VEHICLE BUYER'S GUIDE
Lincoln MKX2007–2018
Year-by-year buyer intelligence from NHTSA safety data — reliability, value, and which years to target or avoid.
Best Years to Buy a Lincoln MKX
Buyer Score combines reliability (65%) and depreciation value (35%) — higher is better.
Lincoln MKX Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 162 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
3 recalls · 139 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
5 recalls · 104 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES
Lincoln MKX — Year-by-Year Comparison
Every model year ranked by Buyer Score. Click any year for its detailed problem report.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability | Value | Buyer Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | 18 | 1 | — | 72 | 77 | 74 | Good |
| 2017 | 3 | 33 | — | — | 55 | 70 | 60 | Good |
| 2016 | 5 | 104 | 3 | — | 44 | 63 | 51 | Avoid |
| 2015 | 0 | 10 | — | — | 90 | 56 | 78 | Excellent |
| 2014 | 0 | 21 | — | — | 79 | 50 | 69 | Good |
| 2013 | 0 | 109 | 2 | 1 | 61 | 45 | 55 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 0 | 48 | 3 | — | 69 | 41 | 59 | Good |
| 2011 | 2 | 111 | — | — | 60 | 38 | 52 | Avoid |
| 2010 | 5 | 58 | 4 | — | 43 | 38 | 41 | Caution |
| 2009 | 5 | 41 | — | — | 45 | 38 | 43 | Good |
| 2008 | 3 | 139 | 3 | — | 54 | 38 | 48 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 3 | 162 | 3 | — | 54 | 38 | 48 | Avoid |
Buyer Score = Reliability (65%) + Value window (35%). Deaths and injuries sourced from NHTSA complaint filings. Year links open full NHTSA problem reports.
Known Lincoln MKX Problems
Most frequently reported components across all model years, from NHTSA owner complaints.
Complaint counts across all model years. Numbers indicate frequency, not severity.
Shopping by Era
How each generation of the MKX compares — best year within each era shown.
2018–Present
Modern safety tech, refreshed platforms, updated powertrains. Higher purchase price but lower reliability risk. Best pick in this era: 2018 (Buyer Score 74).
2013–2017
Mid-decade models in the depreciation sweet spot — typically 35–55% below original MSRP. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and recall completion. Best: 2015 (Buyer Score 78).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best year MKX to buy?+
The 2015 Lincoln MKX scores highest on our Buyer Score (78/100) — combining a reliability score of 90/100 with a value score of 56/100. It has 0 recalls and 10 NHTSA complaints on record.
Which MKX years have the most problems?+
The 2007, 2008, 2016 model years have the highest problem scores in our analysis. The 2007 MKX leads with 3 recalls and 162 owner complaints.
What is the Buyer Score?+
The Buyer Score is a composite metric that combines reliability (65% weight) and depreciation value (35% weight). Reliability reflects recall and complaint severity. Value reflects how much of the vehicle's depreciation has already been absorbed by prior owners — a 4–6 year old vehicle typically sits in the sweet spot.
What are the most common MKX problems?+
The most frequently reported Lincoln MKX issues involve: AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN. These are aggregated across all model years from NHTSA owner complaint filings. Frequency of complaints does not necessarily indicate severity.
Deep-Dive Research
A buyer's guide shows model-level risk. A VIN report shows the individual vehicle — accidents, odometer history, open recalls, and auction records.