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2013 Lincoln Mkx Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Lincoln Mkx carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering axle shaft. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Door ajar warning stays on with doors closed.” Lincoln uses Ford's Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor: it tracks how the vehicle is actually driven and calls for oil service when needed — up to 10,000 miles or 12 months on normal duty, much sooner with towing or repeated short trips. EcoBoost-powered Aviators and Nautilus models are turbocharged: heat is their maintenance story, so oil quality and cooling-system health matter more than on the old naturally aspirated V8s. Traditional V8 Navigators and Town Cars are long-interval machines — 100,000-mile plugs — that mostly reward fluid discipline.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Campaign #14V393000 · Feb 7, 2014

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll away despite the transmission being placed in 'Park', increasing the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Lincoln Mkx.

Reported to NHTSA

Door ajar warning stays on with doors closed

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

14 NHTSA complaints · 2016-04 → 2021-03

“WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED, THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON AND THE DOORS NEVER LOCK WHILE DRIVING. ALSO THE DOOR CAN BE CLOSED AND THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WILL NOT BE ON BUT AT ANY MOMENT THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WILL COME ON CAUSING THE FACTORY ALARM TO GO OFF AT ANY TIME, DAY OR NIGHT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10861265
“THE "DOOR AJAR" INDICATOR STAYS ON WHEN THE DOORS ARE CLOSED. THIS CAUSES OTHER INDICATOR LIGHTS TO ACTIVATE SUCH AS "SHIFT TO PARK". IT ALSO PREVENTS THE CAR FROM BEING LOCKED FROM THE INSIDE. IT IS ANNOYING AND CAN BE DANGEROUS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11080989
“THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS CLOSED, BUT THE 'OPEN DOOR' ALERT REMAINS ON, AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR LIGHTS & EXIT LIGHTS. MULTIPLE DOOR CLOSURES, SOFT, SLAMMING, PARK, RESTART. NO RESOLUTION. RAMDOMLY TURNS OFF , BUT HAS STAYED ON OVERNIGHT, & IN PARKING LOTS, BEING UNAWARE IT STAYED ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11405661

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission park indicator and driveline faults

POWER TRAIN

14 NHTSA complaints · 2017-06 → 2026-06

“IN REGARDS TO MY 2013 LINCOLN MKX, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FREQUENTLY DOES NOT ENGAGE IN PARK --- ABOUT HALF THE TIME. WHEN STATIONARY, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFT LEVER IS PUSHED INTO THE "P" POSITION, BUT THE VEHICLE WARNS VIA A DINGING AND DASH WARNING THAT IT IS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11349308
“I TOOK MY 2013 LINCOLN MKX FOR MAINTENANCE. I WAS TOLD THAT MY POWER TRANSFER UNIT, (PTU) WAS DEFECTIVE, IT IS A SEALED UNIT AND BEING AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE DRIVE TRAIN, IT NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. VEHICLE WAS STATIONERY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11354211
“THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBANDS FRIEND WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE FELT AS IF THEY WENT OVER CEMENT BLOCKS AND MADE A LOUD NOISE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS. THE DRIVER MERGED OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND TAKEN TO A LOCAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11292079

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Back-up camera fails to display or shows upside-down image

BACK OVER PREVENTION

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-06 → 2026-04

“The contact stated that the back over prevention camera failed to display an image while in operation. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the camera needed to be replaced by a certified mechanic who was not associated with the dealership. The vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11525554
“The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera failed to display an image. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the backup prevention camera”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11658485
“My rear veiw camera only works when it wants to. It is either upside down and no use for backing up or black screen with no working message. I see other years are being recalled for that same reason”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11733840

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake booster and ABS module failure, pedal to floor

SERVICE BRAKES

66 NHTSA complaints · 2014-09 → 2025-12

“Our car has been having issues with the breaks. At random times the break peddle gets very spongy and has to be pushed to the floor before the brakes will activate. The reduced break pressure has caused near crashes as the vehicle does not slow down when the breaks are pushed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11579402
“The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH and attempting to decelerate, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard, but the vehicle failed to stop as needed. After pumping the brake pedal, the vehicle was able to come to a”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11543141
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND THE ABS MODULE FAILED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11341268

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalls while driving, loses steering and brakes

ENGINE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2024-11

“AT NIGHT, WHILE AT SPEED (60 MPH) IN CENTER LANE OF A CROWDED HIGHWAY DURING EVENING COMMUTE, THE ENGINE STOPPED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF PROPULSION, POWER STEERING, AND POWER BRAKES. FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP ON THE RIGHT SHOULDER WITHOUT COLLISION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11047965
“Vehicle randomly dies while driving. Can happen at anytime and at any speed. No warning at all. Does not leave a check engine light so no code is recorded. Very dangerous. Otherwise vehicle runs well but is too dangerous to drive. All steering, acceleration, brakes, etc. are”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11628023
“MY VEHICLE'S POWER SHUT DOWN WITHOUT ANY WARNING ON BUSY CITY STREET (3 LANE ROAD). I WAS UNABLE TO STEER OR BRAKE. I HAD TO COAST OFF THE ROAD UNTIL CAR STOPPED. THEN I PUT IT INTO PARK. IT RESTARTED AND DROVE FINE AFTER THE RESTART”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11245337

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil-Life Monitor)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the Oil-Life Monitor calls it — up to 10,000 miles or 12 months. EcoBoost engines (Aviator 3.0T): use the specified synthetic and don't stretch the monitor; turbos cook marginal oil.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles. Heavy Navigators shift a lot of weight — even wear is a ride-quality item, not just a tire-budget item.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil service. Town Car livery duty and Navigator towing both count as severe service for brakes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford schedules the 10-speed (10R80) and 6-speed automatics at 150,000 miles normal duty — but 60,000 miles with towing or livery use, which describes many Lincolns. Mercon ULV / the specified Mercon type only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

V8 Navigator and Town Car: 100,000-mile plugs. EcoBoost V6 (Aviator, Nautilus 2.7T): commonly around 60,000 miles — check your year's guide; turbo engines run shorter plug lives.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles per Ford's schedule; sooner in dusty climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Rear Differential Fluid (RWD/4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Navigator, Aviator RWD, and Town Car: replace rear axle fluid around 60,000 miles with towing or livery duty (150,000 normal per Ford). Limited-slip axles need the friction modifier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Serpentine / Accessory Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking. The 5.4L Navigator's belt also drives the cooling fan clutch on some years — a failure overheats fast.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped. (2004-era Town Cars predate cabin filters; modern Lincolns locate it behind the glovebox.)

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement

Every 100,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (OAT) on modern models: first change around 10 years / 200,000 miles per Ford, though shops commonly refresh by 100,000. Older green-coolant V8s: every 5 years. Never mix chemistries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Feature-heavy Lincolns (air suspension compressors, power everything) expose weak batteries as electrical gremlins first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

16 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2013 Lincoln Mkx reflects Lincoln's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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