Recall 16V343 affects 5 2016 Lincoln Mkx vehicles because blocked second-row tether anchors prevent proper child-seat installation. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln is recalling 5 2016 Mkx vehicles because an incorrect seat back trim cover blocks the second row center child seat tether anchors. An improperly anchored child seat can increase injury risk in a crash, and Lincoln dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The child seat tether anchor in the 2016 Lincoln Mkx is the fixed point behind the seat that connects to the top strap on a forward-facing child seat. That top strap helps hold the child seat upright and limits forward movement during a crash. In the second row center seating position, the anchor has to be reachable so a caregiver can attach the tether correctly.
On affected Mkx vehicles, the wrong seat back trim cover was installed on the second row seat. The cover sits over the center tether anchor and hides it from view, so the anchor is present but blocked by interior trim. That leaves the seating position out of compliance with the child restraint anchorage requirement and makes correct child-seat installation harder.
There is no warning sign before failure. The practical sign is at installation: if the center tether anchor is hidden behind the seat trim, the top tether cannot be attached as intended.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Lincoln Mkx | Connector/clip |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 5 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2016 Lincoln Mkx is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If a child seat is not anchored correctly, it can increase injury risk in a crash. Until the repair is complete, check the second-row tether connection before carrying a child passenger and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Lincoln Mkx is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the free second-row seat-back trim and tether-cover bezel replacement that clears access to the child-seat tether anchors.
- Bring the recall notice if Lincoln mailed one, or reference recall number 16V343 when you call.
- Avoid using the second-row center seat for a child seat until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician replaces the seat back trim cover and tether cover bezel for the second row so the center child seat tether anchors are no longer blocked. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Prior out of pocket repair costs are handled through the original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because warranty coverage provides a free repair for this concern. Ask the service desk how the warranty applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| May 24, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 24, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| May 24, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 13, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 16, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V343?
Recall 16V343 covers 5 2016 Lincoln Mkx vehicles with the wrong second-row seat back trim cover. The trim blocks the child seat tether anchors in the center seating position, which can keep a child seat from being anchored correctly in a crash.
What should I do if my 2016 Lincoln Mkx is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V343. If it is, contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule replacement of the second-row seat back trim cover and tether cover bezel. Reference recall number 16V343 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and Lincoln dealers replace the affected seat back trim cover and tether cover bezel free of charge. The recall repair has been available since June 16, 2016.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an improperly anchored child seat in the second-row center seating position. If the tether anchor is blocked and the child seat is not secured correctly, the risk of injury increases in a crash.
What if I bought my Lincoln Mkx used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Mkx is included, then contact a franchised Lincoln dealer and reference recall number 16V343.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V343000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V343 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V343000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →