2019 Lincoln MKZ Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2019 Lincoln MKZ ranks 13th out of 15 model years with a complaint index of 14, earning a Best verdict. NHTSA lists 20 complaints, 1 recall, and no fatalities, with Engine problems as the top concern at 35% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 14/100
- #13 of 15 MKZ years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 20
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2019 Lincoln MKZ problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the collision warning radar triggering false alerts or failing to detect obstacles.
- Some describe the instrument cluster going blank shortly after purchase, losing speed and fuel readouts.
- Several owners report coolant leaking into engine cylinders, cracking the block and requiring full engine replacement.
- One owner reported the steering wheel feeling loose, as if separating from the steering column.
- A closed glass sunroof reportedly shattered without impact while driving.
- One owner reported the low pressure fuel pump failing, causing the engine to stall and not restart.
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 owner complaints and recalls, the 2019 MKZ ranks 13th out of 15 model years with a complaint index of 14, giving it a Best verdict relative to other MKZ years.
- What problems does the 2019 Lincoln MKZ have?
- NHTSA lists 20 complaints for the 2019 MKZ, led by Engine issues at 35% of complaints, followed by Electrical System and Steering complaints each at 15%.
- Does the 2019 Lincoln MKZ have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall affecting the 2019 MKZ, covering the rearview camera software, which Ford dealers update free of charge. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- What year Lincoln MKZ should I avoid?
- Among MKZ years, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 carry Avoid verdicts with complaint indexes as high as 100, while 2019 is rated Best with an index of 14.
- How many miles do 2019 Lincoln MKZ engine problems appear at?
- The engine problem area does not have a listed median mileage figure, but electrical system complaints show a median of 176 miles and steering complaints a median of 116,100 miles.