Problems · NHTSA complaints

2017 Lincoln MKX problems

Owners filed 52 complaints about the 2017 Lincoln MKX with NHTSA between Aug 2017 and Jun 2026. The most-cited component is service brakes, hydraulic (13).

Complaints
52
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Seat belts2
  11. Structure1
  12. Exterior lighting1
  13. Traction control system1
  14. Air bags1

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20173
20182
20195
20209
20216
20221
20235
20243
20256
202612

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Service brakes, hydraulic

13 reports1 related recall
“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 reports1 related recall
“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

Service brakes

6 reports1 related recall
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 22, 2025Service brakesODI 11706669

Power train

3 reports
“10 MILES AFTER STARTING OUR 2017 LINCOLN MKX IT SUDDENLY GAVE ME THE WARNING CODE OF ERROR: VEHICLE SHUTTING DOWN NOW. THE CAR COASTED ACROSS 5 LANES OF SPEEDING TRAFFIC. I ALMOST DIED WITH OUR SMALL CHILD IN THE CAR. THE CAR RESTARTED FINE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. SANDERSON LINCOLN TOWED THE CAR AND DID THE BARE MINIMUM TESTS ON THE CAR PER THE MANUFACTURER STANDARDS. I REQUESTED THEM TO DO MORE AS THIS EXACT SAME SITUATION HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER LINCOLN OWNERS MULTIPLE TIMES IN ONE CAR. THERE HAS ALSO BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ON PREVIOUS YEARS. THIS VEHICLE ALSO HAD SOME STRANGE ACCELERATION ISSUES WHEN WE INITIALLY BOUGHT IT AND IT WAS DISMISSED BY THE SERVICER. LINCOLN CUSTOMER SERVICE NOW TOLD US WE ARE OUT OF LEMON LAW AND THEY CANNOT HELP US. DUH. LINCOLN CUSTOMER SERVICE ALSO DID SHADY THINGS TO US. THEY WOULD CALL US AT 11PM FLORIDA TIME FROM A DUMMY PHONE LINE SO THAT THEY COULD "SAY" THEY CALLED US. THE SERVICER REPLACED OUR BATTERY AND CALLED IT A DAY. INITIALLY THE MANUFACTURER SEEMED OUTRAGED THAT THE BATTERY COMPLETELY FRIED ON THE VEHICLE DURING TESTING....THEN THEY SUDDENLY CHANGED THEIR TUNE AND SAID WE WERE OUT OF LEMON LAW IN OUR STATE.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 2, 2020Power train, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11320003

Wheels

3 reports
“I took Automobile in for 4 new tires and the tire shop had to replace 5 Lug Nuts.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 2, 2024WheelsODI 11563156
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026

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