Lincoln MKZ years to avoid and best years
Newer Lincoln MKZ years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2013 has the most complaints per year, at 8 (109 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2020 at 0 (from 2 complaints), 2019 at 0 (from 20 complaints), and 2012 at 1 (from 146 complaints). On the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, 11 of 109 complaints name Steering.
Data as of .
Lincoln MKZ reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Lincoln MKZ. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Fewest | 0 | 2 | 1 | Steering | 25.8 |
| 2019 → Fewest | 0 | 20 | 1 | Engine | 25.8 |
| 2018 → | 2 | 34 | 2 | Engine | 25.6 |
| 2017 → | 4 | 138 | 4 | Engine | 25.6 |
| 2016 → | 3 | 64 | 7 | Steering | 26.4 |
| 2015 → | 4 | 82 | 11 | Back-over prevention | 26.6 |
| 2014 → | 5 | 97 | 14 | Steering | 26.4 |
| 2013 → Most | 8 | 109 | 13 | Steering | 26.4 |
| 2012 → Fewest | 1 | 146 | 6 | Air bags | 26 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- SAE 5W-30 (2.0L turbo ~5.7 qt; 3.0L V6 ~6.0 qt with filter)
- Tire size
- 225/50R17, 225/45R18, 245/45R18, or 245/40R19 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 19V632000 expands coverage for certain 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles (with Fusion and other Ford models; 116,160 units across the campaign) originally sold or registered in salt-belt states: steering-gear motor bolts can corrode and allow the motor to detach, causing loss of power steering assist. Dealers replace bolts and apply sealer, or replace the gear if bolts are broken. Recall 18V167000 covers certain 2014-2018 MKZ vehicles (with Fusion; 1,301,986 units across the campaign) where the steering-wheel retaining bolt may loosen and allow the wheel to detach while driving; dealers install a longer bolt.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lincoln MKZ years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2020 at 0 (from 2 complaints), 2019 at 0 (from 20 complaints), and 2012 at 1 (from 146 complaints).
Which Lincoln MKZ year has the most owner complaints?
2013 has the most complaints per year, at 8 (109 complaints). On the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, 11 of 109 complaints name Steering.
How do Lincoln MKZ owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Lincoln MKZ years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones.
What generation is the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?
Second generation (2012-2020) for the US years this site tracks.
What oil does a Lincoln MKZ take?
US notes list 5W-30 for the 2.0L turbo or 3.0L V6 engines covered here.
What tire sizes does a Lincoln MKZ use?
Common US sizes include 225/50R17 on base trims and 245/40R19 on Reserve.