According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Lincoln MKX has 5 documented known issues, with 5 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), 2.7L EcoBoost Excessive Oil Consumption from Faulty Valve Guides ($4,000-$8,000 repair), Rear Brake Jounce Hose Rupture (Recall 25V544) and Battery Cable Chafing Causing Electrical Short / Fire (Recall 19V809 / 19S41) ($0-$0 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $1,500 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2016 Lincoln MKX, the 2016 Lincoln MKX is included in Ford's road-salt-related steering recall, but only for vehicles originally sold in - or currently registered in - one of the 21 salt-belt jurisdictions NHTSA names: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The defect is corrosion of the bolts that hold the electric power steering gear motor onto the steering gear housing. Once corroded, those bolts can break and allow the motor to detach. When that happens the MKX loses power steering assist, and the driver has to apply much greater effort to steer - a particular problem at lower speeds - which increases crash risk. The 116,160-vehicle figure NHTSA publishes is the total for the entire campaign covering all included Ford and Lincoln models, not a count for the MKX.
Common Symptoms
Loss of power steering assist while driving
Steering wheel becomes hard to turn
Extra steering effort required at low speeds
How to Fix
The remedy is performed free of charge at a Lincoln or Ford dealer: the steering gear motor attachment bolts are replaced and a wax sealer is applied to shield them from road salt. Should the dealer find any of the attachment bolts broken or missing, a new steering gear is installed instead. Owner letters began going out October 18, 2019, so many cars have already been repaired - verify yours by entering the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or by calling Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 and referencing recall 19S26.
On the 2011-2018 Lincoln MKX 3.7L Duratec V6, 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 bearing damage.
Same job as the 3.5L — internal water pump replacement requires removal of the front timing cover. $1,500-$2,500 at independent. Replace timing chain set proactively at the same time if mileage > 100,000 — saves a second labor charge later.
On the 2016-2017 Lincoln MKX, 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 a quart every 3,000 miles, often accompanied by rough idle, misfires, and blue/white exhaust smoke. Ford addressed this in Technical Service Bulletin 19-2243, whose official remedy is replacement of both left and right cylinder heads. Fouled spark plugs from oil contamination commonly trigger cylinder-specific misfire codes.
excessive oil consumption (1 quart per ~3000 miles)
rough idle
engine misfire
blue or white exhaust smoke
fouled spark plugs
low oil warning between changes
How to Fix
Have the dealer confirm coverage under TSB 19-2243; the corrective procedure replaces both cylinder heads (and typically spark plugs). Monitor oil level frequently between services and document consumption to support a warranty/goodwill claim.
On the 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX, 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 the safety risk via interim letters in September 2025, with the final remedy anticipated in 2026. This followed an earlier front brake hose recall (20V469) on the same platform.
Common Symptoms
increased brake pedal travel
longer stopping distance
brake fluid leak
low brake fluid warning
spongy brake pedal
How to Fix
Check VIN at NHTSA.gov or with a Lincoln dealer for recall 25V544 and have the rear brake jounce hoses replaced free of charge once the remedy is available. Until repaired, watch for a soft/low brake pedal or fluid loss and inspect promptly.
On the 2016-2017 Lincoln MKX, 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 melt or overheat and increase fire risk. Ford acknowledged it was aware of three vehicle fires potentially related to the defect. About 54,000 U.S. vehicles built at the Oakville plant were covered.
Common Symptoms
burning smell
melted or chafed wiring
electrical short
blown fuses
vehicle fire
How to Fix
Have the dealer perform recall 19S41: remove the battery harness clips and elbow guide and install a wire-channel shield and protective sleeve over the battery cable harness, free of charge. Confirm completion via VIN lookup at NHTSA.gov.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
Campaign #20V46900010/08/2020
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles. These vehicles may have door striker bolts that are shorter than intended. Vehicles with shorter door striker bolts fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components" potentially resulting in the doors opening in the event of a crash.
Campaign #18V61200011/09/2018
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
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.
Campaign #20V41400017/07/2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, 2019 Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The power supply cables at the starter and the alternator may not have been properly secured, possibly resulting in an electrical arc.
Campaign #18V54800020/08/2018
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Lincoln MKX has 5 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, 2.7L EcoBoost Excessive Oil Consumption from Faulty Valve Guides. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Lincoln MKX reliable?
The 2016 Lincoln MKX has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 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 2.7L EcoBoost Excessive Oil Consumption from Faulty Valve Guides and Rear Brake Jounce Hose Rupture (Recall 25V544) and Battery Cable Chafing Causing Electrical Short / Fire (Recall 19V809 / 19S41). 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 is the 2016 Lincoln MKX Electric Power Steering Motor Bolts Can Corrode and Break (Recall 19V632 / Ford 19S26)?
The 2016 Lincoln MKX is included in Ford's road-salt-related steering recall, but only for vehicles originally sold in - or currently registered in - one of the 21 salt-belt jurisdictions NHTSA names: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine… Severity: high.
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 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.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
