The affected vehicles have an emissions control system that does not account for certain in-use conditions and might not control tailpipe emissions effectively over time.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Lincoln MKX powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Lincoln MKX have filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 25,000 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
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 MKX | 11 |
| 2013 MKX | 15 |
| 2014 MKX | 6 |
| 2015 MKX | 5 |
| 2016 MKX (this page) | 10 |
| 2017 MKX | 3 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 10 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Lincoln MKX, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 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.
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 ↗During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt is critical to the repair and accurately following the installation procedure in the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 303-01 is extremely important. The bolt torque procedure can be found in the crankshaft front seal removal and installation procedure or in the engine assembly procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2016 vehicles equipped with 6F50/6F55 transmission and built on 2-Nov-2015 and through 1-Feb-2016 may exhibit no reverse, 3rd and 5th gear with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0715,P0717,P0756 and/or P2701. This may be caused by the direct clutch cylinder/tone wheel (7F283) inadvertently forcing the snap ring out of position resulting in damage to the direct clutch hub (7G384). Service part (7J250) complete rotating 3-5-R clutch module is now available. Refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 307-01. For claiming, use causal part 7F283 and applicable labor operations in Section 7 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2020 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. This may be due to small debris causing the VCT solenoid to stick. Before attempting any component diagnosis or replacement of the VCT solenoid, refer to Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) pinpoint test HK11 to cycle the affected VCT solenoid 10 times to attempt to clear the debris. For claiming, use causal part 6M280 and applicable labor operations in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I have had to replace my rear brake pads, rotors, and the whole braking system (not related to sensors) three times in a year. I received the recall notice after the third time and had a mechanic fix my brake hose as a short-term remedy for my car. Not only does my car have a delay in breaking it is a delay in the monitoring service. Technically the sounds related to my vehicle are not related to…
The SUV PTO or power transfer unit over heats leaks gear oil and burns on exhurst pipes. Have to pull over to breathe and let cool down. Dealer says it is a sealed unit and should not leak. No way to service unit so you have to replace for over $2400 dollars
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2016 Lincoln MKX?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 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 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 10,400 and 51,000 miles, with the median around 25,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,400; a quarter make it past 51,000. 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/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.