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2008 Lincoln Mkx

The Verdict

48 Proceed with Caution

The 2008 Lincoln Mkx has 250 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (156 complaints) and engine (37 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 48/100, it earns a "Proceed with Caution" rating. If you're shopping for a Lincoln Mkx, consider the 2015 model year which has 92% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2015 has 92% fewer complaints

View the 2015 Lincoln Mkx dashboard →

48

Klunk Score: Proceed with Caution

About average for complaint volume. Research the specific issues before buying.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200732141536629
200819141563724
20097114142
201019225884
2011432739309
2012163217109
20133764252016
2014118285
201581361
2016344320408
201716161172
2018107651

By Category

Electrical
156
Engine
37
Transmission
24
Body
19
Brakes
14

By Severity

1
131
2
114
4
5

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 2

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel-burning odor on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the abnormal fuel-burning odor was on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. While the contact was attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel tank had fractured and was leaking fuel. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). However, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

7mo ago
Body 2

I am reporting a serious mechanical defect in my 2008 Lincoln MKX involving the internal water pump. This vehicle uses the Ford 3.5L V6 Cyclone engine, where the water pump is mounted inside the engine and driven by the timing chain. My water pump failed unexpectedly, causing coolant to leak into the engine oil. This design flaw poses a serious safety risk due to potential engine failure while driving. This could lead to the engine seizing without warning, loss of power steering and braking, and increased risk of a crash. Ford and Lincoln are aware of this issue, and many owners have reported similar failures, but no recall has been issued. Repairs cost thousands of dollars and often require full engine replacement. This is a known design defect that puts drivers and passengers in danger. I urge NHTSA to investigate and mandate a recall before someone is seriously injured or worse. This failure is unpredictable, dangerous, and affects many vehicles using this engine platform

14mo ago
Engine 1

I am reporting a serious mechanical defect in my 2008 Lincoln MKX involving the internal water pump. This vehicle uses the Ford 3.5L V6 Cyclone engine, where the water pump is mounted inside the engine and driven by the timing chain. My water pump failed unexpectedly, causing coolant to leak into the engine oil. This design flaw poses a serious safety risk due to potential engine failure while driving. This could lead to the engine seizing without warning, loss of power steering and braking, and increased risk of a crash. Ford and Lincoln are aware of this issue, and many owners have reported similar failures, but no recall has been issued. Repairs cost thousands of dollars and often require full engine replacement. This is a known design defect that puts drivers and passengers in danger. I urge NHTSA to investigate and mandate a recall before someone is seriously injured or worse. This failure is unpredictable, dangerous, and affects many vehicles using this engine platform

14mo ago
Transmission 1

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

22mo ago
Brakes 2

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the brake pedal was firm when depressed, and the vehicle was slow to respond. There was an abnormal hissing noise detected from the dashboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Cavalier Ford Greenbrier (1515 S Military Hwy, Chesapeake, VA 23320), who informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN and to schedule an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V469000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

26mo ago
Body 2

My front sliding panaromic sunroof glass blew right off the vehicle while I was driving on the highway. Not to mention my sunroof was closed. I heard a gust off wind and then my sunshade started flobbing from the wind ans thats when I noticed something was wrong. I pulled over and the glass was completely gone off the car. It could have caused a major accident or even hit and killed someone. Definitely a manufacturing defect. No warning signs or problems with it beforehand as well.

