Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2017 Lincoln MKXRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 52 owner complaints for the 2017 Lincoln MKX. Most complaints involve service brakes, hydraulic (13) and electrical system (13). The EPA rates it 19–20 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
19–20mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Aug 2025
Owner complaints
52
Top: service brakes, hydraulic
Fuel cost / yr
$3,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The rear brake jounce hose may rupture and leak brake fluid.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Aug 23, 2025NHTSA 25V544000

Service brakes

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.

Service brakesReported Aug 11, 2020NHTSA 20V469000

Seats: power adjust

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats. The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more wires within the harness, which can result in either inadvertent deployment of the air bag or nondeployment of the air bag in the event of a crash.

SeatsReported Jul 17, 2020NHTSA 20V414000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

52 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2017 – Jun 2026
  1. Service brakes, hydraulic13
  2. Electrical system13
  3. Engine7
  4. Service brakes6
  5. Power train3
  6. Wheels3
  7. Seats2
  8. Visibility/wiper2
  9. Back over prevention2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each MKX model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2007298
2008253
200966
2010111
2011149
201284
2013164
201435
201519
2016156
201752
201831
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Service brakes, hydraulic

13 reports
“The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle veered to the right. 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. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The local dealer was contacted; however, the part for the recall repair was not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not drivable. The contact was informed that the part was not yet available. The approximate failure mileage was 100.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 23, 2026Service brakes, hydraulic, StructureODI 11745876

Electrical system

13 reports
“During a manufacturer-mandated software module update, North Central Ford (Plano, TX) bypassed continuous power supply safety protocols. This negligence caused a voltage drop, interrupted the software flash, and completely corrupted the Accessory Protocol Interface Module (APIM). The dealership returned the vehicle to me, stating the update was complete. 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 disabled vehicle was towed back to North Central Ford and remains available for immediate inspection. Safety Risks: The corrupted APIM permanently disabled the federally mandated backup camera (violating FMVSS 111) and touch-screen climate/defroster controls, creating severe rear and forward visibility hazards. The module's failure to sleep causes a continuous parasitic battery drain that has already stranded me and introduces a high risk of sudden electrical failure in traffic. Dealer Confirmation: North Central Ford's paperwork confirms they caused the failure. Their Day 1 intake Multi-Point…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 9, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Visibility/wiperODI 11730101

Engine

7 reports
“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 NHTSA investigating Ford engines and feel this may have a similar engine issue and is worth investigating. Please let me know how I can assist.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 3, 2023EngineODI 11547966
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.7L 6-cyl · 2.7L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
MKX FWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive
172520$3,100440
MKX FWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
182520$3,100444
MKX AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
172419$3,300467
MKX AWD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · All-Wheel Drive
162319$3,300471
  • MKX FWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L
    17 city · 25 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • MKX FWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo
    18 city · 25 hwy · $3,100/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • MKX AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo
    17 city · 24 hwy · $3,300/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • MKX AWD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L
    16 city · 23 hwy · $3,300/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Lincoln MKX SUV FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.4%
Overall
5 / 5
Lincoln MKX SUV AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 11236Vehicle 11235
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2017 MKX questions

How many recalls does the 2017 Lincoln MKX have?

5 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2017 Lincoln MKX problems?

Owners filed 52 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes, hydraulic (13), electrical system (13), engine (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2017 Lincoln MKX get?

The EPA rates the 2017 Lincoln MKX at 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2017 Lincoln MKX?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Lincoln MKX 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026