Lincoln MKZ problems by model year

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 628 owner complaints and 32 recalls on file for the Lincoln MKZ (2006–2020). The 2017 MKZ has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints: 628
Recalls: 32
Model years: 15
Worst year: 2017

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per Lincoln MKZ model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Lincoln MKZ years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

2017 Lincoln MKZ — 128 complaints, 5 crashes, 4 fires; top problem: Engine
2012 Lincoln MKZ — 44 complaints, 4 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Brakes
2008 Lincoln MKZ — 51 complaints, 6 crashes; top problem: Brakes
2016 Lincoln MKZ — 50 complaints, 4 crashes; top problem: Brakes
2014 Lincoln MKZ — 53 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Steering

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2006 (0 complaints).

Every Lincoln MKZ model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Recalls	Top problem
2020 MKZ	2	0	0	0	1	Steering
2019 MKZ	20	2	0	1	1	Engine
2018 MKZ	31	1	0	0	2	Engine
2017 MKZ	128	5	4	4	4	Engine
2016 MKZ	50	4	0	1	6	Brakes
2015 MKZ	57	1	0	0	10	Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2014 MKZ	53	2	0	2	13	Steering
2013 MKZ	53	0	1	1	12	Steering
2012 MKZ	44	4	1	4	5	Brakes
2011 MKZ	35	1	1	2	5	Brakes
2010 MKZ	37	2	0	1	7	Brakes
2009 MKZ	28	3	0	1	6	Brakes
2008 MKZ	51	6	0	2	4	Brakes
2007 MKZ	39	6	1	1	4	Brakes
2006 MKZ	0	0	0	0	4	—

Most common Lincoln MKZ problem areas (all years)

Brakes
205 complaints
Engine
141 complaints
Steering
64 complaints
Airbags
56 complaints
Electrical System
55 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
51 complaints
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
43 complaints
Body & Structure
33 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
23 complaints
Wheels & Tires
21 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the Lincoln MKZ received by NHTSA each month.

Lincoln MKZ recalls

Recall 25V695000Oct 13, 20251,448,655 vehiclesModel years 2015
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 25V442000Jun 27, 2025200,237 vehiclesModel years 2019–2020
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Recall 23V775000Nov 17, 202345,173 vehiclesModel years 2016
Risk: Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Recall 23V162000Mar 10, 20231,280,726 vehiclesModel years 2013–2018
Risk: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 22V011000Jan 13, 2022199,085 vehiclesModel years 2014–2015
Risk: A separated brake pedal bumper can cause the brake lights to illuminate continuously, causing confusion to other drivers and increasing the risk of a crash. On automatic transmission vehicles, a missing brake pedal bumper can allow the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, allowing the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.
Recall 21V158000Mar 10, 20212,602,668 vehiclesModel years 2006–2012
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 21V081000Feb 16, 20211,067 vehiclesModel years 2009–2010
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal air bag, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 20V331000Jun 8, 20202,147,323 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Recall 20V177000Mar 23, 2020288,110 vehiclesModel years 2014–2016
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Recall 19V904000Dec 18, 2019600,166 vehiclesModel years 2006–2010
Risk: If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 19V632000Aug 29, 2019116,160 vehiclesModel years 2013–2016
Risk: If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 19V590000Aug 12, 2019103,374 vehiclesModel years 2015
Risk: A failed seat belt anchor cable cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, increasing their risk of injury.
Recall 19V001000Jan 7, 2019782,384 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2010–2012
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 18V775000Nov 1, 2018215 vehiclesModel years 2010–2012
Risk: If the air bag does not inflate as intended, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Recall 18V390000Jun 11, 201825 vehiclesModel years 2017
Risk: If the torque converter weld studs fail, the torque converter will not be connected to the engine flexplate and the vehicle will lose the ability to move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 18V167000Mar 12, 20181,301,986 vehiclesModel years 2014–2018
Risk: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 18V046000Jan 11, 2018327,796 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2009–2010
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 17V427000Jul 6, 20176,026 vehiclesModel years 2017
Risk: If the torque converter weld studs fail, the torque converter will not be connected to the engine flexplate and the vehicle will lose the ability to move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 17V210000Mar 27, 2017191,432 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Recall 17V024000Jan 10, 2017654,695 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2006–2012
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 16V875000Dec 5, 2016603,392 vehiclesModel years 2013–2015
Risk: If the driver or front passenger seatbelt cables cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, they would be at an increased risk of injury.
Recall 16V384000May 31, 20161,892,343 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2006–2011
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall 15V618000Oct 1, 2015658 vehiclesModel years 2016
Risk: A fuel tank that cracks may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Recall 15V340000Jun 2, 2015393,623 vehiclesModel years 2011–2012
Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Recall 15V250000Apr 28, 2015487,301 vehiclesModel years 2013–2015
Risk: If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist. Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

Other Lincoln models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology