Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Lincoln MKZ Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 32 recall campaigns across the Lincoln MKZ, 2007–2020. Owners have filed 1,663 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 14 model years with settled counts, the 2008 drew the most (281) and the 2020 the fewest (2).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls32campaignsCovering 2007–2020 model yearsSource: NHTSA Complaints1,663filedOwner reports across 14 model yearsSource: NHTSA ODI Crash tests5★overall★★★★★2020 model, latest ratedSource: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy24mpg combined2020 model, best configurationSource: EPA

Lincoln MKZ complaints by model year

1,663 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2020 · 2 complaints
  • 2019 · 20 complaints
  • 2018 · 35 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2008 · 281 complaints
  • 2007 · 259 complaints
  • 2010 · 169 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2011–2020. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

Lincoln MKZ owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component2011201220132014201520162017201820192020
Air bags 666843794100
Engine 105101066761270
Steering 192016258126031
Service brakes 202089161415100
Electrical system 891717161110230
Unknown or other 8228117611541
Power train 441594124920
Structure 1010126522110

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Lincoln MKZ recalls (32)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one MKZ model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the Lincoln MKZ
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
25V695000Oct 13, 2025Rearview Camera Image May Not Display20151.1%
25V442000Jun 27, 2025Rearview Camera Image May Not Display2019, 202054.8%
23V775000Nov 17, 2023Doors May Open While Driving201632%
23V162000Mar 10, 2023Front Brake Hoses May Rupture2013–201844.7%
22V011000Jan 13, 2022Brake Light Malfunction and Possible Rollaway Risk2014, 201564.6%
21V158000Mar 10, 2021Driver's Air Bag Inflator May Explode2006–201235.2%
21V081000Feb 16, 2021Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode2009, 201042.8%
20V331000Jun 8, 2020Doors May Open While Driving2013, 201458.4%
20V177000Mar 23, 2020Doors May Open While Driving2014, 2015, 201664.1%
19V904000Dec 18, 2019ABS Valve May Remain Open after ABS Event2006–201031.7%
19V632000Aug 29, 2019Steering Gear Motor May Detach2013–201663.7%
19V590000Aug 12, 2019Front Seat Belts May Not Restrain Occupants201555.3%
19V001000Jan 7, 2019Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode2010, 2011, 201272.6%
18V775000Nov 1, 2018Air Bag may not Fully Inflate during Deployment2010, 2011, 2012100%
18V390000Jun 11, 2018Torque Converter Connection may Fail201796%

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗

Crash-test stars by model year

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the Lincoln MKZ (most-tested body style each year)
Model yearOverallFrontalSideRolloverTested as
2020★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2019★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2018★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2017★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2016★★★★★5★4★4★4 dr fwd
2015★★★★★5★4★4★4 dr fwd
2014★★★★★5★4★4★4 dr fwd
2013★★★★★5★4★4★4 dr fwd
2012★★★★☆3★4★4★4 dr fwd
2011★★★★☆3★4★4★4 dr fwd

Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Source: NHTSA NCAP, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy by model year

200719–20 mpg
200819–22 mpg
200919–21 mpg
201019–21 mpg
201119–21 mpg
201219–21 mpg
201321–26 mpg
201421–26 mpg
201521–26 mpg
201620–26 mpg
201720–24 mpg
201820–24 mpg
201920–24 mpg
202020–24 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

2020 Lincoln MKZ report2 complaints · 1 campaigns →2019 Lincoln MKZ report20 complaints · 1 campaigns →2018 Lincoln MKZ report35 complaints · 2 campaigns →Every Lincoln modelLincoln models →

Lincoln MKZ FAQ

How many recalls has the Lincoln MKZ had?

NHTSA lists 32 recall campaigns that cover at least one Lincoln MKZ model year from 2007 to 2020. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which Lincoln MKZ year has the most complaints?

Among the last 14 model years with settled counts, the 2008 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (281) and the 2020 the fewest (2). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common Lincoln MKZ problems?

Across the 2011–2020 model years, owners most often name the air bags, engine, steering in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the Lincoln MKZ get?

EPA rates the 2020 Lincoln MKZ at 20 to 24 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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