2017 Lincoln MKX: common problems
Owners of the 2017 Lincoln MKX filed 52 complaints with NHTSA, most often about service brakes and electrical system. The maker issued 103 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 52
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 103
What fails most often
- 1 Service brakes 31% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 25% of all complaints
- 3 Engine 13% of all complaints
- 4 Powertrain 6% of all complaints
- 5 Wheels 6% of all complaints
- 6 Backover prevention 4% of all complaints
- 7 Seats 4% of all complaints
- 8 Seat belts 4% of all complaints
- Service brakes: 16 complaints (31% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 7.
- Electrical system: 13 complaints (25% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 38.
- Engine: 7 complaints (13% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 7.
- Powertrain: 3 complaints (6% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 6.
- Wheels: 3 complaints (6% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.7 L · petrol · turbo · 6 cyl
- 3.7 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 6-speed
Drive: FWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 52 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 16 | 0 | 7 |
| Electrical system | 13 | 0 | 38 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Powertrain | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| Wheels | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Backover prevention | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 8 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Additionally, the vehicle shuddered while slowing down and while making a turn. The contact stated that while driving downhill and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle jerked unexpectedly. The trunk warning light was illuminated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle.
I submitted a safety complain on recalls that the Lincoln Client Relationship Center informed whereby my VIN is not included on the recalls I listed from NHTSA complaint I just filed, complaint Number: XXX I also have a case number with the Lincoln Client Relationship Center which is: C-XXX Please reference this…
Urgent Safety!!! I called and spoke with Lincoln Client Relations Center regarding two recalls that are for the exact same vehicle I now own; 2017 Lincoln MKX, VIN: [XXX] . The recalls that are in existence for 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles are NHTSA recalls: 20V414000/Ford 20S37 and NHTSA recall 20V399/Ford 20S35.
The corrupted module failed to power down, causing a severe parasitic drain that completely killed the battery overnight, leaving the vehicle immobilized and immune to jump-starting. The APIM is completely corrupted.
The contact stated that after the vehicle was serviced by the dealer under an undisclosed recall repair, the rearview camera and other driver-assisted features became inoperable. The camera was functioning properly prior to the recall repair.
In addition, the service brake warning light was illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal to the floor, and the vehicle rolled forward before coming to a complete stop. The vehicle was driven to the residence of a friend. The failure reoccurred.
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
The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera displayed a black screen. The contact stated that the failure impaired the ability to operate the vehicle safely. In addition, the contact stated that the failure prevented the contact from seeing anything behind the vehicle while reversing.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 860 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 41% most complained about).
On average one model year of the MKX has 48 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 52, about average.
What to check before buying
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Customer Satisfaction Program 25N13 Certain 2015-2018 Model Year Edge and 2016-2018 Model Year MKX…
Customer Satisfaction Program 25N13 Certain 2015-2018 Model Year Edge and 2016-2018 Model Year MKX Vehicles Rear Brake Flexible Hose Replacement
- Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines…
Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
- Some 2016-2017 Edge/MKX, 2017 Continental/Fusion/MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine…
Some 2016-2017 Edge/MKX, 2017 Continental/Fusion/MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine and built on 1-Apr-2016 and through 1-Jan-2017 may exhibit white or blue smoke from the exhaust, rough idle in…
- The affected vehicles have an emissions control system that does not account for certain in-use conditions…
The affected vehicles have an emissions control system that does not account for certain in-use conditions and might not control tailpipe emissions effectively over time.
- This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure
Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns …
- Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes…
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in…
- This article supersedes TSB 24-2345 to update the Service Procedure
Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an oil leak from the engine oil pan RTV seal. This may be due to a lack of RTV adhesion.
- Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement…
Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs. Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement…
- Some 2015-2017 Edge, 2016-2017 MKX, 2017 Fusion/MKZ/Continental vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost or…
Some 2015-2017 Edge, 2016-2017 MKX, 2017 Fusion/MKZ/Continental vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost or 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an oil leak from the engine oil pan RTV seal.
- While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal…
While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some…
- This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure
Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019…
- For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an…
For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford…
NHTSA lists 103 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Lincoln MKX?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: service brakes, electrical system, engine. Total complaints: 52. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (17%), A/C or heater (6%), battery drain (4%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2017 Lincoln MKX?
NHTSA lists 103 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2017 Lincoln MKX from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2017 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.