2013 Lincoln MKX: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
Known weak spot on this generation: 3.5 / 3.7 Cyclone (or 3.0 Duratec) — internal water pump. 1 recall campaign to confirm with a dealer.
Pull the dipstick and oil cap and look for a tan/milky emulsion; check for unexplained coolant loss. A documented water-pump/timing job resets the clock.
Known problems on the 2013 Lincoln MKX
3.5 / 3.7 Cyclone (or 3.0 Duratec) — internal water pump $1,200–$2,800 to fix
On these V6es the water pump is driven by the timing chain and lives inside the engine — when the seal fails, coolant goes straight into the oil (a milkshake) with little warning, and the repair means removing the timing cover.
Check for: Pull the dipstick and oil cap and look for a tan/milky emulsion; check for unexplained coolant loss. A documented water-pump/timing job resets the clock.
Basis: Ford TSBs; NHTSA complaints; well-documented internal-water-pump design
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2013 Lincoln MKX recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2013 Lincoln MKX. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Transmission & drivetrain
If the halfshaft and linkshaft become disengaged while driving, power will no longer be transmitted to the wheels, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Details 14V393000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles manufactured September 2, 2010, to November 30, 2013; 2013-2014 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013; and 2013-2014 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured September 12, 2011, to November 30, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the halfshaft retention circlip may not have been properly installed, and as a result, the halfshaft may move outward and disengage from the linkshaft while driving and without prior warning.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles to make sure that the halfshaft is properly retained. If it is not, dealers will replace the linkshaft and also replace the halfshaft if it shows evidence of spline damage, free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S10.
2013 Lincoln MKX safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Brakes: Certain 2010-2014 Model Year Edge and MKX Vehicles - Extended Warranty Coverage on Brake Booster
- Doors and locks: Customer Satisfaction Program 19N09 Certain 2011-2014 Model Year Edge and MKX and 2013-2014 Model Year Explorer, Flex, and MKT Vehicles Left Front Door Latch Extended Coverage
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2013 Lincoln MKX safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
163 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, about average.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Lincoln MKX years
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator