Problems · NHTSA complaints

2018 Lincoln MKX problems

Owners filed 31 complaints about the 2018 Lincoln MKX with NHTSA between Aug 2018 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (5).

Complaints
31
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system5
  2. Service brakes4
  3. Service brakes, hydraulic4
  4. Exterior lighting3
  5. Engine3
  6. Steering2
  7. Engine and engine cooling2
  8. Wheels2
  9. Air bags2
  10. Back over prevention1
  11. Power train1
  12. Structure1
  13. Visibility1
  14. Forward collision avoidance1

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
20183
20192
20201
20214
20221
20233
20242
20258
20267

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

Electrical system

5 reports1 related recall
“My vehicle had an electrical recall; I took it in and it gotten worse. The vehicle is making noise, and saying 911 operator is unavailable. The turning signals turn on and off, if I turn one going left, it stays on a while, or I have to shut car off a while to get it to cooperate of it doesn't signal at all. The brake light is on, no airbag light on, has hill assist warning, park aid malfunction light when park aid works, powertrain malfunction light on, pressure monitor on, and I took it to the shop, the mechanic said he couldn't get the correct electrical info to change it. Service steering warning comes on and blinks. I was driving two separate occasions and the car put itself in park and it stop abruptly when I slowed down. I tried to download a new version and it will not update. Theirs static in my speakers even after I turn the car off and windshield wipers work when they want to. I have another appointment next week, theirs so many recalls on this car, the rear brake lines and other recalls I'm not sure if it was handled. The dealership said I have no issues with the last report but my car stoppin in traffic, can't put on signals is very dangerous.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 16, 2026Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lightingODI 11764786

Service brakes

4 reports1 related recall
“I have experienced this issue and it's been 9 months since the first issuance from Ford on this recall. I paid $523 to repair and this is insane since mechanic told me its an OME part so still going to possibly have same issue till recall is handled.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 20, 2026Service brakesODI 11758229

Service brakes, hydraulic

4 reports1 related recall
“The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) However, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 1, 2026Service brakes, hydraulicODI 11741242

Exterior lighting

3 reports
“Rear overhead break light ripped off while driving down the road.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 9, 2025Exterior lightingODI 11685869

Engine

3 reports
“Faulty catalytic converters. Ford has a CSP for the 2018 Lincoln mkx 3.7L engine and only included police driven Mkx's which is totally unfair when they're well aware that Faulty/failing emissions catalytic converters were installed on all of them and they fail and produce p0430 codes regardless of driving habits, I've never driven any of my vehicles harshly and maintain my vehicles, yet since I've owned this 2018 mkx since September of 2024, the rear catalytic converter had to be replaced and now the front catalytic converter is giving the same p0430 permanent code. Its bias of Ford to only extend police vehicles coverage and not regular consumers knowing that this emissions part is faulty because catalytic converters don't normally fail prematurely unless the parts are faulty. The original owner maintained this vehicle before me and I've maintained it since I've owned it, yet the catalytic converter has been replaced 3 times (carfax) which proves its Faulty. My 2005 Lincoln aviator had 303,000 miles before the engine blew, yet the catalytic converter had never been changed and I owned it for 15 years. I'd like an explanation from Ford as to why my 2018…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 14, 2026EngineODI 11730994

Steering

2 reports
“Passenger side front wheel fell off the axel.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 19, 2025Steering, Wheels, Unknown or otherODI 11636922
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.