Problems · by component
2016 Lincoln MKX engine problems
32 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Lincoln MKX cite engine, 21% of all 156 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
32
21% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
What owners say about the engine
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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 .”
“I have an oil consumption issue. There is a technical service Bulletin# 19-2243 indicating this is a known problem with my SUV. My Lincoln Protection Plan and Lincoln Corporate refuse to assist in replacing the engine.”
“I have spent numerous (more than 3 major problems) For example, a lot of dollars fixing water pump. The design is messed up where they place the water pump. Thousands in labor. The electric driver control malfunction and tire pressure is always lit. This occurred on drive home from brake recall fix. The engine stalls and also leaks. The seat moves sometimes without me wanting it to. The emergency brake slams on and stops and locks the car when in drive or reverse. Lincoln has been zero help and gave false promises.”
“Engine shutoff suddenly while driving, mainly on freeways & roads that have long downhills, while foot is off the gas pedal. But it happens on flat roads also. The stability control lights comes on, & I have to pull over with residual speed put suv in park, turn engine button off & wait for seat to return to neutral position then restart. This had happened at least 12 times & mostly in dry conditions while driving straight with no lane changes. Dealer could not duplicate & find the problem, visited them 4 times so far. Otherwise it will not start the engine.”
“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…”
“The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated complete failure warning message was displayed. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle and functionality was returned. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,700.”
Showing 6 of 32 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.