Lincoln MKX loss of power 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 Oct 8, 2025 · Engine · MI

This automobile has a 3.7-liter engine manufactured by Ford Motor Company. We are the second owner of the vehicle. A dealer representative informed us the motor has an inherent defect while inspecting pinch weld failures. This engine, transversely mounted, was created whereby the chain driven water pump is located behind the front casing placing access on the passenger side of the vehicle. Water pumps have planned obsolescence and when these water pumps fail, the antifreeze drains into the engine crankcase mixing with the engine oil causing catastrophic failure of the engine within minutes of the water pump failure. This is a significant safety hazard causing the engine to seize and when at expressway driving could cause a serious accident due to the sudden loss of power and being stranded on the side of the road. There are approximately four (4) million vehicles manufactured by Ford and Mazda with the 3.5 and 3.7 liter transversely mounted engines. As the vehicles age, the water pump failure can occur between 120-150,000 miles rendering the vehicle incapacitated wherever the failure occurs. From my research, there is no prior warning of the failure. The cost to replace the pump is 2-3,000 USD and the engine is approximately 7,000 USD. Contacting the federal safety agency would be our only recourse in a remedy for this defect. The 2014 Lincoln MKX FWD/AWD remains a beautiful and a functional vehicle, the type you would want to retain for many years beyond its initial service interval. We would therefore request the federal safety agency investigate this matter and mandate the manufacturer implement a cost effective retrofit to replace the water pump prior to failure or issue a full recall of the vehicles, compelling the manufacturer to provide a fair market value buy back to the current owners of the vehicles. We have factual data to support this claim and the severity of the encounter when the pump fails.

Filed Aug 1, 2025 · Brakes · FL

A year ago, Lincoln issued a "voluntary recall" for a safety issue affecting loss of power brake assist due to a problem with the Electronic Brake Booster, identical to the recall recently issued for newer models. I took my Lincoln to the dealership, only to be told they cannot fix it unless it is happening when you bring it in. It is a very sporadic failure, lasts for a short time, and impossible to predict. So, while they claimed to have issued a 'voluntary recall', it is ineffective since the sporadic nature makes it impossible to get it fixed. Then the voluntary recall expired a few months after they sent out the notice.

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 Jan 5, 2023 · Transmission · 43,225 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle began to lose power. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an unknown GMC dealer who restarted and test-drove the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed that no issues were found. An unknown Lincoln dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,225.

Filed Feb 6, 2022 · Transmission · MI

Automatic transmission is slipping badly. Results in temporary loss of power & speed. Taking my foot off the gas pedal, for two-to-three seconds, seems to remedy the situation. It's quite scary losing control of the vehicle during that period. Below, I am identifying an "approximate date"; however, this issue has been ongoing for quite some time - At least one, perhaps two, years. A mechanic's remedy may be checking the transmission fluid, or having the fluid replaced. I ensure I keep the fluid at its' proper level and I'm not replacing the fluid. I don't believe any transmission fluid ever needs draining and replacing - I think that's a scam when it's suggested!

Filed Dec 21, 2021 · Electrical, Steering · MI

While driving, there is an electrical issue that is causing warning alarms to go off for hill-descend control, advance-trac traction control, etc. During this time, there is also a complete loss of power steering and making the vehicle almost impossible to turn. The first incident happened on November 26, 2021 around 7pm were I was able to stop prior to hitting a building. I shut the vehicle off and back on again and the power steering was now working. I was unable to get Lincoln to tow the vehicle because it was "too far" from the roadside tow drivers service area. On the same day, I drove it the rest of the way home but upon exciting the highway around 7:30pm, the power steering again went out and I was able to stop the vehicle prior to going into the ditch next to the road. I had it towed to a Lincoln dealer in Wixom, Michigan but over the weekend could not locate the vehicle and at that point I was talking to an Advisor with Lincoln. They told her it would be at least 5 weeks before they could even look at the vehicle so per her recommendation, it was towed to Lafontaine Lincoln in Flushing, Michigan. It was in the shop until Wednesday, December 15th. I was informed they changed out the steering rack and pinion but was given no paperwork because they told me it was all covered under warranty. On December 21, 2021 while driving on Linden Road in Fenton, Michigan, it did the same thing with my wife driving and resulted in a compete loss of power steering and she went into the oncoming lane around a bend before she was able to get the vehicle stopped. Luckily there was no oncoming traffic. I will be having it towed again to the dealership. Luckily for me, these incidents have only resulted in near-miss situations but this is a major issue and will result in serious accidents if it hasn't already.

Filed Oct 1, 2020 · Brakes, Engine · 89,000 miles · RI

While driving the vehicle and approaching a stop sign the vehicle just shut off on its own. I lost all engine power, brakes, and steering capabilities., etc with no warning. Luckily no other vehicles were near me at the time. I was able to roll backwards in neutral to a somewhat safe location off the road. Several days after that it happened again. I was in a parking lot and had just started the vehicle and then it warned low oil pressure and then just shut off on its own. I checked the oil and it's not low. Oil level is perfect. After some quick online research I found many similar complaints from other lincoln owners. Unexpected engine shut off while driving and with no warning. Scary and very unsafe to say the least. I contacted the dealership where I bought the vehicle and they said this is the first time they heard of this issue. Please advise. Thank you.

Filed May 5, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 77,000 miles · PA

The vehicle will initially have the speed odometer drop to 0 MPH while still moving. A "wrench" light will illuminate along with the airbag light. The vehicle will lose power and not shift properly. Once the vehicle comes to a stop, the driver must push the accelerator down until the tach reads approx. 3000 rpms before the vehicle will start moving again. When it is moving it shifts erratically and "bang" the gears. If the driver, after stopping, takes the vehicle out of drive and puts in reverse, it bangs the transmission so hard it feels it going to drop out of the vehicle. This happened to me a number of times. The image I attached I was going 55 MPH.