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2013 Lincoln MKX problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls

NO ELEVATED SIGNAL
23%
36 of 163 relevant owner complaints are about the engine, transmission or fuel system

No elevated drivetrain complaint concentration in the available NHTSA records for the 2013 Lincoln MKX. Engine, transmission and fuel system account for 23% of relevant complaints.

Better than 83% of the 1,789 model years we track (2010–2023).

NHTSA data checked October 3, 2026
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Does the 2013 Lincoln MKX have engine or transmission problems?

Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 36 of 163 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2013 Lincoln MKX concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (23%). For comparison, the 2012 scores 24% and the 2014 scores 37%. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.

Drivetrain complaints
36
engine, transmission, fuel
Total complaints
163
this model year
Fires reported
2
owner-reported
Recall campaigns
1
7 crashes · 2 injuries

Complaints by component

SERVICE BRAKES66 · 40%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM30 · 18%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER21 · 13%
POWER TRAIN16 · 10%
ENGINE15 · 9%
STRUCTURE9 · 6%

The years either side

2010
19%
10 of 111
2011
27%
38 of 149
2012
24%
19 of 84
2013
23%
36 of 163
2014
37%
13 of 35
2015
too few complaints
2016
33%
49 of 156
2017
19%
9 of 52
2018
23%
6 of 31
2019
no data
2020
no data
2021
no data
2022
no data
2023
no data

Manufacturers fix things mid-generation. A bad year next to a clean one is common; the fix usually arrived in between.

What owners reported

POWER TRAIN06/08/2026
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal, with the transmission warning light illuminated. Occasionally, the contact was forced to shut off the vehicle and wait a few moments before restarting, after whic…
POWER TRAIN10/29/2025
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKX. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH and while attempting to make a right turn, the contact heard a grinding noise coming from the front of the vehicle on the front passenger’s side. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, …
ENGINE11/30/2024
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 lost when it dies. Will immediately start ba…

Three of 36 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows more, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.

Recall campaigns on the 2013 Lincoln MKX (1)

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
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 For…

This does not say whether a particular car has an open, unrepaired recall. That depends on the VIN.

Before you buy a 2013 Lincoln MKX

Questions people ask about the 2013 Lincoln MKX

Does the 2013 Lincoln MKX have engine or transmission problems?

Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 36 of 163 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2013 Lincoln MKX concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (23%). It describes the model year, not any one car, so an inspection still matters.

Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2013 Lincoln MKX?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign on the 2013 Lincoln MKX. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

Which Lincoln MKX years are better?

Among the Lincoln MKX years we track, the 2010 (19%) and the 2017 (19%) have a lower engine and transmission complaint share than the 2013 (23%). Manufacturers fix things mid-generation, so the year before or after can be a different car.

Should I buy a 2013 Lincoln MKX?

That depends on the car in front of you, not just the model year. The 2013 Lincoln MKX shows no elevated engine or transmission pattern in owner complaints, which is a good starting point. It is still one car with its own history, so get an independent pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you commit.

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Experimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition of any individual vehicle.