Second first impressions

[Adam]

After over 13 weeks of waiting, I took delivery of my second 2016 Lincoln MKX (configuration in my sig) this morning.  Second first impressions?  NOT GOOD.

 

Upon opening the driver's door, this is what I saw:

 

 

Yes, a screw in my seat.  A seat with air bladders in it!!  (I staged this photo)

 

Since it was raining, I was unable to do my standard 3000 point inspection but after a quick visual, all I could really tell was that the left bolster on the driver's seat was a bit dirty and there were small dirty smudges on the headliner, sunshade and A-piller.  I have since cleaned the seat and substantially removed the smudges with a little bit of clear tape (used to pull the dirt out).

 

Nonetheless, I took delivery.  What could possibly go wrong?  On my way home, I looked over and noticed this:

 

 

and this:

 

 

The driver's side was off a bit too.  I managed to press both of these back into near alignment with the dash.

 

Closer to home, I turned on the auto hold feature and noticed this:

 

 

The plastic bezel inside the cluster isn't aligned properly with the LCD and it cuts off the bottom of HOLD.  Then I looked closer and noticed there are deep scratches and marks in the lens as well.

 

Upon arriving at home, I was able to inspect the exterior (now quite dirty) and saw this:

 

 

Something's not in alignment.  Here is the right side of the vehicle:

 

 

Who knows what else I'm going to find in the coming days and weeks.

 

In addition to all of this, there are about four distinct squeaks and rattles - two in the front and two in the back.  It's much worse than my last one, which had its share, and now stands at the worst I've ever experienced.  All in a vehicle that had 6.5 km on it when I drove it off the lot.

 

There is also a problem with the lane keep assist.  It worked for about 50 km before it crapped out.  Most of the time it can't see the lines, and when the little lines turn green they nearly immediately go back to grey.  They flicker on and off.

 

It's hard to comment on wind noise because it was a very windy day, but there certainly was plenty of it.  I'll need more time to get a better feeling.  

 

Differences?  The turn signal indicator (in the dash) is filled in now (was just an outline on my old one) and the option to turn mirror auto fold off is present (as expected).  Even though both have the cargo package, the handle used to lift the cargo floor is just plastic - no metallic handle to lift up on.  Sync 3 is OK - although I never had any complaints with MFT/MLT.

 

Don't I have anything good to say?  Why, yes, I do.  The multi-contour seats are quite comfortable and I am loving the adaptive steering.  What a great idea!  It really makes a difference.  And the light interior with the open-pore wood is pleasantly warm.  No engine rattles on startup and no vibrations at any speed.

 

So what next?  I'm going to have a few adult beverages and put this day behind me.  Built late in the day on a Friday - STAY AWAY is my best advice.  FML.

 

[Cosmos36]

Damn, Adam. As one of the members who I first communicated with on this forum and an inspiration (via photos you posted per my request) re: the Luxe color, I'm disappointed for you. I've always shared your passion for correct alignments & fit and finish and I hoped that your 2nd MKX would be entirely free of issues.

 

I too have the half auto hold display (as have other members), but I believed it to be a software alignment issue, not one associated with bezel fitment. Now, I'll take another look.

 

We both had early 1st builds. I was pleased with my MKX with only two miniscule alignment issues including the auto hold display. Keep us informed as your exams progress. As the owner of a Hyundai Veloster (my 'toy' reminding me of my much younger go-kart racing days), I can offer testimony to the perfect assembly ethic of Hyundai, especially in a $23,000 MSRP vehicle. Maybe Hyundai deserves a second look in the future if Lincoln can't properly assemble a vehicle at twice or three times the price. 

[Adam]

Yeah, it seems getting a good domestic vehicle is basically the luck of the draw. At least, it has been in my experience.

 

Interesting to hear your Auto Hold is cut off as well. I must have missed that thread.

 

I think I may have figured out one of my front rattles... The drivers side seatbelt (top adjustment) wasn't locked into place. Fingers crossed!

