Lincoln Mkz problems
The Lincoln MKZ, is a four-door, five-passenger mid-size luxury sedan manufactured by Ford and marketed as the Zephyr (MY 2006) and as the MKZ (MY 2007–2020) by Ford's Lincoln brand across two generations in both gasoline and hybrid gas/electric models.
Both generations of the MKZ were manufactured at Ford's Hermosillo Stamping & Assembly plant in Mexico. Production ended in 2020 to make way for new Ford vehicles.
First generation (2006–2012)
The 2006 Lincoln Zephyr was initially unveiled in concept form at the 2004 New York International Auto Show, previewing a new entry-level luxury sedan. The front featured Lincoln's signature waterfall grille and jeweled quad projector beam headlights (HID headlights were available). Chrome trim extends along the Zephyr's beltline while the car's rear fascia features LED taillights and dual chrome exhaust tips. All Zephyrs featured low-profile tires on 17x7.5-inch wheels with painted aluminum versions standard and chrome versions optional.
Lincoln officially revived the Zephyr name in the fall of 2005; the vehicles were based on the CD3 platform, which was derived from the Mazda 6. Lincoln had previously used the Zephyr name in the late 1930s for the smaller Lincoln-Zephyr line of mid-size vehicles. The "Zephyr" name had also previously been used by Mercury during the late 1970s and early 1980s, for several vehicles built on the Fox Platform.
The Zephyr's sole powertrain was a 3.0 L DOHC Duratec V6 mated to an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission; identical to the V6 powertrain that was optional in the Fusion and Milan. The interior is largely unique to the Lincoln, along with different equipment packaging. The 2006 Zephyr started at a base MSRP of $28,995 USD, ranging up to $35,340 USD when fully optioned.
Though slightly smaller and front-wheel drive, the Zephyr was marketed as a replacement for Lincoln's previous entry level mid-size, the rear-wheel drive Lincoln LS. To facilitate a smooth transition, the Zephyr and LS were sold parallel to each other during the 2006 model year, the first model year of the Zephyr and the last for the LS. For 2007 the model was renamed MKZ, and took over the LS' market with sales beginning in September 2006. Lincoln's decision to resurrect the Zephyr name refers to the very early days of Lincoln before World War II. At that time, the only Lincoln manufactured was the Lincoln K-series which was a full-size sedan, and Lincoln, under the direction of Edsel Ford, Henry Ford's only son, hoped to introduce a smaller product to compete with the Packard One-Twenty, and the LaSalle, a smaller sibling offered at Cadillac dealerships.
The Zephyr featured a revised interior from the Fusion and Milan. The design featured shapes with real ebony or maple wood inserts (depending on desired trim) in metallic frames. These surfaces were contrasted with chrome-bezeled gauges, circular, chrome-finished vents and a metallic center stack where the radio and climate controls are housed. The Zephyr's steering wheel was leather-wrapped with real wood grips and satin-nickel audio, climate, and cruise control buttons. White LED backlighting was used for the Zephyr's controls and instrumentation. Leather seating surfaces were standard in all models.
Some of these standard features in the Zephyr included: cruise control, automatic headlights, fog lights, power door locks, "global" power windows (all windows can lower simultaneously at the push of a button), power adjustable and heated mirrors with puddle lamps, remote keyless entry, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel with redundant audio and climate controls, dual-zone automatic climate control, a universal garage door opener, 10-way power driver and front passenger seats, rear-seat reading lamps, and a six-speaker audio system with an AM/FM stereo radio and a six-disc, MP3-compatible CD changer. Optional in the Zephyr was a power moonroof, a DVD-based satellite navigation system, HID headlights, heated and cooled front seats, and an industry-first THX II-Certified audio system with a six-disc, MP3-compatible CD changer and ten speakers. Safety features included standard dual front-side airbags, front seat-deployed side airbags, and curtain airbags that extend from the front to rear seats.
