What is the 2011-2018 Lincoln MKX MKX 3.7L Duratec Internal Water Pump Failure?

The 3.7L Duratec V6 in 2011-2018 MKX uses the same internal (timing-chain-driven) water pump design as the 3.5L Duratec. When the seal fails, coolant flows directly into the oil sump. Symptoms identical to the 3.5L pattern: milky oil, low coolant with no external leak, eventual b… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2016-2017 Lincoln MKX 2.7L EcoBoost Excessive Oil Consumption from Faulty Valve Guides?

2016-2017 Lincoln MKX models with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (engines built roughly April 2016 to January 2017) can suffer excessive oil consumption caused by defective cylinder head valve guides that let oil seep into the combustion chamber and burn off. Owners report burning roughly… Repairs typically run $4,000-$8,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX Rear Brake Jounce Hose Rupture (Recall 25V544)?

NHTSA recall 25V544 covers 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX (and 2015-2018 Ford Edge) for a rear brake jounce hose that can rupture and leak brake fluid prematurely. A leaking hose causes longer brake pedal travel and increased stopping distances, raising crash risk. Ford notified owners of… Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX Takata Driver Airbag Inflator Explosion Risk (Recall 21V158 / 21V081)?

2007-2010 Lincoln MKX vehicles are part of the Takata airbag recall. The driver (and on some 2010 vehicles, passenger) frontal airbag inflator can explode when deployed because the ammonium-nitrate propellant degrades after long-term exposure to high humidity, heat, and temperatu… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2016-2017 Lincoln MKX Battery Cable Chafing Causing Electrical Short / Fire (Recall 19V809 / 19S41)?

NHTSA recall 19V809 (Ford reference 19S41) affects 2016-2017 Lincoln MKX vehicles equipped with the 3.7L V6 engine. A battery cable can rub against the transmission shifter cable bracket, wearing through the insulation and creating an electrical short that can cause wiring to mel… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2015 Lincoln MKX Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating and Failure on AWD Models?

AWD Lincoln MKX models (first generation, 2007-2015) are prone to power transfer unit failure caused by heat from the nearby exhaust cooking the factory-fill 'lifetime' gear oil, breaking down lubrication. The PTU output shaft seals fail and leak burnt, dark gear oil on the passe… Repairs typically run $900-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2015 Lincoln MKX Panoramic Vista Roof Spontaneous Shattering?

Lincoln MKX models with the panoramic Vista Roof have repeated owner reports of the glass spontaneously shattering, sometimes with a loud bang likened to a gunshot, both while parked and while driving at highway speeds. A class-action lawsuit alleges Ford used thinner, ceramic-te… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2013 Lincoln MKX MyLincoln Touch / SYNC Touchscreen Freezing and Crashing?

2011-2013 Lincoln MKX models equipped with the MyLincoln Touch (MyFord Touch) system are widely reported to freeze, go black showing 'audio off,' lag on input, and reboot while driving. Ford published bulletins in September 2011 and July 2012 acknowledging the issues but noting f… Repairs typically run $0-$900. Severity: medium.

Lincoln · Known Issues

2007-2018 Lincoln MKX Problems: 10 Known Issues

2007-2018 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2007-2018 Lincoln MKX has 10 documented known issues, with 8 rated critical. The most serious are Electric Power Steering Motor Bolts Can Corrode and Break (Recall 19V632 / Ford 19S26), MKX 3.7L Duratec Internal Water Pump Failure ($1,500-$4,000 repair), Internal Water Pump Failure Contaminating Engine Oil (3.5L/3.7L V6) ($1,500-$4,000 repair), 2.7L EcoBoost Excessive Oil Consumption from Faulty Valve Guides ($4,000-$8,000 repair), Rear Brake Jounce Hose Rupture (Recall 25V544), Takata Driver Airbag Inflator Explosion Risk (Recall 21V158 / 21V081) ($0-$0 repair), Battery Cable Chafing Causing Electrical Short / Fire (Recall 19V809 / 19S41) ($0-$0 repair) and Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating and Failure on AWD Models ($900-$2,500 repair). at .