39mo ago
Electrical 4

The contact owned a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V001000 (Air Bags) and later Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact had made several attempts to set up recall appointments, however, the dealer kept advising her that the parts were not available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and following a right bend on the road she crashed into a parked vehicle. The contact stated that it was raining and the road surface was wet. The contact's vehicle crashed into the driver's side of the parked car, damaging the rear quarter panel and both doors. The contact's vehicle had damage to the front driver-side bumper and headlight, and the passenger door which was crushed by the impact. The contact stated that both side-impact air bags deployed but did not inflate and that the driver and passenger front air bags had not deployed. The contact stated that she received minor cuts to her left leg and bruises to the left side of her face, neck and shoulders. The contact stated that she had been transported by ambulance for medical attention. The contact's vehicle was towed from the scene and taken to an impound lot where it had later been declared a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. The police had filed a report. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

44mo ago
Electrical 4

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while his son was pulling up to a stop sign prior to pulling into oncoming traffic and noticed a dump truck speeding that lost control and eventually crashed into the passenger side door. No air bags deployed. The driver had received injuries to their shoulder, arm, and minor whiplash. No medical attention was needed. The driver of the truck had not received any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle had been towed to a body shop. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

44mo ago
Transmission 2

MKX has 75000 miles on it and the tss and oss sensors have gone out. Car goes into limp mode and will barely move, it shifts very hard, speed odometer quits and all the warning lights come on. If you stop let it sit and restart car it resets issue but you never know when it will happen again. It can happen at cruising speed or at start of car. VERY unsafe

49mo ago
Electrical 2

I sold this vehicle over three years ago to Enterprise Car Sales in Santa Clara, CA. I have responded to these recall statements without success. Please tell me what I need to do ??

49mo ago
Engine 2

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the ABS, air bag, and check engine warning lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the ABS sensor; however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.

52mo ago
Electrical 1

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) and contacted the manufacturer for assistance with locating a dealer who had the parts for the recall repair; however, the manufacturer informed her that the local dealers did not yet have parts for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

54mo ago
Body 4

The fuel system was faulty on my 2008 MKX, my life as well as my family life was almost loss due to the fact that my MKX caught on fire. Everytime I would put gas in my truck when i got back in the cabin I always smell gas. One time when i was on my way to work I walked outside and smelled gas and when I looked under my truck I could see the gas leaking out at an alarming rate, i put a pan under it and went to work to tell them i need some time off cause if someone walk by my car smoking they would blow up, I got it fix and it was the fuel system and cost me 800 dollars and at that time the mileage was around 117000. Yesterday on fathers day I watch my MKX burn to the ground and me and my family almost didnt make it out. Lincoln knew about this problem since 2013 and have done nothing about it, to this day there are Innocence people driving these MKX and their life is in danger just like my family life was put in danger and they knew about the problem NHTSA campaign number 14V68200 (fuel system, gasoline) since 2013 here it is 2021 and I almost loss my family and they knew since 2013, 9 years later and i had the same problem and at the same mileage as these other complaints

61mo ago
Body 1

MY MKX DRIVER SEAT AND PASSENGER SEAT KEEP ROCKING BACK AND FORTH. MY FIANC WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WE START TO SLOW DOWN ON A CITY STREET AND AS HE IS STOPPING HIS SEAT ROCKS BACK AND HIS FOOT COMES OF THE BREAK AND ALMOST HITS THE BACK OF ANOTHER CAR. I'M SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT ALSO FEELING MY SEAT MOVE AS WELL. I LOOK OVER AT HIM AND SEE HIS FACE AND YOU CAN TELL HE GOT SCARED FOR A SECOND BECAUSE HE IS WONDERING WHY HIS SEAT ROCKED BACK AND HE ALMOST HIT A CAR IN FRONT OF HIM.IT IS ALSO HAPPENING WHEN ACCELERATING. MAKING IT A SAFETY HAZARD AS WELL BECAUSE YOU ARE SLOWING DOWN WHILE THE DRIVER BEHIND US IS SPEEDING UP AND COULD POSSIBLY HIT US BECAUSE OUR FOOT IS NO LONGER ON THE GAS.

63mo ago
Body 1

REAR PANORAMIC STATIONARY GLASS (SUNROOF) SHATTERED ON ITS OWN, NO IMPACT FROM ANYTHING. SHATTERED IN ALL 4 CORNERS. CAR WAS STATIONARY IN PARKING LOT.

