On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission it is imperative that the converter pilot hub be greased with Motorcraft Multi-Purpose Grease Spray XL-5-A even if grease was not applied from the factory. Also verify that the engine/transmission alignment dowel pins are present as well as the engine crankshaft dowel pin, if equipped, when installing the transmission. Failure to adequately lubricate the converter hub greatly increases the likelihood of the flexplate cracking in the future. Missing dowels may cause a misalignment issue also resulting in a premature failure. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Lincoln MKX powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Lincoln MKX have filed 15 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 45,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 MKX | 3 |
| 2010 MKX | 4 |
| 2011 MKX | 11 |
| 2012 MKX | 11 |
| 2013 MKX (this page) | 15 |
| 2014 MKX | 6 |
| 2015 MKX | 5 |
| 2016 MKX | 10 |
| 2017 MKX | 3 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 15 powertrain 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.
What stands out
Among the 11 model years of Lincoln MKX in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2013 MKX owners describe multiple distinct powertrain failures. The Power Transfer Unit (PTU)—a sealed drivetrain component—fails and requires replacement; one owner notes that police vehicles came equipped with cooling units to prevent PTU overheating, and overseas models had drain plugs, suggesting Ford and Lincoln recognized design issues. Transfer cases leak fluid at low mileage (around 20,000 miles), producing burning odor.
Park engagement fails intermittently: owners shift the transmission into Park but the vehicle fails to recognize it, triggering dashboard warnings. One owner reports replacing a gearshift switch (part #GT4Z-3F988-B) resolved the issue; multiple owners note this problem is discussed frequently on automotive forums.
Driveshaft problems appear twice: bolts fracture and detach at 72,000 miles during highway driving (60 mph), producing loud noise and sudden jolt; grinding noise from the driveshaft area during normal turns requires replacement.
Several owners report sudden power loss and engine stalls at highway speeds (50–75 mph) with illuminated powertrain warning lights; dealers cannot duplicate the failures or pull diagnostic codes. One vehicle enters limp mode unexpectedly every couple of weeks. A transmission downshift occurs spontaneously during cruise and acceleration, though technicians cannot reproduce it.
Repair shops and dealers consistently report they cannot replicate failures or identify diagnostic codes. Lincoln declined coverage and recalls, directing owners to dealer repairs.
Same Lincoln MKX powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure
Sealed PTU unit fails without warning, causing vehicle inoperability. Owners report Lincoln/Ford acknowledged design defects: police vehicles required cooling units, overseas models came with drain plugs, and Ford switched to a new PTU supplier due to incidents.
When: At rest/stationary
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls and becomes inoperative; No warning lights reported before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Requires complete PTU replacement; sealed design makes inspection impossible. Repair cost not specified in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Lincoln stated no recalls exist; Ford referred to warranty limitations. Lincoln executive office declined assistance despite acknowledged design issues and similar owner complaints.
Transfer Case Fluid Leak
Transfer case leaks fluid onto garage floor, accompanied by burning odor. Occurs early in vehicle life at low mileage, suggesting design or manufacturing defect rather than wear.
When: Approximately 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Burning odor from transfer case; Fluid pooling on garage floor
Repairs/costs cited: Repair not completed; dealer quoted repair with request for manufacturer financial assistance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denied coverage due to vehicle age and lack of recall; advised owner to repair at dealer.
Park Gear Engagement Failure
Transmission fails to engage or recognize Park position despite shifter moved to P. Dashboard warning light and dinging alert that vehicle is not in Park. Occurs about half the time when parked. Gearshift switch replacement (FP #GT4Z-3F988-B) resolved issue in at least one case.
When: Various ages; one case noted issue started 2015, another June 2018
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter moves to Park but transmission does not engage; Dashboard warning light illuminates: 'SHIFT TO PARK'; P indicator light does not illuminate; Dinging warning sound; Occurs intermittently at rest
Repairs/costs cited: Gearshift switch replacement (FP #GT4Z-3F988-B) corrected issue in documented case. Owner reported this is frequently discussed on Lincoln and automotive forums.
Driveshaft Bolt Failure
Bolts at driveshaft end fracture and detach while vehicle is in motion at highway speed. Produces loud noise and sudden jolt, requiring roadside towing. Unsafe condition with potential for loss of vehicle control.
When: 72,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise at highway speed (60 mph); Vehicle felt as if striking obstacles; Bolts missing and fractured at driveshaft connection
Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft replacement required; repair not completed. Vehicle towed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed VIN not included in NHTSA Campaign 14V393000 (Power Train recall), despite similar failure pattern.
Driveshaft Grinding Noise
Grinding noise emanates from front passenger-side driveshaft area during normal driving and turns. Independent mechanic diagnosed driveshaft replacement needed.
When: Mileage unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise from front passenger side during right turn at 45 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft replacement recommended; repair not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VIN not included in NHTSA Campaign 14V393000 (Power Train) despite similar failure presentation.
Unplanned Transmission Downshift
Transmission downshifts on its own while vehicle is cruising or accelerating, not in response to driver input. Vehicle can be restarted and continues; failures could not be duplicated by service technicians.
When: Approximately 14,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Spontaneous downshift at 50 mph while cruising; Spontaneous downshift during acceleration from stop at traffic lights and stop signs; Vehicle coasts to roadside after downshift
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; technician could not duplicate issue after multiple visits.
Power Loss and Engine Stall
Engine stalls and vehicle loses power while driving at highway speed. Powertrain warning light illuminates. Dealer cannot reproduce issue or find diagnostic codes. Multiple occurrences on different drives.
When: 43,225 to 59,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving (55–75 mph); Powertrain warning light illuminates; Accelerator unresponsive despite pedal depression; No reproducible fault codes found by dealers
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; dealers found no diagnostic codes and could not reproduce failure.
Limp Mode Activation
Wrench warning icon appears on dashboard and vehicle enters limp mode during normal driving. Only recovery method is to shift to Park, press stop button, and restart engine. Occurs every couple of weeks.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Wrench icon appears on dashboard; Vehicle enters limp mode (reduced power/drivability); Recurs approximately every two weeks
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership in Memphis offered diagnostic investigation over 4–5 days but no root cause or repair cost cited.
Transmission Lug and Slip on Acceleration
Transmission loses engagement momentarily during acceleration from stop. Engine RPM spikes while vehicle is not in gear, then retransmits and vehicle moves forward. No warning lights or sounds alert driver.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission lugs and loses engagement during left turn from stop; High RPM spike visible on dashboard; Brief period of vehicle not in gear
Differential Failure
Differential fails suddenly without reported warning signs or symptoms. Owner attributes failure to defective part rather than maintenance or usage. Vehicle required tow to service.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Weird noises from differential; Differential inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Towed to mechanic for repair; specifics not provided.
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Lincoln mkx. The contact stated while her husbands friend was driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle felt as if they went over cement blocks and made a loud noise. There were no warning lights. The driver merged off the road. The vehicle was towed and taken to a local mechanic for a diagnosis. The vehicle was diagnosed that the bolts were missing and the bolts at…
11.30.2021 reversed out of driveway, shifted into 'drive'. Stop sign at intersection and turned left onto street. The transmission lugged, not in gear, the rpms ran high (on display) and then re-engaged and into forward motion. No warning lights or sounds. Clear day, 60d, fortunately no traffic.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2013 Lincoln MKX?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 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 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 39,000 and 59,000 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 39,000; a quarter make it past 59,000. 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/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.