LincolnMKX2018Overview/lincoln/mkx/2018/base/

2018 Lincoln MKX

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 MKX.

Body SUV

The 2018 Lincoln MKX is an SUV that requires 6.0 quarts of either 5W-30 or 5W-20 viscosity engine oil, establishing the core mechanical maintenance parameters for this specific year. Within the MKX's 2007–2020 reliability timeline, the 2018 model year lands in a moderate position, logging 29 total owner complaints alongside 5 recalls. While this represents a dramatic improvement over the 2007 peak of 298 complaints, it falls short of the 2015 low of just 19, meaning the 2018 model offers reasonable overall stability but warrants careful inspection given that its top complaint area remains ambiguously categorized as "Unknown Or Other."

Model year201820172016201520142013201220112010

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 / 5W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque162 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · w/o Start Stop: 730 CCA; w/Start Stop: 800 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R · w/o Start Stop: 730 CCA; w/Start Stop: 800 CCAOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Cabin air filterDG9Z19N619D

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length190.2 in
Overall width76 in
Overall height66.1 in
Wheelbase112.2 in
Curb weight4387 lb
Track (front / rear)65 / 64.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)59/41

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the MKX of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.0–6.9 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.00 sec — 2016 Reserve 2.7 EcoBoost
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2016Reserve 2.7 EcoBoost 2.7L Twin-Turbo V66.00 sec14.50 sec335 hpAWD
2016Reserve 2.7 EcoBoost 2.7L Twin-Turbo V66.20 sec14.70 sec335 hpAWD
2016Reserve 2.7 EcoBoost 2.7L Twin-Turbo V66.40 sec14.70 sec335 hpAWD
2016Reserve 2.7 EcoBoost 2.7L Twin-Turbo V66.50 sec14.70 sec335 hpFWD
2016Reserve 2.7 EcoBoost 2.7L Twin-Turbo V66.90 sec15.40 sec335 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 5W-30 / 5W-20 engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 162 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-4-2-5-3-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity9.0-11.0
Brake FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear Oil80W-90 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.4 qt
Engine Coolant Capacity10.8
Engine Coolant Capacity11.7-11.9
Engine Oil5W-30 · 5W-20
Engine Oil Capacity6.0 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs89.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)35.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)14.75 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts59.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts59.0 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts7.4 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts162 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub148.0
Rear Wheel Hub148.0
Front Wheel Hub148.0

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-4-2-5-3-6
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap.049-.053 in
Spark Plug Torque11 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMotorcraft
Spark Plug Gap.028-.031 in
Spark Plug Torque11 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.30-1.50 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity5.20 oz
Standard BCI Group Number94R
Standard BCI Group Number94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance800 cca

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum51.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum87.0 psi
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)51.0-87.0 Low Pressure Side
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum51.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum67.0 psi
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)51.0-67.0

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 41; Rear: 21
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 111; Rear: 66
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 1.201; Rear: .374
Maximum Rotor Runout.002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
171.0 inch lbs.71 in
245.0
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
160
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 4 stages
124.0 ft. lbs.24 ft. lbs
2Back off 360.0 degrees360 degrees
324.0 ft. lbs.24 ft. lbs
490.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
117.0 ft. lbs.17 ft. lbs
232.0 ft. lbs.32 ft. lbs
390.0
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1166.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 360 degrees, Step 3: 26.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 270166 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
189.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 360 degrees, Step 3: 37.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 9089 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep New cylinder head bolts must be installed.

114.7 ft. lbs.14.7 ft. lbs
2Loosen two full turns.
337.0 ft. lbs.37 ft. lbs
4180 degrees180 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep New cylinder head bolts must be installed.

114.7 ft. lbs.14.7 ft. lbs
226.0 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
390 degrees90 degrees
490 degrees90 degrees
545 degrees45 degrees
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 6 stages
1Bolt 144 ft. lbs
2Bolt 244 ft. lbs
3Bolt 327 ft. lbs
4Bolt 144 ft. lbs
5Bolt 244 ft. lbs
627
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Lower: 7.4 ft. lbs. · Upper: Step 1: 7.4 ft. lbs.

2Bolts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 745 degrees
3Turn 90
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Install New Manifold Studs: 8.8 ft. lbs.

118 ft. lbs.18 ft. lbs
218
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 4 stages
130.0 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
2Back off 360.0 degrees360 degrees
326.0 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
4180.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Cap bolts

120.0 ft. lbs.20 ft. lbs
2180.0 degrees; Side bolts180 degrees
133.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
290.0
Oil Pan to Block Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
118.0
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
189.0 inch lbs.89 in
245.0

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Driveshaft (inspect)
Every 20,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 100,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 100,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Lincoln MKX sits at the tail end of the second-generation run (2016–2018), and the federal record shows a clear downward trend in complaints from the generation’s problematic launch. After 145 complaints in 2016 and 52 in 2017, the 2018 model logged only 29 complaints—the lowest of any MKX year since 2015—with no investigations and zero fire reports. Recalls held steady at five, matching 2017, but TSBs dropped from 220 (2016) to 141 (2018), suggesting the model benefited from cumulative fixes. The top complaint areas for 2018 are “Unknown or Other” (5) and service brakes (4), with two crash complaints, but the data does not specify root causes for these issues. Overall, the 2018 represents a more mature, less problematic version of this generation compared to the earlier years, making it a reasonably solid used buy—provided you verify that all five recalls have been completed.

5
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
141
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
29
Owner complaints
2 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 29 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Unknown Or Other5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Engine2
Air Bags2
Electrical System,Back Over Prevention1
Electrical System1
Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes1
Exterior Lighting1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V469000Service BrakesReported 10/08/2020

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

18V612000Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:LatchReported 11/09/2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles. These vehicles may have door striker bolts that are shorter than intended. Vehicles with shorter door striker bolts fail to comply… Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door striker bolts, free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 141 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
25N172026-03-25Unknown Or OtherAdvance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year…
TSB 25-25702025-11-26Electrical SystemThis article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles…
25E022025-11-24Power TrainThe affected vehicles have an emissions control system that does not account for certain…
SSM 543662025-11-11Power TrainSome 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic…
25E022025-10-13Unknown Or OtherThe affected vehicles have an emissions control system that does not account for certain…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific MKX. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 MKX take?

6.0 qt of Turbo: 5W-30 Meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C946-A or equivalent., Non-Turbo: 5W-20 Meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C945-A or equivalent., per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 MKX have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.