63mo ago
Electrical 2

MY PASSENGER REAR DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK. TOU CAN'T OPEN FROM OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. MY GRANDSON GOT STUCK. I HAD TO HAVE HIM USE A DIDN'T DOOR TO GET OUT. IF THERE WAS A ACCIDENT HE WOULD HAVE BEEN STUCK IN THERE. IT WAS STATIONARY

63mo ago
Transmission 1

ENGINE COMPUTER /TRANSMISSION /ALT AT BILL TALLEY FORD ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INSTALLED ALT. THEN WAS TOLD I HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS NEVER HAD BEFORE THEY PROGRAMED ENGINE COMPUTER TWO TIMES AND GAVE THE CAR BACK BACK TO ME WITH PROBLEMS I NEVER HAD AND COULD SOLVE

65mo ago
Transmission 1

DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND TRANSMISSION SHIFT TO LOW BY ITSELF. IT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO GET IT. THE PTU IS LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. YOUNEVERKNOW WHEN IT IS LOW. THIS CAR HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE IT WAS MANUFACTURED AND THEY NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM. IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED AND NEEDS A HEAT SHIELD BETWEEN THE PTU AND THE ENGINE TO KEEP IT FROM LEAKING AND CAUSING DANGEROUS SITUATIONS ON THE ROAD. THE CAR SMOKES SO BAD THAT IT LOOKS LIKE IT IS ON FIRE. SCARED TO DRIVE BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THE FLUID IS LOW. YOU CAN SEE THE LEAK FROM THE PTU UNDER THE CAR. NOT MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINED ABOUT IT BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW ABOUT THIS WEBSITE. THIS IS REALLY DANGEROUS IF IT DOESN'T GET RECALLED SOON. WHEN THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY. SO THEY FIXED IT THEN BUT WHEN THE WARRANTY WAS UP. IT WAS UP TO THE CUSTOMER TO DISHUP 2500.00 TO FIX IT. YOU CAN CALL AMCCO IN ZANESVILLE OHIO THEY WILL TELL YOU HOW MANY GOT FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. THE PROBLEM IS THE PTU IS SO CLOSE TO THE ENGINE IT BURNS THE FLUID IN IT. EVENTUALLY IT WEARS OUT OTHER SEALS IN THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH MAKES THINGS WORST. MY CAR SITS MOST OF THE TIME. TOO SCARED TO DRIVE IT. PLEASE HELP ME GET A RECALL ON THIS. IF YOU LOOK UP PROBLEMS WITH 2008 LINCOLN MKX YOU WILL SEE THAT IS ONE OF THE MAIN PROBLEMS

68mo ago
Transmission 1

THE PTU LEAKS TRANSMISSION FLUID. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS A PROBLEM SINCE THE CAR WAS MANUFACTURED. I WANTED TO KNOW WHY THERE WASN'T A RECALL ON IT. IT CAN DAMAGE OTHER SEALS ON CAR AND CAUSE A SAFETY HAZARD. I JUST BROUGHT MY CAR A MONTH AGO AND WAS NEVER TOLD ABOUT IT. I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE IT THAT OFTEN TILL I GET IT FIXED. MY CAR WAS NOT SHIFTING RIGHT, SMOKING, AND I HAVE TO ADD TRANSMISSION FLUID TO IT. THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL IF IT HAS TOO MUCH, WHICH WILL CAUSE IT TO HAVE OTHER PROBLEMS IN THE LONG RUN. YOU SEE THE SMOKE WHEN DRIVING. IT LOOKS LIKE THE CAR IS ON FIRE

68mo ago
Electrical 1

HAD ALL AIR FILTERS REPLACED AND AIR UNIT REPLACED DUE TO OVER HEATING BUT STILL WHEN TURN AIR ON AND ON SEATS JUMPS OR LOSES THROTTLE AND LIGHTS GO OFF AND AT TIMES SEATS RE ADJUST WHILE DRIVING, KEEPS HAPPING CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT

71mo ago

250 total

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