The Lemon Index
200720091st generation
5 owner complaints, first 3 years 19–22 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2008 BMW 3 Series 1442008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 402008 Lexus IS 59
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2008 Lincoln MKZ
- Engine stalling8 complaintsmostly at 53,000–101,000 miles (86,000–162,000 km)
- Rust / frame corrosion8 complaintsmostly at 41,000–50,000 miles (66,000–80,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 281 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Lincoln MKZ (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 21V158000 (airbags), 19V904000 (brakes) and 17V024000 (airbags) done? It has 5 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Does it accelerate and hold speed smoothly, with no surging or stalling?
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Do the wipers, washers, defrost and mirrors all work?
- Lincoln sent dealers 21 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Lincoln's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 5 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
Problems Lincoln told dealers about
Lincoln sent dealers 21 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory…
- Power steering fluid leaks from steering rack and pump attachment joints
- Ford/mercury/lincoln: some vehicles equipped with a 6f50 transaxle , with any output shaft…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 5
- Airbags · recall issued 2021
The driver's side air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Brakes · recall issued 2019
The valves within the ABS Hydraulic Control Units (HCU) may react with brake fluids containing specific corrosion preventative additives.
- Airbags · recall issued 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show all 5 recalls
- Airbags · recall issued 2016
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Equipment · recall issued 2014
The affected floor mats may move and possibly interfere with the accelerator pedal.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Government investigations
- ClosedExtended braking distance2018–2021
- ClosedFloor mat interference with accelerator2012–2014
- ClosedAccel pedal interference - acc floormat2010–2013
- ClosedTire valve cracking2008–2009
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,750–$3,150 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
Every Lincoln MKZ year. 2008 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2008 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/lincoln-mkz/?y=2008" title="Lincoln MKZ reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="399" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/lincoln-mkz/2008/">Lemon Index</a> (2008 Lincoln MKZ reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2008 Lincoln MKZ reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 5 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2008 Lincoln MKZ problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are speed control (40%), body structure (20%) and visibility (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2008 Lincoln MKZ have?
5 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Lincoln MKZ get?
19 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2008 Lincoln MKZ have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2008 Lincoln MKZ cost in fuel a year?
About $2,750 to $3,150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2008 Lincoln MKZ have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Lincoln MKZ year is better than the 2008?
Nearby, the 2011 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about half as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works