Mechanically the Zephyr was closely related to the Fusion and Milan. As mentioned, all three cars were based on Ford's CD3 platform, which was in turn derived from the Mazda 6. Like these cars the Zephyr is natively front-wheel drive (FWD). The Zephyr uses a coil-over damper, short- and long-arm (SLA) front suspension with double-ball-joint control arms while the rear suspension is an independent multi-link design with lower control arms and a 17 mm (0.7 in) stabilizer bar. Spring rates, bushings, and dampers have been specially tuned for the Zephyr to provide excellent ride comfort without compromising handling. All Zephyrs feature standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with traction control. The sole engine offered in the Zephyr was an all-aluminum 3.0 L DOHC Duratec V6 producing 221 hp (165 kW) at 6250 rpm and 205 lb·ft (278 N·m) of torque at 4800 rpm. This engine was mated to an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission and had a final drive ratio of 3.46:1. This powertrain was identical to the V6 powertrain available in the Fusion and Milan from 2006 to 2009. With this powertrain the Zephyr could accelerate from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 7.5 seconds. The FWD Zephyr came with a 17.5 US gal (66 L; 15 imp gal) fuel tank and is rated to deliver 17 mpg‑US (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg‑imp) in city driving and 26 mpg‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg‑imp) on the highway based on the revised 2008 EPA fuel efficiency measurement standards.
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Lincoln Mkz model years
Common Lincoln Mkz problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Lincoln MKZ, common problems with this car include:
- Power Steering Fluid Leak: Another common problem is power steering fluid leaks from the pump, hose, or steering gear of the Lincoln MKZ. This issue can result in a loss of power steering assistance, making steering more difficult and potentially compromising vehicle control and safety.
- Trunk Lid Malfunction: Owners have complained about the trunk lid not functioning correctly in some Lincoln MKZ cars. This problem can be frustrating for users, affecting the convenience and usability of the vehicle, especially when accessing the trunk for storage or luggage.
These issues highlight some of the common complaints reported by Lincoln MKZ owners, impacting various aspects of the car's functionality and driving experience.
Is Lincoln MKZ a reliable car?
The Lincoln MKZ has an average reliability score of 3.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal because it frequently requires maintenance. Some common problems with the Lincoln MKZ include transmission shifting issues, premature dashboard wear, power steering fluid leaks, and brake failure.
Why did Lincoln stop making MKZ?
Lincoln ended North America production of its two sedans, the MKZ and Continental, in 2020 as it pivoted to selling higher-margin utilities. But not everyone in the luxury segment followed suit.
How many miles will a Lincoln MKZ last?
A standard Lincoln MKZ will last 180,000-200,000 miles if it's cared for by the owner. Thus, high mileage for the Lincoln MKZ is anything over 150,000 miles or more. Though the MKZ can perform well beyond this mileage market, you're much more likely to encounter expensive repairs here.
Are Lincoln MKZ expensive to repair?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Lincoln MKZ is $831, compared to an average of $739 for luxury midsize cars and $652 for all vehicle models.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Lincoln Mkz years
We have researched Lincoln problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Lincoln Mkz cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Lincoln Mkz model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Lincoln Mkz model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Lincoln Mkz years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Lincoln Mkz car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Lincoln Mkz , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Lincoln Mkz vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Mkz model years
A total of 95 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Mkz model years
There were a total of 9 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Mkz model years
There were a total of 55 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Mkz model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1528 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Lincoln Mkz . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Lincoln Mkz vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Lincoln Mkz 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- VIN: 3LN6L2GKXDR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Car (93,000 miles) was operating fine, no check engine nor any other lights. I go into pharmacy come back out get in car to shift gears into drive and I notice the brake pedal sink to floor. As I am driving I notice that when braking it continues to take a longer distance to stop (brake light comes on). I recently had a spinal fusion so my safety and others was put into jeopardy. There was no waring of potential problems and I regularly have the car maintenance with no indication of needing any work done. I noticed all brake fluid was gone so I refilled hoping for the best but the fluid leaked out of the front passenger side brake line causing the fluid to be sprayed everywhere. Since, the problem happened so suddenly I checked for any brake problems concerning my vehicle type and I found that it has a recall for this problem. This has been an inconvenience due to being my only source of transportation, I need to get my meds, recovering from back surgery, now this!
