VEHICLE BUYER'S GUIDE
Lincoln MKT2010–2019
Year-by-year buyer intelligence from NHTSA safety data — reliability, value, and which years to target or avoid.
Best Years to Buy a Lincoln MKT
Buyer Score combines reliability (65%) and depreciation value (35%) — higher is better.
Lincoln MKT Years to Avoid
4 recalls · 51 complaints
Top issue: STEERING
2 recalls · 42 complaints
1 reported injury
Top issue: STRUCTURE:BODY
0 recalls · 35 complaints
Top issue: STEERING
Lincoln MKT — Year-by-Year Comparison
Every model year ranked by Buyer Score. Click any year for its detailed problem report.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability | Value | Buyer Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 5 | — | — | 85 | 83 | 84 | Good |
| 2018 | 1 | 3 | — | — | 92 | 77 | 87 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 95 | 70 | 86 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 1 | 2 | 1 | — | 93 | 63 | 83 | Good |
| 2015 | 3 | 12 | 3 | — | 72 | 56 | 66 | Caution |
| 2014 | 2 | 42 | 1 | — | 60 | 50 | 57 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 4 | 51 | — | — | 50 | 45 | 48 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 1 | 16 | — | — | 79 | 41 | 66 | Good |
| 2011 | 1 | 8 | — | — | 87 | 38 | 70 | Good |
| 2010 | 0 | 35 | — | — | 70 | 38 | 59 | Caution |
Buyer Score = Reliability (65%) + Value window (35%). Deaths and injuries sourced from NHTSA complaint filings. Year links open full NHTSA problem reports.
Known Lincoln MKT Problems
Most frequently reported components across all model years, from NHTSA owner complaints.
Complaint counts across all model years. Numbers indicate frequency, not severity.
Shopping by Era
How each generation of the MKT compares — best year within each era shown.
2018–Present
Modern safety tech, refreshed platforms, updated powertrains. Higher purchase price but lower reliability risk. Best pick in this era: 2018 (Buyer Score 87).
2013–2017
Mid-decade models in the depreciation sweet spot — typically 35–55% below original MSRP. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and recall completion. Best: 2017 (Buyer Score 86).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best year MKT to buy?+
The 2018 Lincoln MKT scores highest on our Buyer Score (87/100) — combining a reliability score of 92/100 with a value score of 77/100. It has 1 recall and 3 NHTSA complaints on record.
Which MKT years have the most problems?+
The 2013, 2014, 2010 model years have the highest problem scores in our analysis. The 2013 MKT leads with 4 recalls and 51 owner complaints.
What is the Buyer Score?+
The Buyer Score is a composite metric that combines reliability (65% weight) and depreciation value (35% weight). Reliability reflects recall and complaint severity. Value reflects how much of the vehicle's depreciation has already been absorbed by prior owners — a 4–6 year old vehicle typically sits in the sweet spot.
What are the most common MKT problems?+
The most frequently reported Lincoln MKT issues involve: STEERING, STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. These are aggregated across all model years from NHTSA owner complaint filings. Frequency of complaints does not necessarily indicate severity.
Deep-Dive Research
A buyer's guide shows model-level risk. A VIN report shows the individual vehicle — accidents, odometer history, open recalls, and auction records.