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Sedan · Hybrid

Lincoln MKZ 2015–2020 (2nd gen)

Lincoln MKZ
Photo: Kevauto · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Price
$35,190–$47,000
MPG
41
  • Strength: Excellent safety
  • Strength: Strong running costs
  • Watch-out: Poor reliability
  • Watch-out: Below-average value retention
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How it scores for you10 scores
Hybrid thrift or a 400-hp sleeper in one handsome sedan, undercut by the 2.0T's coolant-intrusion engine failures - favor the hybrid and inspect carefully.
Reliability16

Recalled about as often as cars of the same model years; 7 of its 16 recalls were serious. About 7% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted -7 points for its wider reputation.

Safety100

5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 4, side 5, rollover 4).

Running costs83

About $1,600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 83% of cars we track.

Cargo & utility59

15.4 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 59% of other sedans we track.

Passenger space52

Adequate rear legroom but the sleek roofline cuts headroom versus the Fusion it shares bones with.

Driving fun55

The 400-hp 3.0T is a genuine sleeper and the CD4 chassis is tidy, but it never feels like a sport sedan.

Tech55

Sync 3, adaptive cruise, and a full driver-assist suite by mid-cycle; interfaces aged quickly.

Comfort65

Quiet, softly sprung, with good seats; refinement is closer to Buick-plus than German-lux.

Value retention40

Luxury brands like Lincoln tend to lose value faster than average.

Capability30

No published tow rating; all- or four-wheel drive available.

Safety & recalls26 recalls
Overall 5/5
Frontal 4/5
Side 5/5
Rollover 4/5

26 recalls · 9 common complaint areas across 2015–2020

  • Engine — 58 complaints (2017)
  • Recall — Back over prevention: software (2020)
  • Powertrain — 25 complaints (2017)

2020

  • RecallBack over prevention: software25V442000

    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, 2021-2

2019

  • RecallBack over prevention: software25V442000

    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, 2021-2

  • Complaint clusterEngine6 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    In August 2026, my 2019 Lincoln MKZ equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, with approximately 39,000 miles, began experiencing repeated coolant loss, rough shaking during startup, engine misfires, temperature-gauge fluctuations toward hot, and an “Engine Coolant Over Temperature” warning while the

2018

  • RecallSteering: steering wheel/handle bar18V167000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings23V162000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain9 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    Scanned codes P0741, P1450, P1744, & P2196. Check the transmission fluid level and condition. No fluid drained from hole, added a little fluid, and retrieved a sample of the fluid. The fluid is very dark. Identifix states, if the fluid smells or has the appearance of being black due to internal clut

  • Complaint clusterEngine7 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    While driving, the car stalled. I could not restart it. It was towed to Lincoln Dealer and determined that coolant had leaked into the cylinders and seized the engine. This is a known defect on the Ford EcoBoost Engine. Fully aware of the defect, Ford redesigned the engine in 2019 for later models.

2017

  • RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: torque converter17V427000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Edge and Fusion vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.

  • RecallSteering: steering wheel/handle bar18V167000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.

  • RecallPowertrain: automatic transmission: torque converter18V390000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford Edge and 2017 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings23V162000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

  • Complaint clusterEngine58 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE

    My 2017 Lincoln MKZ with only 52100 miles started leaking coolant into the engine cylinders which will require a new engine. Ford/Lincoln is aware of this problem with their 2.0 liter Ecoboost engine and has even issued a service bulletin and the necessary engine replacement. I have contacted Linco

  • Complaint clusterPowertrain25 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN

    The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the torque converter, flex plate, and transmission fluid pump were inoperabl

  • Complaint clusterBrakes17 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH the brake warning light had illuminated and the brake pedal extended to the floor and the vehicle did not immediately stop while pressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was slowly driven to a nearby garage

  • Complaint clusterElectrical11 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    2017 Lincoln MKZ was taken to Community Ford Lincoln of Bloomington (Auto Vest II LLC), Bloomington, IN for service on 05/01/2026. No ABS, Traction Control, or AdvanceTrac warning lights were present at drop-off. After the vehicle was returned, all three warning lights were illuminated. The ABS/stab

  • Complaint clusterSteering10 complaintscomplaints:STEERING

    After filling up with gas, started the vehicle & it displayed SEVERAL warnings regarding the steering, stability control, etc. Only about 2 miles from home. Started driving home & the steering wheel was variably going from fairly difficult to turn to VERY difficult to turn. Got within about 150 f

2016

  • RecallFuel system, gasoline: storage15V618000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured September 3, 2015, to September 13, 2015, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured September 3, 2015, to September 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a fuel tank that may have insufficent wall thick

  • RecallSteering: steering wheel/handle bar18V167000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.