 

The rear rattles _may_ have started after I removed the retractable cargo cover. Not an excuse, but a possible reason. All plastic and seals in the cargo area seem to be well-attached.

 

At this point it does sadden me that this new one isn't at least as good as my previous one... I had been thinking that it would be at least as good (all flaws considered) but to think it's worse has me absolutely gutted. What luck!

 

Oh, and just to edit.... Paint around my sensors is FLAWLESS lol

Edited November 3, 2016 by Adam

[Adam]

More observations: the hood doesn't fit the bumper very well.  Or vice versa.

 

 

The black plastic trim on the driver's side doors doesn't fit the trim.  Other side is perfect.

 

[mosh00]

Gosh Adam, glad you got your vehicle, but sorry about all the flaws!!!  I'll have to check mine over a bit closer.  I guess while I am picky, some of these things don't bother me as much as it does other people.  

 

Your comment about fit and finish on your very early MKX reminded me of a conversation I recently had with my salesman.  He said all the new Continentals are being hand inspected before being released because they don't want their flagship car going out with fit and finish flaws.  I wonder if that's what they did with the early MKX's too.  Thus more of the problems were caught and fixed before the early MKX's left the factory.  Plus you are probably right on with the whole Friday build thing.....

 

I do have a rattle that has started in the rear.  It started after they replace the B pillar trim.  Haven't had time to figure out where it's coming from.  Hope to work on that this weekend.  Rattles drive me absolutely crazy!! LOL

 

Good luck on working through everything!!  Interesting to hear that you are liking the adaptive steering after having driven both versions.

 

I'll still say the I'm very happy with my MKX and don't regret the purchase.  But I will let you know after I check all the things you pointed out.....

[Adam]

Hey Mosh.  Squeaks and rattles that pop up after the fact are annoying, I agree.  What gets me is the things that could be seen from the driver's seat (vent attachment gaps, instrument cluster scratches and gouges, speaker trim misalignment) and of course a screw in the seat!  With issues like that it should never have left the factory.  Same goes for the rear door alignment (and hood).  If there was an inspection of the exterior it would have been noticed.  Seems like they just threw mine together to get it out the door before the end of the shift.

 

Haven't called the dealer yet (I'm waiting until I take it on a longer drive this weekend) but I did just get a voice message from someone at the Lincoln Concierge for me to call them with any questions or concerns.  I WILL be making that call.

 

Where in the B-pillar trim was your 'bubble'?

[walkabout]

My mkx had some minor issues but no worse than what I saw with my bmw and Acura.

 

The mkz I had as a loaner, on the other hand, had panels misaligned and lose trim pieces. The mkc I have as a loaner note I'd rather unimpressive too, with nasty panel gaps.

 

Lincoln has a lot of distance to make up with regard to workmanship.

[Adam]

Could it be that it's because a $70,000 MKX (or MKT) rolls down the assembly line with a $30,000 Edge?  I know it shouldn't matter...

 

Would Lincoln quality benefit from a dedicated assembly facility (or line at least)?

[mosh00]

Where in the B-pillar trim was your 'bubble'?

 

Down at the very bottom by the floor.  Just above where the driver and passenger seat belt anchors go into the floor.  Mine had a bulge on both sides.  Was actually pushing out enough on the passenger side that it was discoloring the plastic.  

 

What's crazy about the whole thing is look at how much that repair cost Ford.  Had the assembly workers spent just a second making sure the insulation behind the trim was installed properly, they could have avoided the whole repair!

 

I agree with your thought on the assembly line.  Maybe Lincoln needs it's own.  But I suppose that would drive up the costs of the vehicles!

Edited November 4, 2016 by mosh00

[Timmer]

Dang, Adam! - I too have been excited for you to get your new MKX.  What a bummer to have all of these problems right from the get-go.  Whether an inexpensive entry level or in your case a $60K MKX, it is a brand new vehicle and you have every right to be upset.

