Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2009 Lincoln MKX Reliability ReportC+ grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown

78/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C+

An affordable luxury crossover offering comfort and style, but with a few high-stakes mechanical vulnerabilities that demand careful consideration.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2009 Lincoln MKX

  • The system most likely to surface first: engine water pump (critical severity).
  • Has 7 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module.
  • Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2010 Lincoln MKX earns a 82.

Is the 2009 Lincoln MKX Worth Buying?

The 2009 Lincoln MKX offers an attractive blend of comfort and accessible luxury, making it a compelling used SUV. However, its affordability comes with a caveat: prospective owners must be acutely aware of a few significant, costly potential mechanical failures, particularly with the engine's internal water pump and the AWD system's Power Transfer Unit. This vehicle represents good value but demands diligent pre-purchase inspection and a proactive approach to maintenance to avoid expensive surprises.

Biggest Strengths

  • Comfortable and quiet ride quality
  • Robust 3.5L V6 Duratec engine (when water pump is sound)
  • Premium interior feel for its price point

What Tends to Fail First on the 2009 Lincoln MKX

The systems that break first on the 2009 Lincoln MKX. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

1
Engine Water Pumpcritical
2
AWD Power Transfer Unit (PTU)major
3
Transmission (6F50/6F55)moderate
Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

2009 Lincoln MKX Recall History

7 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles. The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2005-2014 Mustang, 2004-2011 Ranger, 2009-2011 Mercury Milan, 2006 Ford GT, 2008-2012 Fusion, 2007-2010 Edge and Lincoln MKX, and 2009-2010 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a driver or passenger frontal air bag inflator used as a replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

What breaks on the 2009 Lincoln MKX?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Other Lincoln MKX Years to Consider

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Lincoln MKX. Click any year for its full report.

2009 Lincoln MKX Alternatives

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

Relevant Products for Your 2009 Lincoln MKX

Parts and accessories matched to your 2009 Lincoln MKX

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Frequently Asked Questions

Full Report

2009 Lincoln MKX

7-system breakdown, mileage danger zones, repair cost projections, buyer checklist, and expert verdict.

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Complete Owner's Guide

Already own one? Get the 13-chapter owner's guide with specs, service schedules, and fluid capacities.

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