Lincoln MKZ Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Lincoln MKZ model year (2007–2020) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Lincoln MKZ Years to Avoid
1 recall · 173 complaints
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 176
1 recall · 155 complaints
2 reported injuries
2 reported deaths
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 172
3 recalls · 130 complaints
10 reported injuries
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 159
Best Lincoln MKZ Years to Buy
1 recall · 2 complaints
Main area: STEERING
Problem score: 5
0 recalls · 15 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 17
1 recall · 15 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 18
Found the right year? Verify that specific MKZ with a free VIN report.
Lincoln MKZ — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 2 | — | — | 5 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 1 | 15 | — | — | 18 | Good |
| 2018 | 0 | 15 | 1 | — | 17 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 0 | 97 | 3 | — | 103 | Caution |
| 2016 | 4 | 45 | 1 | — | 59 | Good |
| 2015 | 5 | 65 | — | — | 80 | Caution |
| 2014 | 6 | 68 | 1 | — | 88 | Caution |
| 2013 | 7 | 78 | 1 | — | 101 | Caution |
| 2012 | 3 | 130 | 10 | — | 159 | Avoid |
| 2011 | 3 | 130 | 4 | — | 147 | Avoid |
| 2010 | 5 | 113 | 4 | — | 136 | Avoid |
| 2009 | 2 | 64 | 5 | — | 80 | Caution |
| 2008 | 1 | 173 | — | — | 176 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 1 | 155 | 2 | 2 | 172 | Avoid |
All 14 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Lincoln MKZ Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2020Recent MKZ models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2020 stands out with just 5 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2016Mid-decade MKZ units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2016 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder MKZ 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 MKZ should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2008 Lincoln MKZ if possible. It has 1 recall, 173 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 176 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year MKZ to buy?+
The 2020 Lincoln MKZ is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 5. It has only 1 recall and 2 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which MKZ has the fewest problems?+
The 2020, 2018, 2019 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 MKZ Research
Check a Specific Lincoln MKZ 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.
Run a Free VIN Report →