This bulletin supersedes 25-2627. Reason for update: To add a Step to reprogram the all-wheel drive (AWD) module for Bronco Sport vehicles. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions: Shudder chatter condition, most noticeable at low speeds turning No relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) present This may be due to internal rear drive unit (RDU) fluid contamination.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Lincoln MKX powertrain problems
severe 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
2fires
1injury
What stands out
Of the 11 model years of Lincoln MKX we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 31.
Owners have filed 31 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This article supersedes TSB 25-2552 to update the Parts List Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions: Shudder chatter condition, most noticeable at low speeds turning No diagnostic trouble codes DTCs present This may be due to rear drive unit internal (RDU) fluid contamination.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This article supersedes TSB 25-2351 to update the Service Procedure Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions: Shudder chatter condition, most noticeable at low speeds turning No diagnostic trouble codes DTCs present This may be due to rear drive unit internal (RDU) fluid contamination.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This article supersedes TSB 24-2386 to update the Service Procedure and Part List. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions: Shudder chatter condition, most noticeable at low speeds turning No diagnostic trouble codes DTCs present Note: Three (3) new Essential Special Service Tools (ESSTs) are required to service the internal clutch pack on vehicles equipped with a single active torque rear drive unit (RDU) only. These ESSTs are expected to ship to all dealers (US, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico) in September 2025. ESST packages were shipped to 100 selected dealers in the US and Canada in May 2025, based on RDU part sales activi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Lincoln MKX exhibits persistent, expensive powertrain failures that owners encounter repeatedly throughout ownership. The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) tops the list—leaks, overheats, and burns repeatedly, with repair shops citing it as a known defect across the 2007–2008 MKX and Ford Edge platform. Owners report billowing smoke in the cab, fluid puddles, loud grinding noises, and complete lockup; PTU replacement runs $1,800–$2,100 and parts sit on nationwide backorder. Seals fail within months of replacement.
PCM and ignition coil failures cause sudden, dangerous loss of power at highway speeds, with error codes P0356 and P1299 pointing to a communication breakdown. One owner documented over 100 similar complaints since 2013; Ford declined financial assistance outside warranty, though safety recalls for other components were approved post-warranty.
Transmission issues include harsh jerking on downshifts, slipping, missing gears, delayed acceleration, and complete failures at 118,000–140,000 miles. The transmission rolls backward on inclines—Ford says this meets engineering specs, allegedly because idle was set low for fuel economy compliance. Output speed sensor failures cut acceleration entirely at highway speeds.
Lincoln issued Technical Service Bulletins for the transmission sensor wiring defect and other issues in 2007, confirming internal knowledge of the problems. No recalls followed. Owners report multiple repairs for the same defects, mounting costs, and dealer denials of known issues.
Same Lincoln MKX powertrain reports on nearby years: 2008
Failure modes owners describe
PCM/Ignition Coil Failure
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) and ignition coils failing to communicate properly, causing loss of engine power, rough running, and check engine lights. Error codes P0356 and P1299 are common indicators. Multiple owners report the same issue across Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX platforms, with repair shops noting this as a known problem.
When: Occurs at various mileages; some as early as around 71,195 miles; can recur after repair
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while driving; Loss of throttle response; Check engine light illumination; Engine sputtering and acceleration loss; Burning odor from engine; Vehicle unable to accelerate beyond low speeds
Codes mentioned: P0356, P1299
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition coils replaced at approximately $80 each; PCM replacement costs over $800; TSB 14-0059 followed for some repairs; repairs repeated without permanent resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Lincoln declined financial assistance outside warranty period; TSB 14-0059 issued; no recall issued despite over 100 complaints documented
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure
Power Transfer Unit leaks, overheats, burns, and fails at various mileages. Leaks range from minor seeping to severe billowing smoke into the cab. Multiple seal failures, shaft failures, and complete PTU replacement required. Parts frequently on nationwide backorder. Well-documented problem for 2007-2008 models with known TSBs but no recall.
When: First incidents as early as 5,074 miles; recurs multiple times throughout vehicle life; documented failures at 33,463 miles, 78,000 miles, 130,000 miles, and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Burning tar or propane-like odor through vents; Billowing smoke entering the cab; Transmission fluid puddle leaks; Loud clanging or grinding from undercarriage; Vehicle lockup or loss of wheel movement; Loud howling or buzzing noise when accelerating above 35 mph; Harsh vibration at certain speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Gasket, seal, and bracket replacement at first failure; PTU shaft replacement; PTU assembly and center shaft replacement; PTU seal deflector replacement; complete PTU replacement cost $1,800–$2,100; parts frequently on nationwide backorder; repairs repeated multiple times with same problem returning
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 09-25-07 issued; warranty covers initial repairs but denies coverage after warranty expiration; no recall issued despite widespread documented problem
Transmission Output Speed Sensor (OSS) and Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor (TSS) Failure
OSS and TSS sensor failures place transmission in high-gear default state, preventing acceleration and throttle response. Wiring failures common. Lincoln published Technical Service Bulletin diagnosing this issue in 2007 but never issued recall despite multiple complaints and safety risk.
