2016 Lincoln Mkx Safety Report
2016 Lincoln MKX Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Lincoln Mkx
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Lincoln Mkx. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (7) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (136) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 9 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Service Brakes | Compare service brakes issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2015 | Compare against the 2015 Lincoln Mkx with 19 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Lincoln Mkx before buying across this generation. |
Lincoln Mkx Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Lincoln Mkx years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Lincoln Mkx | 45 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Lincoln Mkx | 19 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Lincoln Mkx | 26 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Lincoln Mkx Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Lincoln Mkx, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Service Brakes
19 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Lincoln onlyUnknown Or Other
14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Lincoln onlyEngine
14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Lincoln onlyElectrical System
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Lincoln onlyService Brakes, Hydraulic
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes, Hydraulic issues Lincoln onlyWheels
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Wheels issues Lincoln onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Lincoln Mkx
Reliability Score
The 2016 Lincoln Mkx receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Lincoln Mkx
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Lincoln Mkx
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Lincoln Mkx:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic Hydraulic service brake issues, including hose and line failures, have been reported. Regular inspections are recommended. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Problems with 12V/24V/48V battery cables have been reported. Ensure cables are in good condition to prevent electrical failures. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Front Seats, Power Adjust Power seat assembly issues have been reported. Monitor for any unusual behavior or wear. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering, Electric Power Assist Electric power assist system issues have been reported. Check for any unusual steering behavior or warning lights. |
Low | Occasional | Varies |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Lincoln Mkx:
Hydraulic service brake issues, including hose and line failures, have been reported.
Problems with 12V/24V/48V battery cables have been reported.
Power seat assembly issues have been reported.
Electric power assist system issues have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2016 Lincoln Mkx
The following 7 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Lincoln Mkx by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake jounce hoses and adjust brake jounce hoses with no damage present, free of charge. Interim owner letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated April 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S87.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
Consequence: A ruptured front brake hose will cause a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S42.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An air bag that deploys inadvertently increases the risk of a crash. An air bag that does not deploy in the event of a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective flocking tape onto the exposed edge of the 16-way seat cushion frames, and inspect the wire harness for damage, and repair or replace it as needed, free of charge. This recall began August 12, 2020. Owners may contact Ford/Lincoln customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S37.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Lincoln MKX vehicles equipped with 3.7L engines. The battery positive cable harness may contact the transmission shifter cable bracket resulting in a short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the battery harness clips and elbow guide, and install a wire channel shield and protective sleeve to the battery cable harness, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on December 2, 2019. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available, currently expected to be the end of April 2020. ...
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in 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. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering...
Consequence: If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer. If any of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for thi...
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles and 2017 Lincoln Continental vehicles. In the event of a crash, the driver's frontal air bag may not fully inflate or the air bag cushion may detach from the air bag module. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: During deployment, if the air bag does not fully inflate or the cushion detaches, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began June 16, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C02.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 24, 2015. An incorrect seat back trim cover was installed on the affected vehicles, blocking the child seat tether anchors in the second row center seating position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems."
Consequence: An improperly anchored child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat back trim cover and tether cover bezel on the second row, free of charge. The recall began on June 16, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C09.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Lincoln Mkx
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Lincoln Mkx with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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 ...
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made...
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed that there would be another notification when the parts became available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
I have an oil pan leak and when I went online to see what the problem may be, I found that many people were having the same problem as I have for my year make and model vehicle, but it has not been recalled for the manufacture to repair.
2 recalls, saftey notice,#25S87,25E02,first is from September 25,secons,December 25,no update or any information.
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed but traveled down to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to respond as needed. Additionally, there was ...
While driving home from work during rush hour, a warning light illuminated on my dashboard and my vehicle suddenly lost braking ability. When I pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not slow or stop. I was forced to pull onto the shoulder of the road and pump the brake pedal extremely hard multiple times before the vehicle finally came to a stop. This occurred in heavy traffic and created an im...
Catalytic Converter Issues with Ford after Emissions Recall I recently had an emissions recall on my 2016 Lincoln MKX by Ford (25E02) in which the "vehicle has an emissions control system that does not account for certain in-use conditions and might not control tail pipe emissions effectively over time." Now one of the catalytic converters in the car is not working and needs to be replaced. The sa...
