Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2013 Lincoln MKX
Our scoring places the 2013 Lincoln MKX at 6.7/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.5/10, while Reliability at 6.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.2/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.5/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.5/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.4/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $26,800–$31,939, 10 MPG, seating 5, the Lincoln MKX sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.4/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2013 Lincoln MKX is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in performance and value and reliability hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2013 Lincoln MKX ranks #2273 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 7% of the segment. Its 6.7/10 overall score is 0.7 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $26,800 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 26%.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which MKX Year Should You Buy?
Across the MKX model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 10 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2013 Lincoln MKX (1 on record)
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
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 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured August 25, 2011, to November 30, 2013;…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2013 Lincoln MKX that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2013 Lincoln MKX
Is the 2013 Lincoln MKX reliable?
We rate the 2013 Lincoln MKX's reliability 6.2/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2013 Lincoln MKX have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2013 Lincoln MKX worth buying?
It scores 6.7/10 overall, ranking #2273 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 7% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2013 Lincoln MKX cost?
The 2013 Lincoln MKX starts at $26,800 and ranges up to $31,939 across trims (MSRP when new). At 10 MPG, expect roughly $5,250/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which MKX years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 3 MKX model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (6.9/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2013 Lincoln MKX have?
The documented issues for the 2013 Lincoln MKX are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Power train (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Lincoln MKX
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Similar SUV to Consider
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
