Lincoln MKT Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Lincoln MKT model year (2010–2019) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Lincoln MKT Years to Avoid
4 recalls · 51 complaints
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 63
2 recalls · 42 complaints
1 reported injury
Top issue: STRUCTURE:BODY
Problem score: 50
0 recalls · 35 complaints
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 35
Best Lincoln MKT Years to Buy
1 recall · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 3
1 recall · 3 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 6
1 recall · 2 complaints
Main area: STRUCTURE:BODY
Problem score: 7
Found the right year? Verify that specific MKT with a free VIN report.
Lincoln MKT — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2 | 5 | — | — | 11 | Good |
| 2018 | 1 | 3 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 1 | 2 | 1 | — | 7 | Good |
| 2015 | 3 | 12 | 3 | — | 27 | Caution |
| 2014 | 2 | 42 | 1 | — | 50 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 4 | 51 | — | — | 63 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 1 | 16 | — | — | 19 | Good |
| 2011 | 1 | 8 | — | — | 11 | Good |
| 2010 | 0 | 35 | — | — | 35 | Caution |
All 10 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Lincoln MKT Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2018Recent MKT models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2018 stands out with just 6 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade MKT units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder MKT models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year MKT should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2013 Lincoln MKT if possible. It has 4 recalls, 51 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 63 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year MKT to buy?+
The 2017 Lincoln MKT is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 3. It has only 1 recall and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which MKT has the fewest problems?+
The 2017, 2018, 2016 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Lincoln MKT Research
Check a Specific Lincoln MKT VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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