All 10 Known Issues

First-generation MKX models with the 3.5L and 3.7L Duratec/Cyclone V6 use an internal water pump driven off the timing chain inside the engine. When the pump's bearing or seal fails, coolant leaks internally into the oil rather than externally, often with little warning. The result is milky oil on the dipstick/fill cap and, if undetected, coolant-contaminated oil that destroys bearings and scores cylinder walls, leading to engine failure. Repair is labor-intensive (20-30 hours) because the timing cover must be removed, and timing chain/guides are typically serviced at the same time.

Common Symptoms

milky/frothy oil on dipstick or fill cap
unexplained coolant loss
overheating
engine bearing noise
sudden engine failure

How to Fix

Watch for milky oil, coolant loss without external leaks, or a weep hole drip. Replace the internal water pump (and inspect/replace timing chain and guides) at the first sign of contamination before bearing damage occurs. Address promptly to avoid total engine replacement.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

Genuine Ford AA5Z-8501-F internal water pump assembly
OEMAA5Z-8501-F
Replace the confirmed internal water pump on the cataloged early first-generation 3.5L MKX branch Fitment/availability: Live In Stock/Add to Cart page identifies OEM AA5Z-8501-F and explicitly lists 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX 3.5L fitment. Co…
eToolCart
Genuine Ford AT4Z-8501-A dual-tooth internal water pump assembly
OEMAT4Z-8501-A
Replace the confirmed dual-tooth internal water pump on the cataloged 2011-2012 MKX 3.5L or 3.7L branch Fitment/availability: Live Ships in 1 Business Day/Add to Cart page identifies AT4Z-8501-A, dual-tooth geometry and 2011-2012 Lincoln…
FordPartsGiant
Genuine Ford DG1Z-8501-E internal water pump assembly
OEMDG1Z-8501-E
Replace the confirmed later/superseded internal water pump on the cataloged MKX 3.5L/3.7L branch Fitment/availability: Live Ships in 1-2 Business Days/Add to Cart page identifies DG1Z-8501-E. Confirm
FordPartsGiant

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $4,000

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Lincoln MKX problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2007-2018 Lincoln MKX has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Electric Power Steering Motor Bolts Can Corrode and Break (Recall 19V632 / Ford 19S26), MKX 3.7L Duratec Internal Water Pump Failure, Internal Water Pump Failure Contaminating Engine Oil (3.5L/3.7L V6). Of these, 8 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Lincoln MKX reliable?

The 2007-2018 Lincoln MKX has 10 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 8 issues are rated critical: Electric Power Steering Motor Bolts Can Corrode and Break (Recall 19V632 / Ford 19S26) and MKX 3.7L Duratec Internal Water Pump Failure and Internal Water Pump Failure Contaminating Engine Oil (3.5L/3.7L V6) and 2.7L EcoBoost Excessive Oil Consumption from Faulty Valve Guides and Rear Brake Jounce Hose Rupture (Recall 25V544) and Takata Driver Airbag Inflator Explosion Risk (Recall 21V158 / 21V081) and Battery Cable Chafing Causing Electrical Short / Fire (Recall 19V809 / 19S41) and Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating and Failure on AWD Models. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Lincoln MKX problems?

Repair costs for known Lincoln MKX issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Lincoln MKX is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Lincoln MKX. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2007-2018 Lincoln MKX with 10 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.

All 10 Known Issues

MKX 3.7L Duratec Internal Water Pump Failure#

Internal Water Pump Failure Contaminating Engine Oil (3.5L/3.7L V6)#

Battery Cable Chafing Causing Electrical Short / Fire (Recall 19V809 / 19S41)#

MyLincoln Touch / SYNC Touchscreen Freezing and Crashing#

Electric Power Steering Motor Bolts Can Corrode and Break (Recall 19V632 / Ford 19S26)#

2.7L EcoBoost Excessive Oil Consumption from Faulty Valve Guides#

Rear Brake Jounce Hose Rupture (Recall 25V544)#

Takata Driver Airbag Inflator Explosion Risk (Recall 21V158 / 21V081)#

Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Overheating and Failure on AWD Models#

Panoramic Vista Roof Spontaneous Shattering#

Other Lincoln Models