Ford Customer Satisfaction Programs (CSPs) 23B11/24E04 for P0420/P0430 codes they did the update and now the check engine light is on all the time and they will not replace catalytic converter
My car is currently under two recall notices however only one of the issues has been communicated to me of resolution. One being emissions control 25E02 and second being Recall 25S87 REAR BRAKE FLEXIBLE HOSE LEAK. Recall 1- emissions has been a problem for about 2 years now. Emissions are connected to my engine thus having my check engine light come on. My car failed an emissions test but was only...
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repa...
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact ...
Glove book hanging down. Rear cup holder in arm rest is stuck.
I have had to replace my rear brake pads, rotors, and the whole braking system (not related to sensors) three times in a year. I received the recall notice after the third time and had a mechanic fix my brake hose as a short-term remedy for my car. Not only does my car have a delay in breaking it is a delay in the monitoring service. Technically the sounds related to my vehicle are not related to ...
The contact owns a 2016 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.
Condensation build up in my passenger headlamp has caused the led rope lighting to stop working.This shows a recall but one not offered at this time.I have never received any recalls through the mail form.I recently moved and my address is as follows: [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the "Low Brake Fluid" warning light was displayed while the contact pumped the brake pedal before the vehicle drifted to a stop. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and was diagnosed with a rear bra...
The right headlight is filling up with condensation which is shorting out the battery. Replaced it more condensation is back in it. Mechanic says seals are no good says its a common problem in all lincolns. Lights and adaptive module cost well over 5K for one light not including the labor. This is a potential for a fire hazard.
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V469000 (SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) and 25V544000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond in a ti...
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message "Coolant Overheated" was displayed on the digital display screen. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart as intended. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an ...
Showing 20 of 136 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Lincoln Mkx
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Opened 2021-09-17
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Lincoln Mkx
Has the 2016 LINCOLN MKX been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 LINCOLN MKX has 7 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 LINCOLN MKX have?
The 2016 LINCOLN MKX has 136 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 6 involved crashes. 3 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 LINCOLN MKX?
The 2016 LINCOLN MKX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 LINCOLN MKX?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 LINCOLN MKX involve service brakes (19 complaints), unknown or other (14 complaints), engine (14 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, service brakes, hydraulic, wheels.
How many crash reports does the 2016 LINCOLN MKX have?
There are 6 crash reports associated with the 2016 LINCOLN MKX out of 136 total complaints (4.4% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 LINCOLN MKX have?
There are 3 fire reports for the 2016 LINCOLN MKX out of 136 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 LINCOLN MKX?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 LINCOLN MKX.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 LINCOLN MKX?
3 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 LINCOLN MKX. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 LINCOLN MKX?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 LINCOLN MKX is acceptable with caveats. It has 136 complaints, 7 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 LINCOLN MKX?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 LINCOLN MKX are: 1. SERVICE BRAKES (19 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints), 3. ENGINE (14 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9 complaints), 5. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (8 complaints). SERVICE BRAKES is the single most-reported problem area with 19 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 LINCOLN MKX?
Regularly inspect and maintain your 2016 Lincoln MKX, especially the service brakes and electrical system, to ensure safety and reliability. The 2016 LINCOLN MKX has 136 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 LINCOLN MKX?
The 2016 LINCOLN MKX receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 136 owner complaints, 7 recalls, and 9 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Service Brakes, Hydraulic and Electrical System.
What are the known issues with the 2016 LINCOLN MKX?
Known issues with the 2016 LINCOLN MKX include: Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical System, Front Seats, Power Adjust, Steering, Electric Power Assist. These are based on patterns found across 136 NHTSA complaints. 7 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Lincoln MKX?
Yes, there are recalls related to service brakes and electrical system issues. Check for NHTSA Campaign Numbers 25V544000 and 25S87.
What should I do if I notice unusual brake behavior?
Have the brakes inspected immediately by a professional to prevent potential safety hazards.
Can you explain the hydraulic service brake issue?
Hydraulic service brake issues can include hose and line failures, leading to potential brake failure. Regular inspections are recommended.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Regularly inspect and maintain your 2016 Lincoln MKX, especially the service brakes and electrical system, to ensure safety and reliability.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Lincoln Mkx
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Lincoln Mkx. The data includes 136 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 6 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Lincoln Mkx an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16