2013 Lincoln MKX: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Worst of the facelift years for brakes: soft/dropping pedal from ABS-module and HCU leaks lead the complaints, alongside MFT electrical faults and water-pump risk. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2013 Lincoln MKX listed at $39,545 base MSRP (Base trim, before options and destination).
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Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Worst of the facelift years for brakes: soft/dropping pedal from ABS-module and HCU leaks lead the complaints, alongside MFT electrical faults and water-pump risk.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=LINCOLN&model=MKX&m…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/lincoln/mkx
- rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/lincoln-mkx-years-to-avoid/
Known issues
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Brake and ABS faults: a soft or dropping pedal traced to the ABS control module and HCU hydraulic leaks, along with brake-booster groan; reported as causing longer stopping distances.
commonly reported · 48 NHTSA complaints · typically 40k–90k miles · brake
-
Internal water-pump failure on the 3.7L V6: coolant leaks into the oil with little warning, risking overheating and major engine damage.
commonly reported · 15 NHTSA complaints · typically 80k–140k miles · engine
-
MyLincoln Touch (MFT) infotainment failures: unresponsive or frozen touchscreen, ghost button presses, and body-control-module shorts that disturb climate, wipers, lights and warning indicators.
commonly reported · 24 NHTSA complaints · electrical
-
Power-transfer-unit (PTU) and axle-seal leaks on AWD models; the so-called lifetime PTU fluid overheats when never changed and the unit can wear out or fail.
occasional · 14 NHTSA complaints · typically 70k–150k miles · transmission
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=LINCOLN&model=MKX&m…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=LINCOLN&model=MKX&m…
- rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/lincoln-mkx-years-to-avoid/
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/lincoln-mkx-reliability-and-common-problems/
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Smooth, refined 3.7L V6 with a plush, quiet highway ride
- Well-equipped luxury cabin that undercuts German rivals used
- Later facelift years (especially 2015) settled down and are the most dependable of the generation
Cons
- MyLincoln Touch infotainment is laggy and glitch-prone
- Internal water-pump failure and brake/ABS faults are real ownership risks
- AWD PTU needs fluid service it was never marketed to need, and running costs run high
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $39,545 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2013-lincoln-mkx-price
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $800–850/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/lincoln/mkx
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/32239
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2013 Lincoln MKX have?
Documented issue patterns include: Brake and ABS faults: a soft or dropping pedal traced to the ABS control module and HCU hydraulic leaks, along with brake-booster groan; reported as causing longer stopping distances; Internal water-pump failure on the 3.7L V6: coolant leaks into the oil with little warning, risking overheating and major engine damage; MyLincoln Touch (MFT) infotainment failures: unresponsive or frozen touchscreen, ghost button presses, and body-control-module shorts that disturb climate, wipers, lights and warning indicators; Power-transfer-unit (PTU) and axle-seal leaks on AWD models; the so-called lifetime PTU fluid overheats when never changed and the unit can wear out or fail. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2013 Lincoln MKX reliable?
Worst of the facelift years for brakes: soft/dropping pedal from ABS-module and HCU leaks lead the complaints, alongside MFT electrical faults and water-pump risk.
How much did the 2013 Lincoln MKX cost new?
$39,545 base MSRP for the Base, before options and destination charges.
Is the Lincoln MKX expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $800–850/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.