This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of softwar
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Lincoln MKX electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Lincoln MKX have filed 24 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 23,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 MKX | 14 |
| 2013 MKX | 29 |
| 2014 MKX | 3 |
| 2015 MKX | 4 |
| 2016 MKX (this page) | 24 |
| 2017 MKX | 11 |
| 2018 MKX | 4 |
3crashes
2fires
2injuries
What stands out
Among the 11 model years of Lincoln MKX in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
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 ↗Certain 2014-2020 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines 3G Telematics Control Unit to 4G Upgrade Kit REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Program Terms & Urgency / Expiration Date: Program extension until July 31, 2023. Service Action: o IDS level 128 or higher is now required to address various programming issues encountered. o C-MAX Energi vehicles are now serviceable with new software and hardware. Labor Allowances: C-MAX labor has been updated. Parts Requirements / Ordering Information: o The C-MAX 4G Upgrade Kit is now orderable at this time with a new part number. o MKX Rear seat backrest nut claim quantity updated. Technical Information updates: o Ensure IDS level 128 or higher is used. o Toggling
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2017 C-MAX Energi, 2013-2018 Focus battery electric vehicle (BEV), 2013-2020 Fusion plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), 2015-2017 MKZ/MKZ Hybrid/MKC, 2016-2017 MKX and 2017 Continental vehicles equipped with SYNC screens 8 inch or larger may be unable to complete modem authorization after 3G to 4G modem upgrade was performed. No Authorization Popup will be displayed on SYNC infotainment screen during the Authorization process. The vehicle may also not have proper functionality of remote app features such as remote start, and return odometer and fuel information to the app. This may be due to the SYNC software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to toggle Val
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2023 Ford or Lincoln vehicles with modems activated through FordPass or LincolnWay may experience 12 volt battery drain symptoms when the customer uses non-Ford/Lincoln phone applications as an alternate channel to access vehicle commands such as door lock/unlock, remote start, vehicle location, etc. The battery drain may be caused by excessive calls for data through the vehicle network keeping it in an activated state. Recommend that the customer uninstall the app to ensure this is not contributing to battery symptoms experienced. Advise the customer that unaffiliated third-party app developers do not work directly with Ford to adhere to security, vehicle communication, and privac
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Lincoln MKX electrical system is a minefield. Owners report the engine shutting off without warning at highway speed—twice in one case doing 75 mph on cruise control—with the message "CAUTION: IGNITION TURNED OFF." Vehicle shifts to neutral, killing power brakes and steering while surrounded by semis and traffic. One owner had the complete electrical system fail (dashboard goes black, engine dies) at 50 mph on a busy road. Another reports engine stalling with "FULL ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE" message; Ford allegedly knows about this computer glitch.
Battery drain is rampant. Some vehicles die after three to five days parked; dealers swap batteries but the drain returns. One owner's gear selector and shifter buttons stayed lit when the car was off, parasitic drain eating the battery. Multiple owners needed jump starts; dealers ran diagnostics and found nothing.
The real danger: dealers universally reply "we can't reproduce it" or "no fault codes found"—then send owners home. Two vehicles caught fire: one with "TRAIN MAINTENANCE NEEDED" warning before smoke and flames; another after the dealership finished service. One owner had brake failure immediately after the dealer serviced the car for a recall, resulting in a collision; the brake recall parts weren't available either.
Secondary systems fail catastrophically. Liftgate trapped an owner alone (broken hip, femur). Backup camera goes green and distorted—can't see behind you. Power mirrors reposition on their own. Collision warning doesn't work. SYNC 3 freezes, killing phone and 911 assist. Headlights fill with condensation, draining the battery and costing $5,000-plus to replace. Manufacturer or dealer response: nothing gets fixed, parts aren't available, and the vehicle sits.
Recalls 19V809000 (electrical) and 20V469000 (brakes) have been pending for years with unavailable parts.
Same Lincoln MKX electrical reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Unplanned ignition shutoff at highway speed
Engine shuts off without driver input while vehicle is in motion, usually during cruise control operation on highways. Display shows 'CAUTION: IGNITION TURNED OFF'. Vehicle shifts to neutral instead of park, creating loss of power brakes and power steering at high speed in traffic.
