the vehicle over and had it towed to a family member's trailer. The contact called gene mercer ford of amarillo (located at 3400 s soncy rd, amarillo, tx 79119, 806‑355‑7471) where the water pump was replaced. The dealer diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The engine was not replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed Feb 16, 2018 · Engine · 50,000 miles · PR

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 lincoln mkx. The contact stated that the engine failed. While driving 40 MPH, the engine stalled and the low oil pressure warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to restart the engine to regain normal function, but the failure was experienced several times. The vehicle was taken to mayaguez ford called marginal mayaguez, puerto rico, 00681; phone 787‑805‑3673. The dealer performed a diagnostic, which located the failure at the engine purge valve. The dealer replaced the engine purge valve and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 50,000. *tt

Filed Jan 9, 2018 · Engine · NC · fire

I was driving on the road all the sudden I heard a knock in the vehicle and burning smell without any warning the car has stopped in the middle of the road. I was able to get it to a safe place. I have it towed to the dealer the entire engine has to be replaced because the coolant was going to the engine which will cost nearly $10,000.00. I still owe over $18,000.00 and only have the car for a 1 year. I can't get any help from the ford company or the dealer. I am a single parent that's in a true dilemma not knowing what to do. The dealer has done the service in the car 2 months prior to the engine failure. I kept the service everything it's due. I was doing all the right thing.

Filed Sep 8, 2017 · Engine · 112,000 miles · OR

Even with meticulous maintenance my mkx engine catastrophically failed. The dealership said the oil and water mixed and it was in no way caused by us. They are wanting me to pay $7000.00 to replace the engine. We followed manufacturers recommendations for service and preventive maintenance. I believe lincoln should cover this as this was no fault of us as the owners. We are the original owners and purchased it brand new. My wife was driving to bend, or from prineville, or on the highway and the vehicle lost power and then died. She was stranded on the roadside with no cell service.

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Lincoln MKX engine failure

Which Lincoln MKX years have engine failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2011 (5 complaints), 2008 (3 complaints) and 2007 (1 complaints).

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