  • RecallSteering: electric power assist system19V632000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Min

  • RecallExterior lighting: headlights20E025000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Replacement Headlamps, part number DP5Z-13008-T and DP5Z-13008-V, sold for use with 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The headlamps may have an improper beam pattern and incorrect horizontal adjustment, the side markers may not illuminate and DOT marking

  • RecallLatches/locks/linkages: doors: LATCH20V177000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fiesta, 2014-2016 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washingt

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings23V162000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

  • RecallLatches/locks/linkages: doors: LATCH23V775000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington,

  • Complaint clusterSteering12 complaintscomplaints:STEERING

    The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became loose, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the front end made an abnormal humming sound. The vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assis

  • Complaint clusterBrakes11 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the brake light had remained illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the vehicle was unoccupied. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was

  • Complaint clusterElectrical9 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    regarding the rear view camera. It stopped working intermittently and now it shows the picture inverted (backwards) I see an extensive list of vehicles that have been recalled, but my vin is not listed. How do I get this repaired?

  • Complaint clusterAirbags8 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS

    A VEHICLE STOPPED SUDDENLY IN FRONT OF ME BECAUSE A CAR DID THE SAME IN FRONT OF THEM. I BRAKED SUDDENLY BUT IT FELT LIKE MY VEHICLE WAS BEING PUSHED FROM BEHIND, MY STEERING WHEEL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED SO DID THE SIDES. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BEFORE THE IMPACT BLINDING ME AS I REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRON

  • Complaint clusterWheels5 complaintscomplaints:WHEELS

    -The front bumper of the car is nearly coming off. This is attached by a "bra" covering the front bumper and if not on the whole front bumper would fall off. The tires/rims are also nearly run down and need to be replaced. -This is caused me great concern when transporting my children as a divorced

2015

  • RecallExterior lighting: headlights15V248000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured February 17, 2014, to March 19, 2015, and equipped with daytime running lights (DRL). In the affected vehicles, the parking lights do not reduce their light output from a DRL level when used in conjunct

  • RecallSteering: electric power assist system15V250000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to March 20, 2015, and 2015 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 26, 2015, to February 28, 2015, and originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, D

  • RecallSeat belts: front16V875000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured November 2, 2012, to July 31, 2014, and 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured November 14, 2012, to July 31, 2014. In the event of a crash, heat from the deployment of a seat belt pretensione

  • RecallSteering: steering wheel/handle bar18V167000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.

  • RecallSeat belts: front19V590000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. In the event of a crash, heat from the deployment of a seat belt pretensioner may cause a front seat belt anchor cable to fail.

  • RecallSteering: electric power assist system19V632000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Min

  • RecallExterior lighting: headlights20E025000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Replacement Headlamps, part number DP5Z-13008-T and DP5Z-13008-V, sold for use with 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The headlamps may have an improper beam pattern and incorrect horizontal adjustment, the side markers may not illuminate and DOT marking

  • RecallLatches/locks/linkages: doors: LATCH20V177000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fiesta, 2014-2016 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washingt

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages22V011000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 Mustang vehicles originally sold or ever registered, in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Hawaii. Exposure to certain environmental conditions,

  • RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings23V162000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

  • RecallBack over prevention: sensing system: camera25V695000

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image wh

  • Complaint clusterBrakes17 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES

    The electronic parking brake engages on its own and locks causing the rear tire to lock while driving which then causes friction and the tire to smoke heavily which could cause fire or bad accident. I have replaced caliper, caliper actuator, rotor, brake pad, wheel speed sensor, wheel bearing and no

  • Complaint clusterElectrical16 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    While in reverse of my vehicle, the back-up camera display either goes completely black, displays an error message or glitches turning itself on/off at random. Referencing recall “25v695“ this recall has been on notice with no follow up since I received the notification letter on October 2025. Thi

  • Complaint clusterBack over prevention10 complaintscomplaints:BACK OVER PREVENTION

    The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image intermittently operated as needed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Pre

  • Complaint clusterSteering8 complaintscomplaints:STEERING

    The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the contact became aware that the steering wheel was loose. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that there was a recall associated with the fa

  • Complaint clusterSeat belts5 complaintscomplaints:SEAT BELTS

    Rear buckle incompatible with child booster seat, pressure has broken the buckle for the inflatable safety belts. Buckle housing has cracked open. This is a common complaint and should be a safety recall

Cost to own$20,600 / 5 yr

MSRP, new

$35,190–$47,000

Estimated used price, by model year

2020$22,100–$26,000
2019$19,500–$22,900
2018$17,200–$20,200
2017$15,100–$17,700
2016$13,200–$15,500
2015$11,500–$13,500

$1,600/yr

EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.

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Specs
MSRPNew $35,190–$47,000
Efficiency41 MPG
Seats5
DrivetrainAWD
PowertrainHybrid

City MPG

42

Highway MPG

39

Combined MPG

41

Horsepower

400 hp

Doors

4

Length

194.1 in

Width

73.2 in

Height

58.3 in

Wheelbase

112.2 in

Curb weight

3,909 lb

Cargo volume

15.4 cu ft

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