What year Lincoln MKZ should I avoid?

The 2010, 2011, and 2012 model years are the ones to avoid, based on NHTSA complaint index scores of 100, 80, and 90 respectively, driven largely by airbag problems.

What is the best year for the Lincoln MKZ?

The 2018 and 2019 MKZ are rated best, with complaint indexes of 20 and 10, the lowest in the model's 2010-2020 range.

Does the 2010 Lincoln MKZ have airbag recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2010 MKZ, including 3 do-not-drive recalls, with airbag inflators and modules as a recurring focus.

Is the 2012 Lincoln MKZ reliable?

Compared to other MKZ years, the 2012 ranks poorly, with a complaint index of 90 and airbags making up 47% of its reported complaints.

How many total complaints does the Lincoln MKZ have?

Across model years 2010-2020, NHTSA lists 1,007 total complaints and 32 recall campaigns for the Lincoln MKZ.

Lincoln MKZ Best and Worst Years (2010–2020)

Avoid the 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ, which carry the highest complaint index (100, 90, and 80) and are dominated by airbag problems. The 2018 and 2019 model years score best, with complaint indexes of 20 and 10 and far fewer reported issues.

Avoid 2010 Avoid 2011 Avoid 2012 Best 2018 Best 2019

Model years: 11; 2010–2020
NHTSA complaints: 1,007
Recall campaigns: 32
Crashes reported: 67
Fires reported: 11
Top problem area: Airbags

MKZ Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Lincoln MKZ problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	100	169	14	0	7 !	Airbags	20	—
2011	Avoid	80	145	11	3	5 !	Airbags	20	4★
2012	Avoid	90	146	10	2	5 !	Airbags	20	4★
2013	Caution	60	109	4	2	12	Structure & Body	23.5	5★
2014	Caution	50	97	7	0	13	Steering	23.5	5★
2015	Good	30	82	4	0	10	Electrical System	23	5★
2016	Good	40	64	8	0	6	Brakes	23	5★
2017	Caution	70	139	6	4	4	Engine	22	5★
2018	Best	20	34	1	0	2	Engine	22	5★
2019	Best	10	20	2	0	1	Engine	22	5★
2020	No verdict	0	2	0	0	1	Steering	22	5★

MKZ years to avoid: what went wrong

2010 Lincoln MKZ Index 100 · 169 complaints · 7 recalls

The 2010 MKZ has the worst complaint index (100) in the lineup, driven mainly by airbags, which make up 57% of its complaints. Owners reported crashes where side airbags failed to deploy and cases of sudden unintended movement while parking. Brakes were the second-largest problem area at 23% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 104,000 miles for that category. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for this year, including 3 do-not-drive recalls tied to airbag inflators and ABS brake fluid issues.

2010 airbags problems →2010 brakes problems →2010 electrical system problems →

2012 Lincoln MKZ Index 90 · 146 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2012 MKZ has a complaint index of 90, the second-worst in the model's history. Airbags again lead problem areas at 47% of complaints, with owners reporting non-deployment during crashes at a median mileage of 42,000. Steering complaints, 14% of the total, included reports of loss of steering control on curves. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for 2012, including 2 do-not-drive recalls, one covering a passenger air bag module replacement for vehicles that had already been through earlier recall repairs.

2012 airbags problems →2012 brakes problems →2012 steering problems →

2011 Lincoln MKZ Index 80 · 145 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2011 MKZ ranks third-worst with a complaint index of 80. Airbags account for 46% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 42,500 miles, and owners described crashes where airbags did not deploy on impact. Engine complaints, at 14% of the total, included reports of sudden unintended acceleration while parking. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the year, 2 of them do-not-drive, plus a later passenger air bag replacement campaign covering vehicles that had already received earlier airbag fixes.

2011 airbags problems →2011 brakes problems →2011 engine problems →

Most common Lincoln MKZ problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Airbags258 (26%)
Engine189 (19%)
Brakes150 (15%)
Electrical System122 (12%)
Steering111 (11%)
Other92 (9%)
Structure & Body89 (9%)
Transmission & Powertrain76 (8%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires44 (4%)
Fuel System39 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Lincoln MKZ should I avoid?: The 2010, 2011, and 2012 model years are the ones to avoid, based on NHTSA complaint index scores of 100, 80, and 90 respectively, driven largely by airbag problems.
What is the best year for the Lincoln MKZ?: The 2018 and 2019 MKZ are rated best, with complaint indexes of 20 and 10, the lowest in the model's 2010-2020 range.
Does the 2010 Lincoln MKZ have airbag recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2010 MKZ, including 3 do-not-drive recalls, with airbag inflators and modules as a recurring focus.
Is the 2012 Lincoln MKZ reliable?: Compared to other MKZ years, the 2012 ranks poorly, with a complaint index of 90 and airbags making up 47% of its reported complaints.
How many total complaints does the Lincoln MKZ have?: Across model years 2010-2020, NHTSA lists 1,007 total complaints and 32 recall campaigns for the Lincoln MKZ.