The most-reported MKZ run is 3LNHL2GC1AR (2010 builds) with 20 complaints, 5.7× the typical run. Air bags problems make up 41% of reports; 2008 is the worst model year at 8 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 35 recall campaigns for MKZ model years 2007–2020.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Lincoln MKZ has 464 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 6% of every MKZ complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3LNHL2GC1AR•••••• | 2010 | 4 | — | |
| 3LNHM26T17R•••••• | 2007 | — | 1 | |
| 3LNHM26T08R•••••• | 2008 | — | — | |
| 3LNHM26T57R•••••• | 2007 | 2 | — | |
| 3LNHM26T38R•••••• | 2008 | — | — | |
| 3LNHM26T28R•••••• | 2008 | — | — | |
| 3LNHM26T37R•••••• | 2007 | 2 | 1 | |
| 3LNHM26T48R•••••• | 2008 | 1 | — | |
| 3LNHM26TX7R•••••• | 2007 | 1 | — | |
| 3LNHM26T98R•••••• | 2008 | 1 | — | |
| 3LNHM26TX8R•••••• | 2008 | — | — | |
| 3LNHM26T47R•••••• | 2007 | 4 | — |
Each of the other 452 MKZ runs has 15 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 102 MKZ VINs so far, most often 2017, 2020, 2019 builds.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Lincoln MKZ the gap between build years is 7.3×: a 2008 car draws 8 complaints per run, a 2019 one 1.1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 21 | 20 | 2 | |
| 2018 | 35 | 25 | 1 | |
| 2017 | 137 | 68 | 6 | |
| 2016 | 61 | 36 | 6 | |
| 2015 | 81 | 46 | 3 | |
| 2014 | 93 | 44 | 6 | |
| 2013 | 100 | 45 | 4 | |
| 2012 | 142 | 29 | 10 | |
| 2011 | 174 | 42 | 11 | |
| 2010 | 164 | 27 | 14 | |
| 2009 | 110 | 26 | 8 | |
| 2008 | 257 | 32 | 11 | |
| 2007 | 243 | 31 | 13 |
Heaviest year here is 2008 at 8 complaints per run; lightest is 2019 at 1.1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 41% of everything Lincoln MKZ owners report: Air Bags, 668 of 1,620 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 35 | 1 | |
| Service Brakes | 35 | — | |
| Engine | 6 | 5 | |
| Steering | 9 | — | |
| Electrical System | 6 | 4 | |
| Unknown Or Other | 8 | 2 | |
| Power Train | 9 | 3 | |
| Hydraulic | 5 | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 35 recall campaigns on the Lincoln MKZ; the 6 below cover build years 2007 to 2018. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 23V162000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings | 2013–2018 |
| 21V158000 | Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module | 2007–2012 |
| 18V167000 | Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar | 2014–2018 |
| 14E028000 | Equipment | 2007–2011 |
| 16V384000 | Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module | 2007–2011 |
| 19V632000 | Steering:electric Power Assist System | 2013–2016 |
23V162000 was opened in 2023 on cars built from 2013: 10 years on the road before the recall.
The MKZ against its rivals
The MKZ draws 3.5 complaints per production run; the Cadillac CTS 2.9, the Ford Fusion 11.9 and the Buick LaCrosse 3.1.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln MKZ | 1,620 | 464 | 5.9% | |
| Cadillac CTS | 1,912 | 650 | 8.2% | |
| Ford Fusion | 20,718 | 1,734 | 3.5% | |
| Buick LaCrosse | 1,928 | 618 | 4.3% |
How serious were they
Of the 1,620 reports on the Lincoln MKZ, 5.9% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Lincoln MKZ | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 1,620 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 95 (5.9%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 13 (0.8%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 55 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 2 | 2,728 |
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Lincoln MKZ share of that is 1,620 complaints over 464 runs, 0.15% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Lincoln MKZ VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 1,620 NHTSA complaints from 464 MKZ runs and 35 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which MKZ production run has the most complaints?
3LNHL2GC1AR, a 2010 build, with 20 complaints, 4 of them after a crash. The typical MKZ run has 3.5.
Which MKZ years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2008 is heaviest at 8 complaints per run and 2019 lightest at 1.1.
Does the MKZ get more complaints than the Cadillac CTS?
Yes: 3.5 complaints per production run for the MKZ against 2.9 for the Cadillac CTS.
How many MKZ complaints involve a crash?
5.9% of 1,620 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 13 involved a fire.
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