VehicleVerdict

2018 Lincoln MKT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2018 Lincoln MKT — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

10

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other MKT years?

MKT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted92 complaints2010: 92 complaints2011: 26 complaints2012: 33 complaints2013: 90 complaints2014: 79 complaints2015: 27 complaints2016: 10 complaints2017: 3 complaints2018: 10 complaints2019: 12 complaints
MKT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MKT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Lincoln MKT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other330%
Body & Structure330%
Electrical System220%
Driver Assistance110%
Fuel System110%

Does the 2018 Lincoln MKT have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V827000Body & StructureDecember 1, 2025 · 11,852 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKT vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

Consequence

Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 23, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 2, 2025.

20V072000SuspensionFebruary 10, 2020 · 211,207 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

Consequence

A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior windshield trim on the driver's side door detached. After some time, the exterior windshield trim on the passenger's side door also detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who did not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 15, 2023

“The problem is with the rear camera alerts. Sometimes, when I am backing up, it does not alert me when a person is walking in back of my car or sometimes it is a moving vehicle, and I am in reverse and slowly backing up. All of a sudden I see them right there in back of me so I step on the break…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 16, 2025

“Car started to hesitate, then when I stopped at a light it started running rough like it wanted to stall. Then the engine light started blinking. Vehicle was towed to dealership. All fuel injectors, spark plugs, and ignition coils replaced. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 7, 2026

“The problem is with the rear camera alerts. Sometimes, when I am backing up, it does not alert me when a person is walking in back of my car or sometimes it is a moving vehicle, and I am in reverse and slowly backing up. All of a sudden I see them right there in back of me so I step on the break…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · October 16, 2025

2018 Lincoln MKT — common questions

Is the 2018 Lincoln MKT reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2018 MKT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (3 complaints), body & structure (3 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 2018 Lincoln MKT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Lincoln MKT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lincoln MKT years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MKT years to avoid are 2010, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among MKT years belongs to 2017.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.