This article supersedes TSB 24-2345 to update the Service Procedure. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an oil leak from the engine oil pan RTV seal. This may be due to a lack of RTV adhesion.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Lincoln MKX engine problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Lincoln MKX have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 14,000 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
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 MKX | 3 |
| 2013 MKX | 11 |
| 2014 MKX | 5 |
| 2016 MKX (this page) | 17 |
| 2017 MKX | 3 |
| 2018 MKX | 3 |
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What stands out
Among the 10 model years of Lincoln MKX in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may collect on the external surface of a turbocharger, it is extremely rare for a turbocharger assembly to be the root cause of the oil leak. Careful inspection of the turbocharger oil feed and drain tubes should be performed along with the recommended WSM procedures as needed. Warranty claims for turbocharger replacement going forward will be assessed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This article supersedes TSB 22-2181 to update the Service Procedure and Part List. Some 2015-2017 Edge, 2016-2017 MKX, 2017 Fusion/MKZ/Continental vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost or 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an oil leak from the engine oil pan RTV seal. This may be due to a lack of RTV adhesion. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the valve covers and replace the factory oil pan with a press in place gasket style oil pan.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2017 Edge, 2016-2017 MKX, 2017 Fusion/MKZ/Continental vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost or 3.0L EcoBoost engine vehicles may exhibit an oil leak from the engine oil pan RTV seal. This may be due to a lack of RTV adhesion. This article includes detailed steps to achieve proper RTV adhesion. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the oil pan.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2014-2017 C-MAX Energi, 2014-2020 Fusion plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), 2015-2017 MKZ/MKZ Hybrid/MKC, 2016-2017 MKX, 2016-2018 Focus battery electric vehicle (BEV) 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 displayed on SYNC infotainment screen during the Authorization process. This may be due to the Sync Software. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to toggle Valet Mode.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles report a recurring throttle body failure that causes the engine to drop to 1000 RPM or stall outright while driving—at interstate speeds, city traffic, and even during parking maneuvers. The loss of throttle response is sudden and creates dangerous situations; several owners describe nearly being rear-ended or forced to cross multiple lanes of traffic when the vehicle unexpectedly loses power. Dealership service advisors have acknowledged this as an "all too common recent problem" on the 3.7L V6 engine used in Ford and Lincoln vehicles, and a repair bulletin exists for dealers, though a formal recall was not sent to owners as of mid-2017.
Additional engine-related complaints include complete stalling while in motion (sometimes at least a dozen times per vehicle), with stability control lights activating but no stored diagnostic codes present. One case involved an air intake valve fracture and abnormal oil consumption at 54,000 miles. Exhaust fumes entering the cabin at highway speeds have been reported on multiple vehicles with as few as 27,000 miles, causing fatigue and persistent odors. Coolant leaks producing smoke under the hood and empty radiator reservoirs appear at low mileage. A technical service bulletin exists for abnormal oil consumption, but owners report Lincoln Corporate denied warranty coverage for engine replacement.
Same Lincoln MKX engine reports on nearby years: 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle body failure / loss of throttle control
Engine drops to idle (1000 RPM) or stalls, driver loses throttle response and acceleration. Occurs at highway speeds and city speeds, sometimes repeatedly. Multiple complaints indicate dealer service advisors and manufacturers acknowledged this as a known defect in 3.7L V6 engines.
When: Between 4,000 and 54,000 miles; occurrences documented from 2017–2019
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden RPM drop to 1000; Complete loss of throttle response; Engine stalling while in motion; Wrench symbol on dashboard; Service engine soon light; Vehicle will not accelerate; Multiple stalls over short periods
Codes mentioned: P0, Powertrain indicator (wrench)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement (warranty coverage reported in some cases). Dealership service advisors noted this is an 'all too common recent problem' on 3.7L V6 engines in Ford and Lincoln vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V635000 mentioned; dealer bulletins exist but no formal recall notices sent to owners as of July 2017. One complaint references TSB 19-2243 for oil consumption.
Engine stalling / sudden power loss
Engine shuts off without warning while vehicle is in motion. Occurs on highways, flat roads, downhill sections, heavy traffic, and low-speed maneuvers. Requires restart to resume operation; some instances result in towing. Dealer diagnostic checks often yield no stored codes.
When: Ranging from 4,052 to 54,000 miles; multiple incidents reported from 2017–2019
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts out completely while driving; Stability control light illuminates; Residual speed only when shut off; Vehicle will not restart while in motion; Stalling in traffic and on highways; At least 12 occurrences in one vehicle
Codes mentioned: Stability control indicator
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented for most stalling events; dealership unable to duplicate issue or find stored codes. One case replaced air intake throttle body at 4,052 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall for throttle body repair mentioned in one narrative (Campaign reference unclear). Dealer could not diagnose in multiple attempts despite customer returning 4+ times.
Exhaust fumes in cabin
Exhaust odors and fumes enter the interior, particularly at highway speeds and under hard acceleration. Reported on multiple vehicles with low mileage. In some cases odor persists even after leaving vehicle. Owners report fatigue and foggy-headedness. One dealership noted multiple 2016 MKX units with the same issue.
When: Documented at 27,000 miles and other unspecified mileage; low-mileage occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust smell in cabin; Rotten egg odor; Fatigue and foggy-headedness when driving; Worse on highway; Smell lingers after exiting vehicle; Occurs with A/C on and recirculate mode
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership cleaned exhaust lines underneath and improved the issue; unable to fully resolve. Another dealership unable to identify root cause during oil-change visit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or formal actions noted. Multiple dealerships encountered the same complaint but took no coordinated action.
Coolant leak and engine overheat
Coolant leaks from radiator and reservoir; smoke appears under hood. Vehicle loses power and displays 'Coolant Overheated' warning. One case also diagnosed with air intake valve fracture and abnormal engine oil consumption.
When: One case at 21,000 miles, another at 54,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke under hood; Coolant leak underneath front of vehicle; Radiator and reservoir empty; Coolant overheated message on display; Loss of automotive power; Check engine light
Codes mentioned: Coolant Overheated message
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in reported cases. One case noted air intake valve fracture and abnormal oil consumption at 54,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V635000 mentioned for one case (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, no owner notification or recall documented.
Abnormal engine oil consumption
Excessive oil consumption reported. One owner referenced Technical Service Bulletin 19-2243 as a known problem specific to their 2016 MKX but was denied coverage under Lincoln Protection Plan.
When: Unspecified mileage; TSB 19-2243 exists for this issue
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal oil consumption
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement requested but denied by Lincoln Corporate and Lincoln Protection Plan.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin 19-2243 issued indicating known problem; however, manufacturer refused warranty assistance for engine replacement.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2016 Lincoln MKX?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 5,400 and 27,000 miles, with the median around 14,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,400; a quarter make it past 27,000. 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 $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/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.