These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Lincoln MKX engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Lincoln MKX have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 55,100 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 MKX | 3 |
| 2011 MKX | 18 |
| 2012 MKX | 3 |
| 2013 MKX (this page) | 11 |
| 2014 MKX | 5 |
| 2016 MKX | 17 |
| 2017 MKX | 3 |
When does it fail?
Of the 11 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Lincoln MKX, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no longer be sold as they do not meet CARB standards, but parts on vehicles are not effected.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SSM 47948 - 2010-2019 Various Vehicles - Turbocharged Engines - Oil Supply Filter Replacement When Replacing The Turbocharger Or The Turbocharger Oil Supply Tube For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. When specified in the WSM, the turbocharger oil supply filter must be replaced whenever the turbocharger or the turbocharger oil supply tube are replaced. Turbocharger bearing failure may occur if oil starvation occurs due to a restricted filter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗For 2010-2019 vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, when diagnosing and/or replacing turbo related concerns, all steps within the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedure must be followed including replacement of all mandatory discarded parts. For all turbocharged engine applications, the turbocharger oil supply filter (6C683 gas engine/6L625 connector style or 6A968 diesel engine) must be replaced whenever the turbocharger or the turbocharger oil supply tube are replaced. Turbocharger bearing failure may occur if oil starvation occurs due to a restricted filter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2007-2016 Edge/MKX/Flex/MKT/MKZ/MKS/Taurus/Police Interceptor Sedan/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with AWD and built on or before 30-Jun-2016 may exhibit a propane or natural gas odor during idle or low speed driving. This may be due to break down of the power transfer unit (PTU) fluid caused by excessive heat. If the source of the odor is identified as originating from the PTU, an idler bearing repair kit is available to repair the PTU. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07. If the PTU is determined to be repairable, utilize kit GB5Z-7P258-A and the included instruction sheet. For claiming use causal part 7P258 and applicable labor operations in sec
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2013 Lincoln MKX describe a recurring engine shutdown problem where the engine suddenly stops at various speeds—from 5 to 70 mph—without warning lights or alarms. When the engine dies, the driver loses propulsion, power steering, and power brakes. The instrument panel goes dark. The engine restarts normally, but the shutdowns happen again unpredictably: some owners report multiple failures within minutes, others over weeks, and one claims six months of intermittent stalling.
Dealers have replaced fuel pressure sensors and throttle bodies based on fault codes or recommendations, but stalls continue. One owner's throttle body was replaced, yet the problem persisted 14 days later. In many incidents, no diagnostic code is recorded at all, leaving dealers unable to explain what caused the shutdown or replicate it during testing. One owner documented this happening at least four separate times over several weeks at various speeds and situations.
Two separate ownership accounts also report low-pressure warnings and acceleration loss at low speeds, and one describes uncontrollable heating/A/C and cabin exhaust fumes that seven dealer visits failed to diagnose or remedy. Owners note this problem appears on other Lincoln MKX and Ford Edge models, yet no manufacturer recall or bullettin has resolved it.
Same Lincoln MKX engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Random engine shutdown/stall while driving
Engine stops unexpectedly at various speeds (5 to 70 mph), with or without cruise control engaged. Loss of propulsion, power steering, and power brakes occurs immediately. No warning lights or alarms precede the shutdown in most cases. Engine restarts normally after the event. Incidents recur unpredictably; some owners report multiple stalls within minutes, others report intermittent failures over weeks or months.
When: Reported at speeds ranging from 5 to 70 mph. One owner documented 4 separate incidents over several weeks. Another reports ongoing failures for over 6 months with no pattern. Failure mileage ranges from early in vehicle life (2,964 miles) to higher mileage (70,000+ miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning at highway and city speeds; Loss of propulsion, power steering, and power brakes; Instrument panel goes dark during event; No check engine light or diagnostic codes recorded in most cases; Engine restarts normally after shutdown; Recurrence is unpredictable—can happen days apart or multiple times in one outing
Codes mentioned: Fuel pressure sensor code (P0190 range implied), No codes recorded in many incidents despite stalling
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced fuel pressure sensor on fault-code basis; stalls continued. Throttle body replaced twice on dealer recommendation—failure persisted. One owner replaced throttle body 14 days prior but issue remains. Dealers unable to replicate problem or find root cause in multiple diagnostic attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Lincoln owner mentions similar complaints on MKX and Ford Edge. Manufacturer notified per multiple narratives; no effective recall or TSB cited for stalling issue. Recall 14V393000 mentioned by one owner as related to movement-in-park but determined not applicable to their VIN.
Low engine pressure warning / loss of acceleration
Engine loses power or refuses to accelerate after coming to a stop. Low engine pressure light illuminates. Occurs at traffic lights and low-speed conditions. Unlike random shutdown, this event leaves the vehicle partially driveable but unable to accelerate normally.
When: Reported at low speed during city stop-and-go driving. One narrative specifies failure after 35-minute commute.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not accelerate from stop when foot moved from brake to accelerator; Low engine pressure warning light comes on; Engine power loss at low speed
Codes mentioned: Low engine pressure light (likely P0520 or similar)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer could not duplicate the problem. No error codes stored in vehicle computer despite warning light activation.
Thermostat / cooling system malfunction
Heating and air-conditioning units cycle to high levels uncontrollably. Defroster fogging windshield severely, limiting visibility. Vehicle runs hot. No warning lights. Independent mechanic attributed failure to thermostat and center head module.
When: Mileage approximately 70,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Heat and A/C systems run at high levels constantly; Defroster fogs windshield excessively; Limited forward visibility while driving; Engine running hot
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed thermostat and center head module as cause. Vehicle not repaired.
Exhaust fumes entering cabin
Exhaust odor and fumes enter vehicle interior during driving at various speeds. Dealer took vehicle seven times for diagnostics without identifying root cause. Undercarriage sealed with sealant; issue persisted. Vehicle not successfully repaired.
When: Failure mileage reported as 0 miles (likely indicates issue present early or at delivery).
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust fumes and odor inside vehicle; Occurs at various speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Undercarriage coated with sealant; did not resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified of failure.
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that the heating and A/C units had increased to high levels. The defroster was fogging up the windshields. The driver had a limited visibility of the roadway. Additionally, the vehicle was running hot. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the failure was…
Follow-up to NHTSA id number: 11047965 after filing NHTSA complaint 11047965, took car to dealer for investigation. Computer had recorded a code for the fuel pressure sensor which was then replaced. After the repair, drove about 2 weeks and 400 miles (including several hours at highway speeds) without further incident. Then on interstate highway at speed (70 MPH on cruise control), the…
Vehicle randomly dies while driving. Can happen at anytime and at any speed. No warning at all. Does not leave a check engine light so no code is recorded. Very dangerous. Otherwise vehicle runs well but is too dangerous to drive. All steering, acceleration, brakes, etc. are lost when it dies. Will immediately start back up if in park or neutral and foot on the brake. Again - DANGEROUS! This has…
At night, while at speed (60 MPH) in center lane of a crowded highway during evening commute, the engine stopped, resulting in loss of propulsion, power steering, and power brakes. Fortunately was able to coast to a stop on the right shoulder without collision. Was able to restart engine normally and proceed home (about an hour) without further incident. Next day did some low speed (5 MPH)…
Had engine trouble with your 2013 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 engine problem on the 2013 Lincoln MKX?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 34,700 and 56,188 miles, with the median around 55,100. A quarter of owners report trouble before 34,700; a quarter make it past 56,188. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2013/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.