Share yoursShare
Check a vehicle VIN check Latest recalls Latest complaints Common problems Rankings Compare vehicles Recall roundups All makes Guides Share your experience
Theme

2006-2020 · 15 model years

Lincoln MKZ Problems by year

Owners have filed 1,712 complaints about the Lincoln MKZ across 15 model years, and it has 35 recalls. The 2007 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (259), while 2018, 2019, 2020 have far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the airbags, followed by the brakes.

Share your MKZ experienceCompare years35 recalls
Most complaints for its age2007259 complaints · 5 recallsSee the 2007
Complaints
1,712
Recalls
35
Crashes
102
Fires
14
Injuries
60
Deaths
2

MKZ complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20202100SteeringA
201921120Engine & coolingA
201836210Engine & coolingA
2017142464Engine & coolingC
201665780BrakesB
2015841140BrakesB
2014981470SteeringC
20131091342Body, doors & structureC
20121466102AirbagsC
20111857123AirbagsD
20101709140AirbagsD
2009114780AirbagsC
20082815120AirbagsD
20072595143AirbagsD
20060400-A

Most common MKZ problems

Lincoln MKZ recalls 35

Latch

23V77500045,173 vehicles affected

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon...

Covers2016 Lincoln MKZ+2 more

Latest MKZ complaints

2017 Lincoln MKZElectrical systemEngine & cooling

FORMAL SAFETY COMPLAINT - REQUEST FOR FREE REPLACEMENT OF GEAR SELECTOR** **Vehicle:** 2017 Lincoln MKZ - Gasoline Model To Lincoln Customer Relations: I am formally requesting that Lincoln Motor Company address a safety concern with my 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The lettering on the push-button gear selector has worn away, making it difficult to identify the gear-selection buttons. This creates a potential safety hazard because the driver may accidentally select the wrong gear. The gear selector is an essential...

Read the full complaint

operating component, and its markings should remain visible and legible throughout the normal life of the vehicle. I do not consider this ordinary cosmetic wear. I consider it a potential safety defect that could lead to an unintended gear selection, property damage, or an accident. I am requesting: 1. A free replacement of the defective push-button gear-selector assembly. 2. A review of whether this issue has affected other 2017 Lincoln MKZ owners. 3. Written confirmation of whether Lincoln has issued any technical service bulletins, customer satisfaction programs, or other notices concerning this problem. 4. A written response explaining Lincoln's decision. I believe customers should not have to pay out of pocket to correct a component whose deterioration can interfere with safe vehicle operation. Please escalate this complaint to the appropriate customer satisfaction or vehicle safety department. Thank you for your attention to this matter. - Lincoln Customer Relationship Center: 1-800-521-4140

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11777213
2016 Lincoln MKZSteering

My steering went out and it's directly linked with the active recall but I am out of the recall zone. Recall 19S26

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11776660
2017 Lincoln MKZEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken the local Automotive service center, and the ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced. Shortly after retrieving the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had experience coolant intrusion, and the contact was informed that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 49,266.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11776021
2014 Lincoln MKZSteering

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH in reverse, the steering wheel seized due to a loss of electric power steering assist. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where diagnostic testing determined that the steering rack and pinion assembly failed and required replacement. The dealer was contacted by the independent mechanic and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an active recall. The vehicle was repaired by the independent...

Read the full complaint

mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under a steering recall approximately two years prior at 198,000 miles. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under an open recall. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000.

Filed Incident SteeringNHTSA 11775593
2018 Lincoln MKZEngine & cooling

Around end of May or beginning of June 2026 a check engine light came on in our 2018 MKZ. The code showed cylinder 3 misfire. We called our local Ford dealership for diagnosis. We almost didn't get there as it started to overheat on the way. Once at Ford they diagnosed it with coolant intrusion in cylinder 3. They said this was a known issue and needed a new block. $11,500 for replacement. They said driving it could cause catastrophic problems to the vehicle and possibly the passengers in it. The vehicle had 65,873...

Read the full complaint

miles on it at time and once home it has stayed in the garage since. They said warranty was over and to call Lincoln for assistance programs as it was a known safety defect. I did call and Lincoln denied any help with repairs.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11772952
2010 Lincoln MKZBrakes

The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Several unknown warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the tool to perform the recall remedy was unavailable. In addition, the contact stated that while...

Read the full complaint

attempting to decelerate, the brake pedal felt spongy and required excessive force to come to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, where diagnosis confirmed a Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) failure; however, repairs were denied due to a Valve Actuation Service test requirement. The contact stated that the failure posed potential safety issues during winter driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11771700

Questions about the Lincoln MKZ

Which Lincoln MKZ years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2008 (281), 2007 (259), 2011 (185). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2007 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Lincoln MKZ years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2020, 2006, 2019 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other MKZ years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Lincoln MKZ problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the airbags (692), brakes (287), engine & cooling (184) most often.

How many recalls does the Lincoln MKZ have?

NHTSA lists 35 recalls across all Lincoln MKZ model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

Owners helping owners

Know before you drive.

Every experience you share - good or bad - shows on that vehicle's page and helps the next owner and buyer. Two minutes, anonymous.

Share your experience