Lincoln MKX brake problems, 2016–2018
89 of the 239 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Lincoln MKX 2016–2018 name the brakes (NHTSA’s “Service Brakes” heading — the hydraulic brakes, ABS and brake assist). The loudest years: 2016 (62), 2017 (19), 2018 (8). Filed under the same heading across these years: 2 recall campaigns. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Lincoln MKX brake problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the brakes | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 8 | 26% | — | 2 recalls | the year → |
| 2017 | 19 | 37% | — | 2 recalls | the year → |
| 2016 in depth | 62 | 40% | 64k | 2 recalls | the record → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the brakes. Nothing here is a rate.
When the brake complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2015: 1 · 2016: 1 · 2017: 1 · 2019: 3 · 2020: 7 · 2021: 19 · 2023: 2 · 2024: 4 · 2025: 19 · 2026: 32
Across the model years, half of the 29 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the brake problem between 41,000 and 89,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the brakes, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln Mkx. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v469000 (service brakes, hydraulic, service brakes) however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
Nothing happened yet ...trying to sale the unit but cant because the recall has no fix yet
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKX. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V544000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact called the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to parts being on back order.
I have experienced this issue and it's been 9 months since the first issuance from Ford on this recall. I paid $523 to repair and this is insane since mechanic told me its an OME part so still going to possibly have same issue till recall is handled
What is on file about the brakes, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaigns filed under this heading, any model year
- 25V544000 HighAug 22, 2025 · 499,129 vehicles
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The rear brake jounce hose may rupture and leak brake fluid.
- 20V469000 HighAug 10, 2020 · 488,594 vehicles
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Lincoln MKX years have the most brake complaints?
2016, 62; 2017, 19; 2018, 8. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2016 (40%).
Is there a recall for the brakes on the Lincoln MKX?
Yes — 2 campaigns are filed under this heading across these model years: 25V544000 (2018), 20V469000 (2018). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do brake problems show up on the Lincoln MKX?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 66,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 41,000 and 89,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Service Brakes" heading cover?
The hydraulic brakes, ABS and brake assist. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.