When: Can occur at any mileage and usage; one failure occurred at highway speeds without warning
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power and throttle response at highway speeds; Wrench warning symbol on dashboard; ODO data error message with no odometer reading; Loud cluck when shifting between gears; Unable to exceed 2 mph regardless of throttle position; Poor automatic shifting at mid-range speeds
Repairs/costs cited: OSS and TSS sensor replacement required; sensor wiring inspection and repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Lincoln issued Technical Service Bulletin for 2007 model identifying this problem; no recall issued; manufacturer aware of the design or parts defect
Transmission Shifting Problems
Harsh downshifts, jerking, banging, and violent jolting during acceleration and gear changes. Transmission slipping and missing gears. Some owners report problem present from purchase. Dealer response indicates these are normal operational characteristics despite owner complaints of safety concerns.
When: From purchase in some cases; recurring throughout vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Extreme harshness during downshifts; Violent jerking and banging that throws occupants forward; Transmission slipping and missing gears; Loud clunking when shifting into reverse or drive; Delayed or complete failure to move forward at traffic lights after reaching high RPMs; Vehicle will not move in drive
Repairs/costs cited: Solenoid replacement attempted; shifting sensor replacement attempted; transmission replacement at 140,000 miles and 118,000 miles reported; repairs ineffective in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer service manager opined that idle specifications were set low for fuel economy regulatory compliance, causing insufficient hold on inclines; Ford response indicated problem 'meets all specs' and is 'within engineering specs'; no recall issued
Insufficient Idle Hold on Hills (Rollback)
Automatic transmission does not hold vehicle on inclines when brakes are released, causing uncontrolled backward rolling onto other vehicles. Affects all weight conditions including hills and slight inclines. Ford engineering specifications set idle speed too low to provide brake hold on inclines, reportedly done to meet fuel economy regulatory requirements.
When: When attempting to accelerate from stopped position on any incline
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward on hills and inclines after stop; Behavior similar to manual transmission with clutch engagement
Repairs/costs cited: No repair reported; dealer suggested two-foot driving technique (left foot on brake, right on gas) as workaround
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Consumer Line stated problem 'meets all specs' and is 'within engineering specs'; no engineering correction or recall issued; workaround suggested instead of fix
Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA)
Vehicle suddenly accelerates uncontrollably, thrusting into building or structures. Lincoln implemented brake system override device in 2010 but did not recall pre-2010 vehicles. Owner suffered injury and property damage.
When: At unknown time; incident occurred on unspecified date in 2007 model
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden uncontrolled acceleration without pedal input; Loss of braking ability to stop vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Brake system override device implemented in 2010 models as corrective measure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Lincoln implemented brake override in 2010 but issued no recall for pre-2010 vehicles; claim filed with Office of General Counsel remains unresolved; no acknowledgment of safety risk
Transmission Solenoid and Control Failure
Transmission control solenoid failure causes loss of acceleration at highway speeds. Vehicle fails to accelerate when pedal depressed, reducing speed and causing traffic incidents behind vehicle. Repair attempted but failure persists.
When: At 49,136 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Failure to accelerate when pedal depressed at 55 mph; Speed reduction causing rear-end collision risk for following vehicles
Repairs/costs cited: Control solenoid replacement attempted but failure persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer notification reported; repair by dealer ineffective
Axle and Driveline Component Failure
Undercarriage detachment, axle seal leaks, and halfshaft failures with ABS ring cracks. One owner required five axle seal replacements in one vehicle.
When: Various mileages; one axle seal failure as late as May 2010
Symptoms owners cite: Undercarriage detachment while driving; Fluid leaks from undercarriage; Oil leaks from PTU affecting axle area; ABS and traction control lights illumination; Vehicle will not accelerate properly; Metal thumping noises and wheels attempting to lock up
Repairs/costs cited: Undercarriage, fuel line, and transmission lines replacement; left front halfshaft with cracked ABS ring replacement; axle seal replacement (five instances in one vehicle); PTU seal and deflector replacement per TSB 09-25-07
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance offered after repair completion
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
While driving between 35 to 60 the car is very noisy in Gear. checked all fluids and under carriage and it’s leaking oil from the ptu
Had powertrain trouble with your 2007 Lincoln MKX?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2007 Lincoln MKX?
It's a meaningful issue. 31 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 73,000 and 135,000 miles, with the median around 104,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 73,000; a quarter make it past 135,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Lincoln/MKX.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.