Lincoln MKT Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Lincoln MKT model year (2010–2019) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Lincoln MKT Years to Avoid
7 recalls · 69 complaints
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 90
4 recalls · 53 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: STRUCTURE
Problem score: 69
0 recalls · 65 complaints
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 65
Best Lincoln MKT Years to Buy
3 recalls · 2 complaints
Main area: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Problem score: 11
2 recalls · 6 complaints
Main area: STRUCTURE
Problem score: 12
4 recalls · 8 complaints
Main area: STRUCTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
Problem score: 20
Found the right year? Verify that specific MKT with a free VIN report.
Lincoln MKT — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4 | 8 | 20 | Good |
| 2018 | 2 | 6 | 12 | Good |
| 2017 | 3 | 2 | 11 | Good |
| 2016 | 3 | 8 | 21 | Good |
| 2015 | 6 | 22 | 42 | Caution |
| 2014 | 4 | 53 | 69 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 7 | 69 | 90 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 1 | 27 | 30 | Good |
| 2011 | 1 | 19 | 22 | Good |
| 2010 | 0 | 65 | 65 | Avoid |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Lincoln MKT Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2018Recent MKT models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2018 stands out with just 12 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. Confirm all historical recalls have been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year MKT should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2013 Lincoln MKT if possible. It has 7 recalls, 69 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is STEERING. The overall problem score is 90 — 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 11. It has only 3 recalls and 2 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which MKT has the fewest problems?+
The 2017, 2018, 2019 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. 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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