Lincoln MKX power steering loss problems

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 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 Jun 3, 2020 · Engine · 60,000 miles · IL

While driving shuts off without warning. Dark dashboard and no steering. Has happened twice, once on a city street and once on the interstate in dry road conditions. After waiting a few minutes it restarts.

Filed Sep 14, 2018 · Body, Steering · 90,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 lincoln mkx. While the contact's husband was driving 15 MPH, the steering became difficult to maneuver and the contact heard an abnormal noise. The contact noticed fluid underneath the center of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to dave sinclair ford inc. (7466 s lindbergh blvd, st. Louis, mo 63125, 314‑892‑2600) where it was diagnosed that the frame bolts fractured. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Jun 15, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · 13,600 miles · PA

Stoped at a red light on a slight grade. Car shut down completely w/loss of steering & brakes. Drifted backward until I pushed the emergency brake. Local dealer ran dianostics, nothing found lincoln provided zero help in resoulving the problem.

Filed Aug 20, 2015 · Brakes, Engine · 15,500 miles · FL

When driving the car shut off and lost total power. Lost steering, braking, and engine while driving down the road at 50 + miles per an hour.

Filed May 14, 2015 · Transmission · 99,120 miles · MD

I recently filed a complaint about this truck not accelerating in traffic and replaced the turbo speed sensor aprox 1 month prior to this. This trip engine light flashed on and car struggled to accelerate, I assumed same issue, put it in cruise control, car stabilized for about 3 miles then started jerking forward, I took cruise off, and whole truck stopped accel, then engine light came on and then entire truck shut down! No power steering, no heat, no nothing! I pulled into on ramp v section to get out of slow lane (i95s) it was 6:20 am so still dark. Very dangerous! Known issue with this truck. Had to get tow. He changed price from $75 $4 amile to $175 $4 a mile as soon as my truck was on his carrier. Dealership said if truck had caught fire it'd be a recall. Fix cost me $1100 plus $465 for rental car, then after repair I got home with truck, next am I started it and engine light on with code display saying exhaust issue catalytic converter or oxygen sensor or pistons. I tried to trade truck noone will take it!! Fix is 299-???? Serious issue and very dangerous vehicle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Filed Nov 17, 2014 · Engine · 720 miles · FL

Driving at 50 MPH, I lost power steering, then realized engine shut off. Was able to drift over to get off road and stop car. Engine was able to start and run fine after that. I lost all confidence in car, and dealer swapped me another car.

Filed Oct 3, 2014 · Engine · 30,000 miles · OH

This is the second of 3 incidents with this vehicle. On this occasion I was accelerating onto the expressway. I was on the entrance ramp traveling 55 MPH, when this vehicle lost all power for the second time in 6 months. I was able to maneuver to the right hand side of the ramp (with no power steering) and come to a stop. On this occasion I was close to being rear ended. The car did start back up and I returned home and contacted the lincoln dealership. The vehicle went in for servicing and again they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle. The mechanic suggested that I never allow my vehicle to get below 1/2 tank before filling with gas.