The Best Years For Lincoln Mkx And Some To Avoid

The Lincoln MKX, a luxury crossover SUV, offered a blend of comfort, style, and technology during its production run. Choosing the right model year can significantly impact your ownership experience, influencing everything from reliability to feature availability. This guide dives deep into the MKX's history, highlighting the best years and those you might want to approach with caution, ensuring you make an informed decision.

Lincoln MKX Model Years: A Quick Reference

Detailed Explanations of Key Features and Potential Concerns

First Generation (2007-2010):

• First Model Year Quirks (2007): Being the inaugural year, the 2007 MKX might exhibit issues common to new vehicle designs. These could range from minor fit-and-finish problems to more significant mechanical glitches that were ironed out in subsequent years.
• FWD or AWD Availability: The MKX offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. FWD provides better fuel economy, while AWD offers enhanced traction in inclement weather.
• 3.5L V6 Engine: The 3.5-liter V6 engine was the standard engine for these years. It provided adequate power for everyday driving but wasn't particularly sporty.
• Early Transmission Issues: Some owners reported issues with the automatic transmission in the early model years, including rough shifting or premature failure.
• Improved Sound Insulation (2008): Lincoln addressed some initial criticisms by improving the sound insulation in the 2008 model, leading to a quieter cabin.
• Potential for Water Leaks (2008): Water leaks, particularly around the sunroof or windshield, were reported by some owners of the 2008 MKX.
• Sync Infotainment System (2009): The introduction of the Sync system in 2009 was a significant upgrade, offering voice-activated control of audio and phone functions.
• Improved Interior Materials (2009): Lincoln also enhanced the interior materials in 2009, giving the cabin a more premium feel.
• Sync System Glitches: The early versions of Sync were prone to glitches and connectivity issues, which could be frustrating for users.
• TPMS Sensor Issues: Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor failures were also reported in these model years.

Mid-Cycle Refresh (2011-2015):

• Updated Exterior Styling (2011): The 2011 MKX received a significant facelift with a new grille, headlights, and taillights, giving it a more modern appearance.
• New Interior Design (2011): The interior was also redesigned, with a new dashboard, center console, and improved materials.
• MyLincoln Touch System (2011): The introduction of the MyLincoln Touch infotainment system was a major change, replacing traditional buttons with a touchscreen interface.
• MyLincoln Touch System Issues: While innovative, MyLincoln Touch was notorious for its slow response times, confusing menus, and frequent glitches.
• Engine Hesitation (2011): Some owners reported engine hesitation or a lack of power, particularly during acceleration.
• PTU (Power Transfer Unit) Failure (AWD Models): The Power Transfer Unit (PTU), which distributes power to the rear wheels in AWD models, was prone to failure, leading to costly repairs.
• Improved MyLincoln Touch System (2013): Lincoln made several software updates to the MyLincoln Touch system in 2013, improving its responsiveness and reliability.
• Revised Suspension Tuning (2013): The suspension was also retuned in 2013, providing a more comfortable and controlled ride.
• Age-Related Wear and Tear (2015): As the final year of this generation, the 2015 MKX is generally reliable, but potential buyers should be aware of age-related wear and tear on components like brakes, suspension, and interior trim.

Second Generation (2016-2018):

• Complete Redesign (2016): The 2016 MKX was a complete redesign, with a new platform, updated styling, and advanced technology features.
• 2.7L EcoBoost V6 Engine Option: A new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine was offered as an option, providing significantly more power and torque than the base engine.
• Advanced Safety Features: The 2016 MKX offered a range of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
• Early EcoBoost Engine Issues: Some owners reported issues with the early EcoBoost engines, including oil leaks and turbocharger problems.
• MyLincoln Touch Replaced with Sync 3 (2016): Lincoln replaced the MyLincoln Touch system with the Sync 3 infotainment system, which was generally more user-friendly and reliable.
• Sync 3 Initial Bugs: While a significant improvement, Sync 3 still had some initial bugs and glitches that were addressed with software updates.
• Water Pump Failure in EcoBoost Engines: Some owners of EcoBoost-equipped MKXs reported water pump failures, which could lead to overheating and engine damage.
• MKX Rebranded as Nautilus (2019): The MKX was renamed the Nautilus for the 2019 model year, marking the end of the MKX nameplate.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which Lincoln MKX year is the most reliable? The 2015 model year, being the last of its generation, is generally considered the most reliable, as most of the initial issues had been addressed. However, it's important to consider age-related wear and tear.

• Are there any MKX years I should avoid? The 2011-2012 models with the MyLincoln Touch system are often cited as years to avoid due to the system's notorious unreliability and the potential for PTU failure in AWD models.

• Is the EcoBoost engine in the MKX reliable? The 2.7L EcoBoost engine offered in the 2016-2018 MKX provides strong performance, but potential buyers should be aware of potential issues like oil leaks and water pump failures.

• How does the Sync 3 system compare to MyLincoln Touch? Sync 3 is a significant improvement over MyLincoln Touch, offering a more user-friendly interface, faster response times, and better overall reliability.

• Is the AWD system in the MKX reliable? The AWD system in the MKX can be reliable, but the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) in certain model years (especially 2011-2014) is known to be a weak point and prone to failure.

Conclusion

Choosing the best year for a Lincoln MKX depends on your priorities and budget. The 2015 model offers the most refined version of the first-generation MKX with most bugs ironed out, while the 2016-2018 models offer a more modern design, advanced technology, and the powerful EcoBoost engine, but come with their own set of potential issues. Thorough research, a pre-purchase inspection, and understanding the potential problems associated with each model year are essential for making an informed decision and enjoying a positive ownership experience.