Lincoln MKZ Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Lincoln MKZ model year (2013–2020) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Lincoln MKZ Years to Avoid
13 recalls · 108 complaints
2 reported injuries
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 151
14 recalls · 95 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: STEERING
Problem score: 143
4 recalls · 119 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: ENGINE
Problem score: 137
Best Lincoln MKZ Years to Buy
1 recall · 2 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 5
1 recall · 13 complaints
Main area: STEERING
Problem score: 18
2 recalls · 26 complaints
Main area: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 34
Found the right year? Verify that specific MKZ with a free VIN report.
Lincoln MKZ — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 2 | 5 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 1 | 13 | 18 | Good |
| 2018 | 2 | 26 | 34 | Good |
| 2017 | 4 | 119 | 137 | Avoid |
| 2016 | 7 | 58 | 91 | Caution |
| 2015 | 11 | 71 | 104 | Avoid |
| 2014 | 14 | 95 | 143 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 13 | 108 | 151 | Avoid |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Lincoln MKZ Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2020Recent MKZ models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year MKZ should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2013 Lincoln MKZ if possible. It has 13 recalls, 108 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is STEERING. The overall problem score is 151 — 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, 2019, 2018 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 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.
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