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.
2,025
Total complaints
35
Recall campaigns
2006–2020
Years covered
8
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
MKZ years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | High complaint rate | 328 | |
| 2007 | High complaint rate | 305 | |
| 2010 | High complaint rate | 197 | |
| 2012 | Open safety investigation | 176 | |
| 2013 | Open safety investigation | 146 | |
| 2014 | Open safety investigation | 130 | |
| 2015 | Open safety investigation | 107 | |
| 2016 | Open safety investigation | 78 |
Every MKZ year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 1 | |
| 2019 | 22 | 1 | |
| 2018 | 40 | 2 | |
| 2017 | 184 | 4 | |
| 2016avoid | 78 | 7 | |
| 2015avoid | 107 | 11 | |
| 2014avoid | 130 | 14 | |
| 2013avoid | 146 | 13 | |
| 2012avoid | 176 | 6 | |
| 2011 | 181 | 7 | |
| 2010avoid | 197 | 9 | |
| 2009 | 129 | 7 | |
| 2008avoid | 328 | 5 | |
| 2007avoid | 305 | 5 | |
| 2006 | 0 | 4 |
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 2,025 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.