CarBrief

NHTSA has 71 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Lincoln MKZ, and brakes are the biggest group[1][2]. The car also has 6 recalls, so check your VIN before you buy[3].

71owner complaints[1]
6recalls[3]
20–40MPG combined (EPA)[4]
5★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 71 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Eight mention a crash, none a fire, 6 mention injuries and none report a death[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Component group Complaints Crashes Injuries
Brakes[2] 14 4 3
Steering[6] 12 0 0
Electrical system[7] 11 1 0
Air bags[8] 10 3 5
Engine[9] 7 0 0

Brakes. The median mileage at failure for brake complaints is 50,500[2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe a brake pedal that sinks or goes soft, and fluid leaking. Several of the 12 texts in that sample point to the front brake hose recall described below[2][10]. A few owners say the repair parts were not yet available when they were notified[2].

Steering. The median mileage at failure is 53,000[6]. In the sample we read, owners describe losing power steering help, which makes the wheel hard to turn. Several of the texts in that sample refer to steering recalls by number[6]. Some say their car was not covered, and one says the repair parts were not available[6][11][12].

Electrical. In the sample we read, a few owners describe a rear camera that shows a blank or backwards picture. A few others describe power steering failures that were filed under electrical[7].

Air bags. The median mileage at failure is 32,400[8]. The sample includes questions about air bag recalls and a settlement notice, plus reports of air bags that did not deploy or deployed in a crash[8]. The recalls we have on file for this car do not include an air bag recall[13][10][14][11][12][15].

Engine, back over prevention and unknown or other each have 7 complaints, and seat belts have 5[9][16][17][18]. Those are small numbers, so we do not treat them as common problems.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this model year, newest first[3]. Each one lists a free remedy at a dealer.

Some of these recalls cover only certain states or build dates. Enter the VIN on the NHTSA recall site to see whether a specific car is included.

Fuel economy

EPA rates the 2016 MKZ in five versions. All use regular gas.

Version City / Highway / Combined MPG EPA yearly fuel cost
Hybrid, 2.0L 4-cyl, front-wheel drive[4] 41 / 39 / 40 $1,700
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, front-wheel drive[19] 22 / 33 / 26 $2,600
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, all-wheel drive[20] 22 / 31 / 25 $2,700
3.7L 6-cyl, front-wheel drive[21] 18 / 27 / 21 $3,200
3.7L 6-cyl, all-wheel drive[22] 17 / 24 / 20 $3,350

The hybrid is the clear leader at 40 combined MPG[4]. The 3.7L all-wheel-drive version is lowest at 20 combined MPG[22]. EPA's yearly cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4-door MKZ an overall rating of 5 stars in both all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive form[5][23]. Frontal crash is 5 stars, side crash is 4 stars and rollover is 4 stars[5][23]. The rollover risk is 10.9%[5][23].

Engine and size

The EPA test list shows 305 hp for the 3.7L 6-cylinder engine[24]. Our data has no horsepower rating for the other engines.

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars[25][26].

2.0L / hybrid sedan 3.7L AWD sedan
Length 194 in 194 in
Width 73 in 73 in
Height 58 in 58 in
Wheelbase 112 in 112 in
Curb weight 3,827 lb 4,001 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

2007: 259 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 281 complaints, 4 recalls20082009: 114 complaints, 6 recalls20092010: 170 complaints, 7 recalls20102011: 185 complaints, 5 recalls20112012: 205 complaints, 5 recalls20122013: 122 complaints, 12 recalls20132014: 125 complaints, 13 recalls20142015: 97 complaints, 10 recalls20152016: 71 complaints, 6 recalls7120162017: 158 complaints, 4 recalls20172018: 37 complaints, 2 recalls20182019: 23 complaints, 1 recalls20192020: 3 complaints, 1 recalls2020
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each MKZ model year. The 2016 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20072594
20082814
20091146
20101707
20111855
20122055
201312212
201412513
20159710
2016716
20171584
2018372
2019231
202031

With 71 complaints, 2016 has the fewest of any MKZ year from 2007 to 2017[3]. The next lowest in that span is 2015 with 97, and 2017 is higher at 158[3]. The 2018, 2019 and 2020 model years have fewer, at 37, 23 and 3[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide.

For recalls, 2016 has 6[3]. That is fewer than 2013 (12), 2014 (13), 2015 (10) and 2010 (7), and the same as 2009 (6)[3]. Years 2011 and 2012 have 5, and 2007, 2008 and 2017 have 4 each[3].

Should you buy a used 2016 Lincoln MKZ?

The complaint count is on the low side for this model, and the safety ratings are good[5][23][3]. The main task is the recall check, since brake hoses, the steering wheel bolt and door latches are all safety recalls with free dealer fixes[13][10][14][12]. Ask for proof that the work was done and check the VIN for the state-based steering and door latch recalls[14][11]. If fuel cost matters, the hybrid stands out at 40 combined MPG, while the 3.7L versions rate 20 to 21[4][21][22]. Complaints about brakes and steering deserve a test drive and a mechanic's look[2][6].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Lincoln MKZ?
Brakes have the most complaints at 14, then steering at 12, electrical at 11 and air bags at 10[2][6][7][8]. These are owner reports out of 71 total[1].
Does the 2016 Lincoln MKZ have recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 6, covering door latches, front brake hoses, power steering bolts, the steering wheel bolt and the fuel tank[13][10][14][11][12][15].
What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Lincoln MKZ?
The hybrid is rated 40 combined MPG[4]. The 2.0L turbo versions are rated 25 to 26[20][19], and the 3.7L versions 20 to 21[21][22].
How safe is the 2016 Lincoln MKZ?
NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for side crash and rollover[5][23].
Is 2016 a good year for the Lincoln MKZ?
It has the fewest complaints of any year from 2007 to 2017, at 71, though counts are not adjusted for sales[3]. Later years 2018, 2019 and 2020 have fewer still[3].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 71 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Lincoln MKZ (8 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 6 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 14 complaints name the brakes component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Lincoln MKZ model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for MKZ Hybrid FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 41 city / 39 highway / 40 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 12 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 11 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 10 complaints name the air bags component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 32,400). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 7 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. Recall 23V162, filed March 10, 2023: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
  11. Recall 19V632, filed August 29, 2019: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  12. Recall 18V167, filed March 12, 2018: Steering › Steering Wheel / Handle Bar. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 23V775, filed November 17, 2023: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 20V177, filed March 23, 2020: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 15V618, filed October 1, 2015: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage. NHTSA recall database
  16. 7 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. 7 complaints name the back over prevention component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  18. 5 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  19. EPA rating for MKZ FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 33 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for MKZ AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for MKZ FWD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for MKZ AWD, 3.7L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Lincoln MKZ with 3.7L 6-cylinder: rated 305 hp. www.epa.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MKZ 2.0L/HYBRID 4DR SEDAN: length 194 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,827 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MKZ 3.7L AWD 4DR SEDAN: length 194 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 4,001 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.