 

Clearly, ownership of these issues rest primarily with Oakville plant assembly workers and QC personnel there. (I've wondered if Oakville plant management / QC personnel ever read the posts here!) But I also think some blame needs to be shared with your dealership and their poor dealer prep before turning the car over to you.

 

I've had a few problems and concerns with my July '16 build MKX, (minor scratch in the bezel near the center controls; occasionally wonky, malfunctioning Sync 3 stuff) but nowhere close to what you've described.

 

Really sorry, Adam... It will be interesting to follow how this plays out for you.  Keep us posted.

 

Timmer

[fredluke]

Wow Wow Wow.... so sorry for the grief you are going thru. It's like waiting for xmas to open that shinny new remote control car only to find it's scratched, remote antenna bent etc.

 

How the heck did all the inspection stations on the line miss this stuff they are everywhere...??? It's obvious the door fitter has the door too far to the rear.

 

Moreover, how did the dealer miss this stuff during PDI???

How did the salesman miss it?

 

I am going to call my friend who is a supervisor in the plant to find out how a vehicle can slide thru all the QC sensors and human inspectors. When I worked there in the 70s even then you would never get a vehicle with flaws as OBVIOUS as those and you all know the general quality of vehicles during that era.

 

 Honestly, I don't get it!!

 

Question: how many miles/KM were on the vehicle at time of delivery? 

[Adam]

Fred, if they want to take another crack at it, I would be happy to return it to Oakville! Seriously. Someone at the plant should have their wrist slapped. I'm the type of customer they want to keep, not chase away!!

 

It had 6.5 km on it at delivery.

[Cosmos36]

Adam...after repeated cursory inspections of the errant AUTO HOLD display, I performed a detailed inspection of the instrument panel bezel and information display area. I found no misalignment of any components that would account for only the top half of the word HOLD showing. When the display is lit indicating the AUTO HOLD is activated, it is in horizontal alignment with the compass display and odometer display albeit the bottom half of the word HOLD is missing.

 

I believe there is a software glitch causing the AUTO HOLD display to appear improperly.

[rst08tierney]

Fit and finish is pathetic on the x

 

If they adjusted the inflated price tag by 20k most of this issues would be liveable.

 

This is my favorite random screw picture but yours takes the cake.

 

Lincoln should be ashamed

[mfam16]

Did you go back to dealer so they can see all issues?

 

I agree how was your vehicle able to go through all the checkpoints with out anyone noticing at least some of the issues.

 

Keep up updated on how things turn out

[Adam]

Mfam, I have not contacted the dealership yet as I want to do a further shakedown this weekend and put some more miles on it.  Due to its location, a trip to my dealer is a whole-day affair unfortunately so I want to have a detailed list of deficiencies.  I am also working to track down the squeaks/groans in the rear cargo area.  While they are extremely pleasant to deal with, if the dealership personnel lack the attention to detail they seem to, do I really want them tearing into my interior?

 

I can live with the hood and rear door misalignment for a while - a good body shop could fix those issues in no time.  I can live with the centre speaker fit, I have fixed the vents myself and if it is as common as it seems, I can live with the Auto Hold glitch.  The scratches and gouges in the cluster lens do annoy me so that might have to be replaced.

 

The issue with the LKA is troubling but hopefully a re-program of the module will fix it.  I need to test out the auto high beam to see if that works as expected, otherwise it could be a faulty camera.

 

Cosmos, random question: are your turn signal indicators solid or an outline in your instrument panel?

