The Lemon Index
20172nd generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: electrical
Fewest complaints of its generation (2nd generation).
10 owner complaints, first 3 years 19–20 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2018 Lexus RX 192018 Acura MDX 562018 BMW X5 40
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Only 6 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 25V544000 (brakes), 20V469000 (brakes) and 20V414000 (seats) done? It has 5 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Is the airbag light off, and were any airbag recalls done?
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Lincoln sent dealers 142 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Inoperative remote features via Ford”?
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 10 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 7K to 19K miles (11K to 32K km) on the car (6 of all 10 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.
Problems Lincoln told dealers about
Lincoln sent dealers 142 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Inoperative remote features via Ford
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 5
- 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 5 recalls
- Latches/locks/linkages · recall issued 2018
These vehicles may have door striker bolts that are shorter than intended.
- Electrical · recall issued 2018
The power supply cables at the starter and the alternator may not have been properly secured, possibly resulting in an electrical arc.
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
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln MKX SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lincoln MKX SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
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. 2018 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 2018 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/lincoln-mkx/?y=2018" 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/2018/">Lemon Index</a> (2018 Lincoln MKX reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2018 Lincoln MKX reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a fifth as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 16; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2018 Lincoln MKX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (20%), airbags (20%) and brakes (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Lincoln MKX have?
5 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 2018 Lincoln MKX get?
19 to 20 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 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.
Does the 2018 Lincoln MKX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 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 2018 Lincoln MKX have?
2.7L 6-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl.
Is there a better Lincoln MKX year than the 2018?
Not nearby: the 2018 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Lincoln MKX years within 3 model years of it.
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