Is the 2018 Lincoln MKX reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Lincoln MKX is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Lincoln MKX?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 Lincoln MKX have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2018 Lincoln MKX

▲ Better than typical

2018 Lincoln MKX
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:52:46.791Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 31
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

2018: 31 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2007	298
2008	253
2009	66
2010	111
2011	149
2012	84
2013	164
2014	35
2015	19
2016	154
2017	52
2018	31
2019	0
2020	0

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

26% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Show complaint excerpts

I have experienced this issue and it's been 9 months since the first issuance from Ford on this recall. I paid $523 to repair and this is insane since mechanic told me its an OME part so still going to possibly have same issue till recall is handled.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-20

Electrical system

16% · 5 reports

Show complaint excerpts

My vehicle had an electrical recall; I took it in and it gotten worse. The vehicle is making noise, and saying 911 operator is unavailable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-16

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Exterior lighting

10% · 3 reports

Engine

10% · 3 reports

Wheels

6% · 2 reports

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2018-09-26Electrical system18V548000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, 2019 Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT vehicles.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and starter motor power supply cables to verify that they are properly secured, correcting them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2018-10-18Latches/locks/linkages18V612000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles. These vehicles may have door striker bolts that are shorter than intended.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door striker bolts, free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18C06.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2020-08-12Air bags, electrical system, seats20V414000 Ford Motor Company, Inc. (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2019-2020 Nautilus vehicles equipped with 16-way electric tilt seats.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install protective flocking tape onto the exposed edge of the 16-way seat cushion frames, and inspect the wire harness for damage, and repair or replace it as needed, free of charge.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2021-05-13Service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic20V469000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →
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Date not on fileService brakes, hydraulic25V544000 Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The rear brake jounce hose may rupture and leak brake fluid.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake jounce hoses and adjust brake jounce hoses with no damage present, free of charge. Interim owner letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2025.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Lincoln MKX — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 8 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
Exterior lighting: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 25V544000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 18V548000 · Electrical system
Recall 18V612000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Recall 20V414000 · Air bags, electrical system, seats
Recall 20V469000 · Service brakes, service brakes, hydraulic

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2018 Lincoln MKX reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Lincoln MKX is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Lincoln MKX?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Lincoln MKX have?: 5 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.