2016 Lincoln MKXProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 156 owner complaints about the 2016 Lincoln MKX, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 25V-544 the manufacturer reports only 10% of affected cars repaired.

2016 Lincoln MKX

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 28, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Jeroldlewis, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2016 Lincoln MKX has problems

156 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Service brakes394
Engine323
Electrical system277
Service brakes, hydraulic220
Power train121
Fuel/propulsion system120
Wheels70
Vehicle speed control60
Exterior lighting60
15 other systems345

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

7 recalls

2016 Lincoln MKX recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

10%repaired · 2026 Q3

Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 25V-544 · Aug 22, 2025 · 499,129 vehicles · 49,398 repaired

Risk. A brake fluid leak can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

67%repaired · 2023 Q1

Service brakes

Recall 20V-469 · Aug 10, 2020 · 488,594 vehicles · 325,373 repaired

Risk. 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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 3 more recalls
64%repaired · 2021 Q1

Steering: electric power assist system

Recall 19V-632 · Aug 29, 2019 · 116,160 vehicles · 73,924 repaired

Risk. 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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

86%repaired · 2018 Q3

Driver side: inflator module

Recall 17V-123 · Feb 27, 2017 · 27,531 vehicles · 23,623 repaired

Risk. 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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

60%repaired · 2017 Q3

Tether: connector/clip

Recall 16V-343 · May 24, 2016 · 5 vehicles · 3 repaired

Risk. An improperly anchored child seat can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lincoln.

Best & worst years

2016 vs. every other MKX year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the MKX median. How we score

'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2016 Lincoln MKX safety ratings

2016 Lincoln MKX SUV FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
  • Rollover: 4 stars (15.4% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2016 Lincoln MKX, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEA21002 · still open
    Open
In owners' words

What MKX owners report

Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

Unknown there were no incidents But the recall is almost 1 year old I received the notice September 2025 regarding a possible brake hose defect waiting almost 1 year for a Fix is Rediclous there had been no updates from Ford/Lincoln motor company brake issue should be taken more Seriously
Complaint 11760452 · Aug 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to immediately stop with the message “Low Brake Fluid” displayed. Brake fluid was later added to the brake reservoir, and the vehicle was driven to the local…
Complaint 11759040 · Aug 24, 2026 · 52,000 miles
It has been almost a year since this recall came out and there is not a remedy available. the manufacturer has failed to provide a remedy for it since it came out on August 25, 2026
Complaint 11756997 · Aug 14, 2026

Own a 2016 MKX?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.