Lincoln MKX Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Lincoln MKX model year (2007–2018) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Lincoln MKX Years to Avoid
6 recalls · 298 complaints
12 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 340
7 recalls · 253 complaints
6 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 286
1 recall · 160 complaints
2 reported injuries
1 reported death
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 172
Best Lincoln MKX Years to Buy
0 recalls · 18 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 18
1 recall · 34 complaints
Main area: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 39
5 recalls · 25 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 42
Found the right year? Verify that specific MKX with a free VIN report.
Lincoln MKX — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 5 | 25 | 42 | Good |
| 2017 | 5 | 45 | 60 | Good |
| 2016 | 7 | 134 | 161 | Caution |
| 2015 | 0 | 18 | 18 | Excellent |
| 2014 | 1 | 34 | 39 | Good |
| 2013 | 1 | 160 | 172 | Caution |
| 2012 | 1 | 84 | 93 | Good |
| 2011 | 3 | 147 | 162 | Caution |
| 2010 | 7 | 111 | 140 | Caution |
| 2009 | 7 | 65 | 86 | Good |
| 2008 | 7 | 253 | 286 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 6 | 298 | 340 | Avoid |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Lincoln MKX Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2018Recent MKX models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2018 stands out with just 42 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. Confirm all historical recalls have been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year MKX should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2007 Lincoln MKX if possible. It has 6 recalls, 298 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is AIR BAGS. The overall problem score is 340 — 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 18. It has only 0 recalls and 18 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which MKX has the fewest problems?+
The 2015, 2014, 2018 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. 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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