VehicleVerdict

Lincoln MKZ years to avoid

The Lincoln MKZ years to avoid are 2008, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2006 is the cleanest year on record.

2,000

Total complaints

35

Recall campaigns

2006–2020

Years covered

8

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

MKZ years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
2008High complaint rate328
2007High complaint rate305
2010High complaint rate197
2012Open safety investigation176
2013Open safety investigation146
2014Open safety investigation130
2015Open safety investigation100
2016Open safety investigation77

Every MKZ year

YearComplaintsRecalls
202021
2019181
2018362
20171764
2016avoid777
2015avoid10011
2014avoid13014
2013avoid14613
2012avoid1766
20111807
2010avoid1979
20091297
2008avoid3285
2007avoid3055
200604

Common questions

What are the worst Lincoln MKZ years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the MKZ years to avoid are 2008, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. The cleanest year on record is 2006.

What is the best year for the Lincoln MKZ?

By complaint volume, 2006 has the cleanest NHTSA record among MKZ years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Lincoln MKZ have?

Across all model years, the MKZ has 35 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 2,000 consumer complaints on file.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.