Lincoln MKX problems
253 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Engine started to miss and lost power had to pull off road immediately. Coil shorted out so badly mechanic said it could have caught fire! Date of trouble 12-26-15. After spending $1600 to replace all 6 coils per the tsb requirements and spark plugs etc still not working because…
I am alarmed that nearly two years after a recall that the Lincoln motor company has yet to secure replacement parts for the air bag inflator. Their remedy is just don't use the front passenger seat. This is not really a solution.
Takata recall received recall notice in july 2016 and as of yet Ford has not notified me that parts are available to fix this serious safety issue.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln mkx. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17v024000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2008 Lincoln MKX reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 253 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Lincoln MKX is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2008 Lincoln MKX?
The 2008 Lincoln MKX is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2008 Lincoln MKX?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 154 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 87,937 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 87,937 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Lincoln MKX has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Lincoln MKX?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 253 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.