Is the Lincoln MKZ Reliable?

Q: Is the Lincoln MKZ reliable?

The Lincoln MKZ scores 78/100 on the VinCheckEngine reliability index, which rates as "Good" for the 2007–2020 model years. Run a free VIN report at vincheckengine.com for vehicle-specific analysis.

Q: What year MKZ is most reliable?

Among recently analyzed years, the 2020 Lincoln MKZ scored highest with a reliability score of 95/100. Fewer recalls and complaints were reported for that model year.

Q: How many miles does a MKZ last?

With regular maintenance, most Lincoln MKZ owners report 150,000–200,000+ miles of reliable service. High-mileage examples frequently appear at auction. Always verify with a VIN history report before purchasing a used MKZ.

2007–2020 reliability analysis based on NHTSA safety recalls and owner complaints.

78/100

Good

Reliability Score

Total Recalls

605

Owner Complaints

Reported Injuries

Reported Deaths

Own a Lincoln MKZ? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.

Lincoln MKZ Reliability by Year

Model Year	Recalls	Complaints	Injuries	Deaths	Reliability Score	Rating
2020	1	2	—	—	95	Excellent
2019	1	9	—	—	86	Excellent
2018	1	13	1	—	93	Excellent
2017	3	84	—	—	77	Good
2016	6	40	1	—	72	Good
2015	8	55	—	—	67	Good
2014	11	65	1	—	66	Good
2013	11	77	—	—	68	Good
2012	2	130	10	—	78	Good
2011	2	130	4	—	76	Good

Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.

How the MKZ Compares to Similar Vehicles

Lincoln MKZ78/100

Sedan Category Average72/100

The MKZ scores 6 points above the average sedan — a strong result.

Known Lincoln MKZ Reliability Issues

The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:

AIR BAGS

103

ENGINE

STEERING

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SERVICE BRAKES

Based on 605 owner complaints across recent model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lincoln MKZ reliable?+

The Lincoln MKZ scores 78/100 on our reliability index — rated "Good." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 46 recall campaigns and 605 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.

What year MKZ is most reliable?+

Among the years analyzed, the 2020 MKZ achieved the highest reliability score of 95/100 with 1 recall and 2 complaints.

How many miles does a MKZ last?+

With consistent maintenance, most Lincoln MKZ owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used MKZ will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.

More Lincoln MKZ Research

Common Problems

Detailed breakdown of every reported defect for the Lincoln MKZ.

Years to Avoid

Which MKZ years have the most problems — and which are the best buys.

Check a Specific Lincoln MKZ VIN

Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.

Run a Free VIN Report →