2019 Lincoln MKZ Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
10/100
#10 most-complained of 11 MKZ years
The 2019 Lincoln MKZ ranks Best among 11 model years, with a Complaint Index of 10 and only 20 NHTSA complaints and 1 recall. Engine problems, mainly coolant intrusion into cylinders, make up 35% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 20
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 28 hwy
Top 2019 Lincoln MKZ problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine7 (35%)
- Other4 (20%)
- Electrical System3 (15%)
- Steering3 (15%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (10%)
- Fuel System1 (5%)
- Structure & Body1 (5%)
What owners report
- Owners report the engine developing coolant intrusion into the cylinders, described as a known design flaw, sometimes leading to a check engine light and eventual engine replacement.
- Some owners report the instrument cluster failing shortly after purchase, leaving no speed or fuel level readout, at a median mileage of 176 miles.
- Owners describe the steering wheel feeling loose, as if it could separate from the steering column.
- Some report the collision warning radar acting defective, and in one case the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated while being put in park, resulting in a crash.
- One owner reported the engine stalling at an intersection and not restarting, later traced to a low pressure fuel pump failure similar to the issue covered by recall 25V442000.
- A glass sunroof reportedly shattered while driving under normal conditions with nothing nearby.
2019 Lincoln MKZ recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V442000Jun 27, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras200,237 vehicles
Back over prevention:software
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.
Risk: 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.
2019 Lincoln MKZ fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2019 compared with other MKZ years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Lincoln MKZ reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 MKZ has the lowest Complaint Index (10) of all 11 model years covered, with only 20 complaints and 1 recall, earning a 'Best' verdict relative to other MKZ years.
- What is the most common problem with the 2019 Lincoln MKZ?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, accounting for 35% of complaints (7 of 20), largely centered on coolant intrusion into the cylinders.
- Does the 2019 Lincoln MKZ have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2019 MKZ, campaign 25V442000, covering a rearview camera software update; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2019 MKZ compare to other MKZ years?
- The 2019 MKZ ranks 10th worst out of 11 years tracked, meaning it performs better than nearly every other model year, with far fewer complaints than years like 2010 (169 complaints, index 100) or 2017 (139 complaints, index 70).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2019 Lincoln MKZ?
- The 2019 MKZ gets an EPA-rated 22 mpg combined (19 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950.