VEHICLE BUYER'S GUIDE
Lincoln MKZ2007–2020
Year-by-year buyer intelligence from NHTSA safety data — reliability, value, and which years to target or avoid.
Best Years to Buy a Lincoln MKZ
Buyer Score combines reliability (65%) and depreciation value (35%) — higher is better.
Lincoln MKZ Years to Avoid
1 recall · 173 complaints
Top issue: AIR BAGS
1 recall · 155 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
3 recalls · 130 complaints
10 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Federal Defect Investigations
NHTSA investigations are the stage that precedes a recall. 7 past investigations into the MKZ became recalls.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Data current as of October 28, 2026.
Lincoln MKZ — 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 2 | — | — | 57 | 79 | 65 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 1 | 15 | — | — | 57 | 75 | 63 | Good |
| 2018 | 0 | 15 | 1 | — | 57 | 69 | 61 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 0 | 97 | 3 | — | 33 | 62 | 43 | Caution |
| 2016 | 4 | 45 | 1 | — | 47 | 55 | 50 | Good |
| 2015 | 5 | 65 | — | — | 40 | 48 | 43 | Caution |
| 2014 | 6 | 68 | 1 | — | 38 | 42 | 39 | Caution |
| 2013 | 7 | 78 | 1 | — | 33 | 37 | 34 | Caution |
| 2012 | 3 | 130 | 10 | — | 32 | 33 | 32 | Avoid |
| 2011 | 3 | 130 | 4 | — | 32 | 30 | 31 | Avoid |
| 2010 | 5 | 113 | 4 | — | 32 | 30 | 31 | Avoid |
| 2009 | 2 | 64 | 5 | — | 40 | 30 | 37 | Caution |
| 2008 | 1 | 173 | — | — | 32 | 30 | 31 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 1 | 155 | 2 | 2 | 32 | 30 | 31 | Avoid |
Buyer Score = Reliability (65%) + Value window (35%). Deaths and injuries sourced from NHTSA complaint filings. Year links open full NHTSA problem reports.
Known Lincoln MKZ 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 MKZ 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: 2020 (Buyer Score 65).
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: 2016 (Buyer Score 50).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best year MKZ to buy?+
The 2020 Lincoln MKZ scores highest on our Buyer Score (65/100) — combining a reliability score of 57/100 with a value score of 79/100. It has 1 recall and 2 NHTSA complaints on record.
Which MKZ years have the most problems?+
The 2008, 2007, 2012 model years have the highest problem scores in our analysis. The 2008 MKZ leads with 1 recalls and 173 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 MKZ problems?+
The most frequently reported Lincoln MKZ issues involve: AIR BAGS, SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, 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.