Lincoln MKX Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Lincoln MKX model year (2007–2018) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Lincoln MKX Years to Avoid
3 recalls · 162 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 177
3 recalls · 139 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 154
5 recalls · 104 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 125
Best Lincoln MKX Years to Buy
0 recalls · 10 complaints
Main area: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 10
0 recalls · 21 complaints
Main area: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 21
2 recalls · 18 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 26
Found the right year? Verify that specific MKX with a free VIN report.
Lincoln MKX — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | 18 | 1 | — | 26 | Good |
| 2017 | 3 | 33 | — | — | 42 | Good |
| 2016 | 5 | 104 | 3 | — | 125 | Avoid |
| 2015 | 0 | 10 | — | — | 10 | Excellent |
| 2014 | 0 | 21 | — | — | 21 | Good |
| 2013 | 0 | 109 | 2 | 1 | 118 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 0 | 48 | 3 | — | 54 | Good |
| 2011 | 2 | 111 | — | — | 117 | Avoid |
| 2010 | 5 | 58 | 4 | — | 81 | Caution |
| 2009 | 5 | 41 | — | — | 56 | Good |
| 2008 | 3 | 139 | 3 | — | 154 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 3 | 162 | 3 | — | 177 | Avoid |
All 12 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Lincoln MKX Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2018Recent MKX models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2018 stands out with just 26 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2015Mid-decade MKX units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2015 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder MKX models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year MKX should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2007 Lincoln MKX if possible. It has 3 recalls, 162 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 177 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year MKX to buy?+
The 2015 Lincoln MKX is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 10. It has only 0 recalls and 10 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which MKX has the fewest problems?+
The 2015, 2014, 2018 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Lincoln MKX Research
Check a Specific Lincoln MKX VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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