Lincoln Mkz 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-19
- VIN: 3LN6L5EC4HR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Coil head caked in oil causing misfire due to valve guideseals in left side cylinder head leaking see attached documentation
Lincoln Mkz 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-19
- VIN: 3LN6L5EC4HR
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: Factory Rim cracked causing tire to not stay inflated
Lincoln Mkz 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 3LN6L2GK8ER
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while her husband was inspecting the vehicle, he was unable to remove the lug nuts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a tire center, where they cut the lug nuts off. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was concerned that in the event of a blowout, the tire would not be able to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Lincoln Mkz 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-02
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-04
- VIN: 3LN6L5E99JR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.
Lincoln Mkz 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-04
- VIN: 3LN6L5FC4HR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: See attached document for complaint.
Lincoln Mkz 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-03
- VIN: 3LN6L5E94HR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 2017 Lincoln MKZ with 53k miles check engine light comes on and dealership diagnostic shows leaking coolant in cyl #2/needs motor. Car out of warranty so cost of repair is out of my pocket. Lincoln has known about this since 2016...they leased the car out in 2017 and then sold it to me in 2019 KNOWING there was a defective engine in the vehicle but didn't do or say anything about it...NEVER any recall. How is it that there are 100k 2021-2022 trucks and suv's being recalled due to engine issue that could "lead to catastrophic engine damage resulting in a loss of power". I could of suffered a loss of power as well with the defective engine that was in my car. How is this sudden recall on these trucks and suv's any more important or severe than all of the Ford/Lincoln vehicles that had engine issues? This could have been easily rectified early on seeing they knew about this issue from the beginning. I want my money back I paid to get my engine repaired.
Lincoln Mkz 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-03
- VIN: 3LN6L5D99JR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine light illuminated. While the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Lincoln Mkz 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-23
- VIN: 3LN6L5E92HR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment with excessive smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine, resulting in a misfire in cylinder #2, and the long block was cracked. The contact was informed the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Lincoln Mkz 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-23
- VIN: 3LN6L5A90HR
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle was started and there was an abnormal antifreeze odor coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle with a coolant leak into the cylinder. The contact had spoken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the head gasket on the cylinder or the engine might need to be replaced. The contact was occasionally adding coolant to the vehicle to drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
Lincoln Mkz 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-21
- VIN: 3LN6L2G97FR
- Components: AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: In the middle of June 2024 (about [XXX]), my wife was driving her car, and pressed the horn button to warn a driver who had pulled out right in front of her. The horn failed to sound, and has not worked since then when pursuing the horn button. The horns themselves do sound when pressing the key fob to locate the car. Pressing the horn button has never worked since the time of this report, and several instances have occurred with other drivers needing to be forewarned of hazards. The problem has been verified by the husband, but not yet by the dealer, police or insurance representative. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Lincoln Mkz 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-19
- VIN: 3LN6L5F92HR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Coolant leak into the engine, causing white smoke, decreased coolant level and a rough start
Lincoln Mkz 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-16
- VIN: 3LN6L5E94HR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I took my 2017 Lincoln MKZ vehicle into my local Lincoln dealership on the morning of 8/13 due to check engine light which came on the previous week. The results of the diagnostic test that was performed which showed P0303 coolant leaking in cylinder #2 needs motor per tsb 22-2229 at a cost $7103.60 plus tax. My 2017 MKZ with 53k miles needs a new motor…how is this??? This issue is a result of a “known” defect in the motors of certain Lincoln and Ford vehicles where coolant seeping into the engine. I call the Lincoln Care/Customer Relations Center department to advise of my situation and the representative I spoke took my information Vin #, address, phone number and said she would call me back once she has looked in what resources or programs available that could possibly assist me with this very expensive repair. She calls me back and advises that because my vehicle is out of the warranty period there is no assistance or resources available to assist me. Now, if my vehicle was still under warranty I would be covered and I wouldn’t need assistance because it would be a covered repair. So, if this is the Lincoln Care /Customer Relations Center that “supposedly” have resources to assist customers in situations such as this, who are you assisting??? not the customer under warranty because they don’t need the assistance and obviously not the customer (myself) that need the assistance but can't get any. I have a long history with this company and I have invested a lot of money with this company to be told there is no assistance for a “known” defect issue which has now become my issue. Unbelievable that you all are treating customers in this manner. I will never support this company ever again after being a repeat customer and getting treated this way. I can only hope all of the other vehicle owners with this “known” defect that are having to pay for the repair does the same. I want my money back that I now have to pay out to get my vehicle repaired.
