Lincoln Mkz Reliability by Year
1,976 NHTSA complaints (2007–2020). Complaint rate: 136.2 per 1,000 vehicles.
Lincoln Mkz reliability varies significantly by model year. Based on 1,976 NHTSA complaints (2007–2020), the most problematic years are 2008, 2007, with high complaint volumes linked to airbag malfunctions. Better choices include 2020, 2019, 2018, which show significantly fewer reported problems.
Why these years are worse
The most common issues driving the complaint spikes:
- airbag malfunctions — 667 complaints (5.1% involved a crash)
- brake failures — 197 complaints (15.7% involved a crash)
- engine problems — 140 complaints (5.0% involved a crash)
- electrical faults — 112 complaints (4.5% involved a crash)
- steering defects — 111 complaints (7.2% involved a crash)
Which Years to Buy & Avoid
Years auto-clustered by complaint volume relative to this model's median.
Bottom line: Avoid the 2007–2008 Lincoln Mkz. The 2018–2020 models had significantly fewer reported issues. Most common issue across all years: AIR BAGS.
Avoid These Years
Average
Better Years
A model's reputation is just the start.
Even within the “good” years, individual cars can have hidden accidents, title issues, or odometer rollbacks. Check the actual VIN before you buy — full history report for $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
Complaints by Model Year
NHTSA complaint count per model year
Common Lincoln Mkz Problems
Most reported component complaints to NHTSA
| Component | Complaints | Crash % |
|---|---|---|
| AIR BAGS | 667 | 5.1% |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 197 | 15.7% |
| ENGINE | 140 | 5.0% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 112 | 4.5% |
| STEERING | 111 | 7.2% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 96 | 9.4% |
| POWER TRAIN | 82 | 8.5% |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 72 | 5.6% |
| WHEELS | 70 | 5.7% |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 51 | 13.7% |
Year-by-Year Breakdown
NHTSA complaint count per model year — click any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
Tap any year for full problems & recalls breakdown.
See also: Lincoln Mkzaccident & safety statistics from our vehicle history database.
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