The Lemon Index
201820202nd generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 17,725 in the U.S. in 2019 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 2 complaints in its first 3 years.
2 owner complaints, first 3 years 20–41 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2019 BMW 3 Series 132019 Audi A4 172019 Lexus IS
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
Engines & versions
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 recall 25V442000 (back over prevention) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Do the seats adjust, heat and lock in place properly?
- Lincoln sent dealers 129 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Some 2016-2019 Explorer, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019 Edge/Nautilus, 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ, and 2018-2019”?
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 2 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 →
In owners' words
The instrument cluster failed 2 days after purchase. No indication of speed nor fuel level.
2019 Lincoln MKZ owner · NHTSA complaint 11233496
More owner reports
I was driving and smelt burning. My make up mirror was in my front seat. Seems like the sun bounced off the mirror and caught the seat on fire.I was stationary at a redlight.
NHTSA complaint 11318936
Problems Lincoln told dealers about
Lincoln sent dealers 129 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some 2016-2019 Explorer, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019 Edge/Nautilus, 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ, and 2018-2019
- Some 2018-2019 F-150 vehicles built on 23-Sep-2018 and through 28-Mar-2019 and 2019
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 1
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2025
A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
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
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
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 AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lincoln MKZ 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lincoln MKZ HEV 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1,450–$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, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Every Lincoln MKZ year. 2019 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 2019 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/lincoln-mkz/?y=2019" 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/2019/">Lemon Index</a> (2019 Lincoln MKZ reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2019 Lincoln MKZ reliable?
We can't score it: only 17,725 were sold in the U.S. in 2019 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2019 Lincoln MKZ problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (50%) and seats (50%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 Lincoln MKZ have?
1 safety recall (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 Lincoln MKZ get?
20 to 41 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 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 2019 Lincoln MKZ have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2019 Lincoln MKZ cost in fuel a year?
About $1,450 to $3,000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 Lincoln MKZ have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Lincoln MKZ year is better than the 2019?
Nearby, the 2016 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (a bit over half as many complaints as the average car). 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