The Lemon Index
2015
20172nd generation
60 owner complaints, first 3 years 19–20 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2016 Lexus RX 442016 Acura MDX 2172016 BMW X5 32
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2016 Lincoln MKX
- Throttle body / loss of power14 complaintsmostly at 4,200–7,400 miles (6,700–12,000 km)
- Engine stalling12 complaintsmostly at 6,700–40,000 miles (11,000–64,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 156 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Lincoln MKX (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 4,100 and 20,000 miles (6,500–32,000 km) (the middle half of the 56 complaints, of all 60 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 25V544000 (brakes), 20V469000 (brakes) and 20V414000 (seats) done? It has 7 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- NHTSA has an open investigation into desiccated air bag inflator rupture. Has this car had that problem?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any fuel smell, stalling or hard starts? On a hybrid or EV, any reduced-power warning or battery work?
- Lincoln sent dealers 221 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Buzz, hum or moan”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Lincoln's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 60 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 4K to 20K miles (7K to 32K km) on the car (56 of all 60 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Vehicle randomly loses throttle power when driving slowly or at highway speeds
2016 Lincoln MKX owner · NHTSA complaint 10883991
More owner reports
Back tail gate came back up after thought to be closed. Causing damage to the lift gate hitting the top of the garage door.
NHTSA complaint 11023492
Problems Lincoln told dealers about
Lincoln sent dealers 221 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Buzz, hum or moan
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 7
- Brakes · recall issued 2025
The rear brake jounce hose may rupture and leak brake fluid.
- Brakes · recall issued 2020
The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
- Seats · recall issued 2020
The seat cushion frame edge may contact the wire harness when the seat occupant uses the tilt function of the seat, potentially damaging one or more wires within the harness, which can result in either inadvertent deploy…
Show all 7 recalls
- Electrical · recall issued 2019 3.7L engines only
The battery positive cable harness may contact the transmission shifter cable bracket resulting in a short circuit.
- Steering · recall issued 2019
Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
- Airbags · recall issued 2017
In the event of a crash, the driver's frontal air bag may not fully inflate or the air bag cushion may detach from the air bag module.
- Child seat · recall issued 2016
An incorrect seat back trim cover was installed on the affected vehicles, blocking the child seat tether anchors in the second row center seating position.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln MKX SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lincoln MKX SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3,000–$3,150 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.7L 6-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl.
Every Lincoln MKX year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2016 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/lincoln-mkx/?y=2016" title="Lincoln MKX reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="445" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/lincoln-mkx/2016/">Lemon Index</a> (2016 Lincoln MKX reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2016 Lincoln MKX reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew about twice the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 193; 100 is average, lower is better). 2016 is one of the weaker years of a model that usually draws a bit over half as many complaints as the average car. The Lincoln MKX year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2018.
What are the most common 2016 Lincoln MKX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (40%), electrical (17%) and fuel system (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Lincoln MKX have?
7 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Lincoln MKX get?
19 to 20 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Lincoln MKX safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Lincoln MKX problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 4,100 and 20,000 miles (6,500–32,000 km) (the middle half of the 56 complaints, of all 60 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2016 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2016 Lincoln MKX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 8% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Lincoln MKX cost in fuel a year?
About $3,000 to $3,150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Lincoln MKX have?
2.7L 6-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl.
What Lincoln MKX year is better than the 2016?
Nearby, the 2018 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a fifth as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works