VehicleVerdict

2019 Lincoln MKZ problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2019 Lincoln MKZ — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

18

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other MKZ years?

MKZ NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted328 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 305 complaints2008: 328 complaints2009: 129 complaints2010: 197 complaints2011: 180 complaints2012: 176 complaints2013: 146 complaints2014: 130 complaints2015: 100 complaints2016: 77 complaints2017: 176 complaints2018: 36 complaints2019: 18 complaints2020: 2 complaints
MKZ NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MKZ years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Lincoln MKZ problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine422%
Steering317%
Electrical System317%
Transmission211%
Other211%
Driver Assistance211%
Body & Structure16%
Fuel System16%

Does the 2019 Lincoln MKZ have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V442000Driver AssistanceJune 27, 2025 · 200,237 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.

Consequence

A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Vehicle model is prone to coolant intrusion which causes misfire and engine shut off while driving. Car shakes while accelerating. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 28, 2026

“The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while reversing, the steering wheel wobbled. The contact stated that the steering wheel was moving back and forth. In addition, the contact stated that while making a turn, the steering wheel turned in the intended direction without an…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 3, 2026

“i put the car in park and it accelerated and hit the corner of my garage. when it was towed to the dealer for repair - i was told the message on the car was shift malfunction there was damage to the front grill, hood and passenger side quarter panel the vehicle is at Southgate Lincoln for repair…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 11, 2023 · crash

“On models 2017-2019 Lincoln mkz’s there is a tsb known issue for coolant intrusion in the cylinders. I need an engine replacement. This should be a recall in these cars ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 14, 2025

“The 2019 Lincoln MKZ electrical system is faulty in my vehicle. Despite having all doors locked with car on and running someone was still able to open my door from the outside and essentially was carjacked, robbed, and severely beaten by 6 men. I did file a police report so it’s all documented…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 5, 2024

2019 Lincoln MKZ — common questions

Is the 2019 Lincoln MKZ reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2019 MKZ problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (4 complaints), steering (3 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2019 Lincoln MKZ have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 Lincoln MKZ. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lincoln MKZ years should you avoid?

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

How safe is the 2019 Lincoln MKZ?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Lincoln MKZ earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.