Lincoln MKZ Problems — All Years, Common Issues & Reliability
Year-by-year breakdown of safety recalls, NHTSA owner complaints, reported deaths, injuries, crashes, and worst problem areas. Updated daily from federal databases.
Own a Lincoln MKZ? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Lincoln MKZ — Year-by-Year Problem Comparison
| Year | Verdict | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths | Top Issue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020Best | Excellent | — | 2 | — | — | — | Steering | Full report → |
| 2019 | Excellent | — | 11 | 2 | — | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2018 | Excellent | 1 | 13 | — | 1 | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2017 | Caution | 3 | 86 | 3 | — | — | Engine | Full report → |
| 2016 | Good | 3 | 40 | 4 | 1 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2015 | Caution | 7 | 55 | 3 | — | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2014 | Caution | 7 | 65 | 3 | 1 | — | Steering | Full report → |
| 2013 | Caution | 8 | 77 | 2 | — | — | Electrical System | Full report → |
| 2012 | Avoid | 4 | 130 | 7 | 10 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2011 | Avoid | 5 | 130 | 14 | 4 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2010 | Avoid | 7 | 113 | 11 | 4 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2009 | Caution | 5 | 64 | 5 | 5 | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2008Worst | Avoid | 3 | 173 | 10 | — | — | Air Bags | Full report → |
| 2007 | Avoid | 3 | 151 | 13 | 2 | 2 | Air Bags | Full report → |
14 model years shown. Crashes, injuries, and deaths from NHTSA complaint filings. Click any year for full details.
Most Common Lincoln MKZ Problems
Based on 1,110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across all model years.
MKZ Years to Avoid
Best MKZ Years to Buy
Lincoln MKZ Problems by Year
Frequently Asked Questions — Lincoln MKZ Reliability
What year MKZ has the most problems?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2008 Lincoln MKZ had the highest combined complaint and recall count — 173 complaints and 3 safety recalls. See the full 2008 report for specific defects.
Is the Lincoln MKZ reliable?
The Lincoln MKZ has accumulated 1,110 owner-filed complaints and 56 safety recalls across all model years in NHTSA's database. There have been 2 reported deaths associated with complaints. The 2020 model year shows the fewest reported issues. Always run a VIN check before purchasing any used MKZ.
What are the most common MKZ problems?
The most frequently cited problem areas are: Air Bags (373 reports), Service Brakes (115 reports), Engine (81 reports), Steering (69 reports). Based on NHTSA complaints across all model years.
How do I check if my MKZ has an open recall?
Use the vehicle's 17-character VIN at VinCheckEngine.com. Our free VIN report pulls the latest NHTSA recall data along with auction history, odometer records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Check a Specific Lincoln MKZ VIN
Model-level data shows what can go wrong. A VIN-specific report shows what has gone wrong with a particular vehicle — including auction history, odometer discrepancies, open recalls, accident records, and 30+ intelligence signals.
Run a Free Lincoln MKZ VIN Report →No account required · Instant results · Updated daily