 

 

Shifting gears....other differences I've noticed are:

 

- the lock/unlock beep heard outside the vehicle is now very loud

- the little red LEDs that indicate whether a door is locked are now quite bright

- in the centre console cup holder there are spring-loaded fingers (like in my '13) instead of the rubber 'bubbles'

- the engine note is different (hard to explain but it is distinctly different)

- I believe there is more wind noise at speed (will know better after today)

[mfam16]

The build date of our white MKX is 5-28-16 our black MKX is 3-4-16 (both are from Oakville). There Auto Hold is slightly cut off on both, turn signals are solid, locking beep is faint, & locked led indicator is dim on both. On the black MKX interior mold on B pillar (driver side) wasn't fully connected with slight bulge near top side, but corrected that myself. Other than the B pillar both vehicles have great fit and finish.

I attached photos of both vehicles instrument panel.

Edited November 5, 2016 by mfam16

[thisguy159]

The auto hold is NOT cut off they ran out of screen room. It would require smaller font.

[walkabout]

One comment on lincoln- I expect a few flaws out of the gate but each time I've taken it to the dealer, the amount of time they kept it is insane. The original dealer,Galpin out here in Los Angeles kept it eight days before concluding that all features were working as expected. I called lincoln and complained. They then sent me to a new dealer who found a fault code that was laying to some usual electric malfunctions. 4 days later,I still don't have the car. Of course, they gave me a striped MKC as a loaner but now I'm positing the lease price for a loaded mkx.

[rst08tierney]

Honest question.

 

Does Ford / Lincoln require a minimum of a high school equivalent diploma for a manufacturing job?

 

Half of these issues imo are caused by flat out laziness. Doing the bare minimum while on the clock and getting away with it!

 

If I was a betting man. I would gamble any plant in Mexico could produce a better x at this point.

Edited November 5, 2016 by rst08tierney

[Cosmos36]

Being an owner of both CDN & MEX assembled vehicles (past & current), I wouldn't bet against you.

 

Edit to the above statement, CDN & MEX refer to country of assembly origin

Edited November 5, 2016 by Cosmos36

[Adam]

Update:

 

- what I thought were scratches on the instrument cluster lens turned out to be (what I assume was) dried adhesive.  Using alcohol wipes I was able to substantially remove most of the 'marks'.  So that's good.

 

-  the Lane Keep Assist continues to be flaky.  Last night, I was able to test the Auto High Beams (and also auto wipers for the first time) and both work perfectly.  Perhaps a re-program of the LKA module (or whatever) will fix it.

 

- Front dash rattle (buzz) has been isolated to the driver's side left HVAC vent.

 

- Left rear groan has been isolated to the cargo compartment lower panel, near the seat fold buttons.  Right rear rattle might be the corresponding right rear panel.  Further investigation will be required.  It may be a liftgate fit issue as well.

 

In other general observations, relative to my previous X:

 

- Wind noise is the same or lower

 

- Seat heaters/coolers work even better

 

- The engine isn't quite as noisy when cold

 

If I can get the LKA fixed, and the three interior noises resolved, I will be once again a happy camper!

[VisionPilot]

Reference to rear area rattles, I too experienced an occasional rattle, especially over sharp bumps or road joints.  Turned out to be a badly mangled bolt securing the heat shield below the spare tire compartment (above the muffler).  This was allowing the metal shield to rattle.  Since the bolt threads were mangled, I had to insert some material between the shield and bottom of the spare compartment to isolate it.   Rattle gone.

[rst08tierney]

Reference to rear area rattles, I too experienced an occasional rattle, especially over sharp bumps or road joints. Turned out to be a badly mangled bolt securing the heat shield below the spare tire compartment (above the muffler). This was allowing the metal shield to rattle. Since the bolt threads were mangled, I had to insert some material between the shield and bottom of the spare compartment to isolate it. Rattle gone.

Heat shield being loose etc should be a factory recall. Every x I've ever driven (4 of them) all have had that issue.

 

According to my dealers service department it's the #1 problem people bring their X in for. Second being the throttle body, third sync issues.

[Jkeller]

Hello Adam, I was just wondering how you're getting along with your MKX? It's been a couple years since this post and I was wondering if you still like the car or any issues you're having, I just bought a used 2016 fully loaded with 24,000 miles on it