Is the 2018 Lincoln MKX reliable?

The 2018 Lincoln MKX has 38 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Lincoln MKX?

Top problems: OTHER (8 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (7 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (5 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Lincoln MKX?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH, SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Contact any Lincoln dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Lincoln MKX?

The 2018 Lincoln MKX gets 19 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2526. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Lincoln MKX?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Lincoln MKX is approximately $2,124/year (suv-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Lincoln MKX

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Lincoln MKX has 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 108. The most common issue is other problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: this car has been in the shop four times for loose screws in the dash board rolls around this is going in a curve on hitting the brakes. purchase the car the end of may 2018. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year.

1 crash report

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

8 complaints

21%

• THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOUR TIMES FOR LOOSE SCREWS IN THE DASH BOARD ROLLS AROUND THIS IS GOING IN A CURVE ON HITTING THE BRAKES. PURCHASE THE CAR THE END OF MAY 2018
• Unknown/Uncertain as to why the floor is wet on right rear passenger. Dealer unable to detect why floor board is wet. I need answers because this is a health risk/ lungs risk for my family and myself due to questionable mold May probably grow from the wet carpet and wet spell
• When I utilize my ac or heat without pressing a certain button after a while I start smelling a burning smell coming through the vents. When I'm outside the vehicle I smell it as well. The smell is hard to pinpoint. A dealership told me that maybe I needed to change my air filters. However the burni

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOUR TIMES FOR LOOSE SCREWS IN THE DASH BOARD ROLLS AROUND THIS IS GOING IN A CURVE ON HITTING THE BRAKES. PURCHASE THE CAR THE END OF MAY 2018”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Lincoln MKX

Based on 12 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 15K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (5)

SERVICE BRAKES10/08/2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.

Risk: A ruptured front brake hose will cause a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S42.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Lincoln MKX

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,527

Per month

$211

Per mile

21.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,001/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,001/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Lincoln MKX

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,124

Full coverage / month

$177

Liability only / year

$688

vs US avg

+27%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2124

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Lincoln MKX Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Complimentary maintenance for select models; check with your dealer for eligibility.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Lincoln New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

6 yr / 70K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

6 yr / 70K mi

These are the terms for a new Lincoln. If you're buying a used 2018 MKX, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Lincoln dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 38 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOUR TIMES FOR LOOSE SCREWS IN THE DASH BOARD ROLLS AROUND THIS IS GOING IN A CURVE ON HITTING THE BRAKES. PURCHASE THE CAR THE END OF MAY 2018
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LINCOLN MKX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V469000 (SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED BAYWAY LINCOLN 12333 GULF FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77034; (281) 929-6500
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: WE HAD OUR FIRST INCIDENT ON AUG 2 WHEN MY WIFE WAS DRIVING. CAR STALLED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND SHE RESTARTED IT . TRANSMISSION WAS IN DRIVE AND SHE STARTED TO ACCELETE TO GO AHEAD. THE CAR ITSELF WENT INTO REVERSE AND ALMOST HIT THE CAR BEHIND HER. SHE WAS EXTREMELY SHAKEN AND REFUSED TO DRIVE IT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: WE HAD OUR FIRST INCIDENT ON AUG 2 WHEN MY WIFE WAS DRIVING. CAR STALLED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND SHE RESTARTED IT . TRANSMISSION WAS IN DRIVE AND SHE STARTED TO ACCELETE TO GO AHEAD. THE CAR ITSELF WENT INTO REVERSE AND ALMOST HIT THE CAR BEHIND HER. SHE WAS EXTREMELY SHAKEN AND REFUSED TO DRIVE IT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Lincoln dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)