The Lemon Index
201520172nd generation
Better than average · most complaints: airbags
19 owner complaints, first 3 years 20–40 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2016 BMW 3 Series 352016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 542016 Audi A4 35
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2016 Lincoln MKZ
- Backup camera9 complaints
Specific parts named in the 72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 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
Only 12 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 23V775000 (latches/locks/linkages), 23V162000 (brakes) and 20E025000 (lights) done? It has 7 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- NHTSA has an open investigation into desiccated air bag inflator rupture. Has this car had that problem?
- Is the airbag light off, and were any airbag recalls done?
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any steering noise, wander or power-steering warning? Has the steering rack or pump been replaced?
- Lincoln sent dealers 147 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Steering related noises”?
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 19 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 →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 18K to 58K miles (29K to 93K km) on the car (12 of all 19 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
On 05/17/2018 the consumer stated problem with attempts were made to replace the airbags.
2016 Lincoln MKZ owner · NHTSA complaint 11185311
More owner reports
Safety recall not completed I fear I will get into a crash and be killed from flying metal from air bag. What is going on? Why is this not taken care of?
NHTSA complaint 10959933
Takata recall-need to replace air bags but no communication from dealer
NHTSA complaint 11042256
Problems Lincoln told dealers about
Lincoln sent dealers 147 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Steering related noises
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 7
- Latches/locks/linkages · recall issued 2023
Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Brakes · recall issued 2023
The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
- Lights · recall issued 2020
The headlamps may have an improper beam pattern and incorrect horizontal adjustment, the side markers may not illuminate and DOT markings may be missing.
Show all 7 recalls
- Latches/locks/linkages · recall issued 2020
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Steering · recall issued 2019
Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
- Steering · recall issued 2018
The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
- Fuel system, gasoline · recall issued 2015
The affected vehicles have a fuel tank that may have insufficent wall thickness.
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
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
- ClosedFront brake jounce hose failures2022–2023
- ClosedDoor latch failures2019–2022
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln MKZ 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lincoln MKZ HEV 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1,500–$3,000 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl.
Every Lincoln MKZ year. 2016 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 2016 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/lincoln-mkz/?y=2016" 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/2016/">Lemon Index</a> (2016 Lincoln MKZ reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2016 Lincoln MKZ reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew a bit over half as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 62; 100 is average, lower is better). The Lincoln MKZ year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2011.
What are the most common 2016 Lincoln MKZ problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (58%), electrical (16%) and steering (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Lincoln MKZ have?
7 safety recalls (latest: latches/locks/linkages). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Lincoln MKZ get?
20 to 40 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Lincoln MKZ safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2016 Lincoln MKZ have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2016 Lincoln MKZ cost in fuel a year?
About $1,500 to $3,000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Lincoln MKZ have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.7L 6-cyl.
Is there a better Lincoln MKZ year than the 2016?
Not nearby: the 2016 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Lincoln MKZ years within 3 model years of it. Across every year, 2011 drew the fewest.
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