When: May-June 2019; approximately 1 hour into highway driving in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stops without driver input; Message 'CAUTION: IGNITION TURNED OFF' appears on tachometer; Vehicle shifts to neutral; Loss of power steering and power brakes; Occurs while using cruise control
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; service manager stated dealership had never heard of issue despite 2+ websites discussing it; vehicle in shop 2 weeks with no resolution
Complete power loss while driving
Entire electrical system loses power while vehicle is in motion, causing engine to stop and all dashboard functions to go dark. Display shows 'ALL POWER OFF'. Loss of power braking capability. Multiple reports indicate Ford has known about this issue for some time.
When: May 2019 and earlier; occurs during normal highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Entire dash goes dark; Engine stops running; All electrical systems lose power; Display shows 'ALL POWER OFF'; Emergency flasher button still functional
Repairs/costs cited: Service department unable to reproduce; no computer error codes found; no repair completed
Engine stalling with 'FULL ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE' message
Engine shuts off at low speed stops with display showing 'FULL ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE'. Owners report this is due to a computer glitch and that Ford has known about it for some time. Occurs on multiple occasions for same owner.
When: Multiple instances over time; at least one in New Orleans during vacation
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shudders and shakes before stalling; Engine revolutions fluctuate; Engine quits at low speed; Message 'FULL ACCESSORY POWER ACTIVE' displays
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented
Inability to start / repeated battery drain
Vehicle fails to start or requires jump starts; battery drains without apparent cause even when vehicle is parked. Multiple occurrences for same owner. One case found gear selector indicator and shifter buttons remained illuminated when vehicle was off, causing parasitic battery drain.
When: Early September 2022 and September 22, 2022; various mileages from 4,500 to 122,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; Requires jump starts; Battery drains after 3-5 days without starting; No warning lamps or messages in some cases; Gear selector and shifter buttons remain illuminated when vehicle off
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to find cause; batteries replaced in some cases without resolving issue; dealership charged nothing in one case because they could not recreate issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign #19V809000 (Electrical System); parts unavailable in multiple cases
Power loss during driving followed by restart
Vehicle loses electrical power while at speed or during operation, then restarts. Creates hazardous situation in traffic. AWD indicator illuminates in one case. Dealers unable to duplicate.
When: Approximately 4,500 to 55 mph speeds; September 2016
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses power while driving; Fails to restart immediately; Requires roadside assistance in some cases; AWD indicator illuminates; Vehicle eventually restarts
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to duplicate failures; no repairs completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised documentation of events
Engine fire
Vehicle catches fire in engine compartment. One case involved 'TRAIN MAINTENANCE NEEDED' warning light before smoke and fire appeared shortly after leaving a standstill. Second case involved dashboard safety warnings, shaking, power loss, and fire in driver-side engine compartment after short drive with turns. Vehicle destroyed in one case.
When: One case at approximately 29,600 miles; second case after servicing 2 days prior
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine compartment; Vehicle catches fire; Engine engulfed in flames; Warning lights illuminate ('TRAIN MAINTENANCE NEEDED' in one case); Dashboard safety warnings and shaking before fire
Repairs/costs cited: Fire marshals called; vehicle destroyed or towed to insurance lot
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer apologized in one case; associated with NHTSA Campaign #19V809000 (Electrical System)
Brake failure after electrical system service
Brakes fail to operate after dealership repairs related to recall work for electrical system. Vehicle collision resulted. Recall 20V469000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) parts also unavailable.
When: After brake service following electrical system warning light repair, at 35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal does not respond; Brake failure at 20 mph resulting in collision; Engine light illuminates; Air bags did not deploy; Warning lights including ABS light illuminate intermittently before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Collision occurred; parts for NHTSA Campaign #20V469000 remain unavailable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign #19V809000 (Electrical System) and #20V469000 (Service Brakes); parts unavailable, exceeding reasonable repair time
Liftgate closure entrapment
Power liftgate closes unexpectedly, trapping owner and causing injury. Previous occurrences reported but this time owner was alone. Owner sustained broken hip and femur requiring medical attention. Failure could not be duplicated by dealer or manufacturer engineer.
When: Multiple occurrences; final incident at approximately 17,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate closes inadvertently; Traps occupant; No ability to open from inside
Repairs/costs cited: Failure could not be duplicated; no repair completed; manufacturer engineer unable to diagnose
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign #19V809000 (Electrical System); parts not available; manufacturer provided case number
Power mirror self-adjustment
Side view mirror adjusts position independently while vehicle is reversing or driving. Creates visibility hazard. Dealer readjustment did not prevent recurrence.
When: While reversing out of driveway and during driving at approximately 17,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Mirror repositions without driver input; Loss of view of lanes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer readjusted mirror; failure recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign #19V809000 (Electrical System)
SYNC 3 infotainment system freeze
SYNC 3 navigation unit freezes, disabling center stack controls. Phone functions including 911 Assist become inoperative. Occurs repeatedly with varying severity. System resets when vehicle is powered off and door opened.
When: Multiple occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Navigation unit freezes; Center stack controls become inoperative; Phone functions disabled; 911 Assist becomes inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: No repair; system self-resets when vehicle is powered off and door opened
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Lincoln states no fault code and no problem identified
Headlight condensation causing electrical drain
Condensation accumulates inside right headlight, shorting out battery. Seal failure allows moisture intrusion. Owner reports this is common problem in all Lincolns. Replacement parts (lights and adaptive module) cost over $5,000 plus labor. Fire hazard potential.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Condensation fills headlight; Battery drain from short circuit; Condensation returns after replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement headlight and adaptive module cost over $5,000 not including labor; mechanic identified seal failure
Backup camera display malfunction
Backup camera image becomes green and distorted during reversing, preventing operator from seeing behind vehicle. Intermittent occurrence creates safety hazard.
When: Intermittent failures
Symptoms owners cite: Camera display turns green; Image becomes distorted; Cannot see objects behind vehicle; Intermittent occurrence
Headlight system warning with no diagnosis
Warning indicator illuminates for headlight system with message 'SEE MANUAL' on display. Dealer unable to replicate or diagnose failure despite three visits. HCM reprogrammed on second visit but warning recurred months later.
When: At approximately 365 miles; recurred months after reprogramming
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight system warning illuminates; Message 'SEE MANUAL' displays on dashboard; Warning flashes multiple times after reprogramming
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reprogrammed HCM; no diagnosis or repair completed after three service visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; contact waiting for response
Unexplained toxic fumes in cabin
Strong, toxic-smelling fumes present inside vehicle weeks after purchase. Reported to multiple dealers but issue not resolved. Owner continued to inhale fumes. No repair remedy found.
When: Weeks after purchase at less than 250 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal toxic odor of strong fumes; Odor present inside vehicle cabin; Persistent despite multiple dealer visits
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealers (Wallace Lincoln and Paradise Ford) unable to resolve; no diagnostic testing provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; provided no further diagnostic testing or solution
Emissions system check engine light
Check engine light comes on shortly after purchase due to emissions control issue. Vehicle fails emissions test at 4 years old. Catalytic converters show no visible damage (no broken seals, holes). Emissions recall 25E02 ongoing for about 2 years.
When: Shortly after purchase; ongoing for about 2 years
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Failed emissions test; Emissions control malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed despite recall 25E02
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 25E02 (Emissions Control)
Rear brake flexible hose leaks
Rear brake flexible hose leaks repeatedly. Owner had to replace brake hose, line, and rear right brake twice in one year. Recall 25S87 for rear brake flexible hose leak not being fixed.
When: Multiple occurrences within one year
Symptoms owners cite: Brake hose leaks; Brake fluid loss
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced brake hose, line, and rear right brake twice; recall 25S87 not completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 25S87 (Rear Brake Flexible Hose Leak) - not being fixed
Collision warning system malfunction
Forward collision warning system fails to alert driver appropriately. Warning sound did not sound until after collision occurred. System does not work properly if at all.
When: At time of minor fender bender
Symptoms owners cite: Collision warning does not activate; Sound alert does not sound until after impact; System does not function as designed
Power liftgate unintended opening
Rear liftgate opens after being closed, causing damage. Liftgate struck top of garage door after rising on its own.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate closes but then opens unintentionally; No driver input for opening
Repairs/costs cited: Damage to liftgate from striking garage door
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
My car is currently under two recall notices however only one of the issues has been communicated to me of resolution. One being emissions control 25E02 and second being Recall 25S87 REAR BRAKE FLEXIBLE HOSE LEAK. Recall 1- emissions has been a problem for about 2 years now. Emissions are connected to my engine thus having my check engine light come on. My car failed an emissions test but was…
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 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 electrical problem on the 2016 Lincoln MKX?
It's a meaningful issue. 24 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 7,000 and 35,000 miles, with the median around 23,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 7,000; a quarter make it past 35,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2016/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.