Lincoln Mkz 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-16
- VIN: 3LNHL2JC0BR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: As I was traveling home from work, I noticed the car jerk slightly and immediately decelerate. The engine temperature gauge light came on the dash and the temperature gauge immediately moved to the “H” position on the dash. Due to the fact that I was in rush hour traffic on the highway, I was worried I wouldn’t have enough speed to get to the median. I turned on my hazards and coasted safely to the side of the road but was nearly ran over by other vehicles not realizing the issue I was having. I was unable to accelerate out of the way and at the mercy of other drivers being courteous and give me space to move. I turned the car off and looked under the hood locating the coolant reservoir. It appeared empty. I was able to get a ride to the nearest auto parts store and buy coolant. When I returned to my car, I emptied coolant into the reservoir and cranked the vehicle. Within a minute the gauge returned to normal temp and carefully got back in flow of traffic but stayed close to the emergency lane. Within a couple hundred yards of driving again, the lights and gauges indicated another overheating issue. At the next stop, I pulled into a gas station. And parked the car to have it towed. My mechanic informed me that the coolant was leaking from the coolant pump into my oil pan. Now the engine is flooded with a mixture of oil and coolant and I will need a new engine. He said this issue has been reported before but wasn’t sure what Ford/Lincoln may be doing about it. I’m lucky I didn’t have an engine fire or some sort of collision while driving along a highway during rush hour traffic.
Lincoln Mkz 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-15
- VIN: 3LN6L2J93DR
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Power steering fault, Hard to steering.
Latest 5 recalls Lincoln Mkz
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 89 recalls for different components of the Lincoln Mkz.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Lincoln Mkz 2016
- Report Received Date: 2023-11-17
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A component inside the door latches may break, which can make it difficult to latch or possibly allow the doors to open while driving.
- Consequence: Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the door latch date codes and if necessary, replace all four side door latches, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S15. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-177.
- Model: Lincoln Mkz 2014
- Report Received Date: 2023-03-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
- Consequence: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
- Model: Lincoln Mkz 2017
- Report Received Date: 2023-03-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
- Consequence: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
- Model: Lincoln Mkz 2015
- Report Received Date: 2023-03-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
- Consequence: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
- Model: Lincoln Mkz 2013
- Report Received Date: 2023-03-10
- Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
- Consequence: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
Latest negative Lincoln Mkz car reviews
Latest positive Lincoln Mkz car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2019
I never used to be a fan of any Ford-made products. I had always heard stories that they were unreliable and poorly made. However, I like to make my own conclusions, so I decided to give Lincoln (the luxury division of Ford) a try. Since owning the MKZ for a little over a year, I have grown to absolutely love it. Here are my pros and cons to this timeless beauty. Pros: Exterior - This car looks rich, sophisticated, sporty and classy. Price - Affordability isn't the most important factor for a luxury car, but who doesn't like saving money? Suspension - The suspension does an excellent job of absorbing small road imperfections, and makes you feel like you're floating! Infotainment - The SYNC 3 interface is very easy to use, and hasn't once frozen or glitched. Also, having Apple CarPlay is a godsend! Climate Controls - The cluster of controls and knobs are logically placed and easy to use. I also love the fact that the lettering isn't stamped on the actual buttons, rather they are backlit to preserve the longevity of the look of the buttons, and gives it a smooth look when the vehicle is off. Powertrain - The 2.0L Turbocharged Ecoboost engine has plenty of power, allowing you to confidently and easily overtake and get up to speed when you need to. It also gets up to operating temperature in subzero temperatures rather quickly, which is always a good thing. Amenities - Having a heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, sunroof, adaptive headlights, plush leather-wrapped steering wheel, power lift truck lid, blind spot monitoring, etc. (on certain packages) really does pamper you. Brand Cachet - Just the fact that you're driving a Lincoln gives you a sense of exclusivity and elitism. Cons: Gas Mileage - This car is heavy, and that mixed with it having AWD really makes this car have subpar gas mileage. Cabin Materials - Albeit this car is decked out with leather and plenty of plush, soft-touch materials, the hard plastics used do have a few squeaks and rattles from time to time.The transmission is generally smooth, although when accelerating from a dead stop, it can feel a bit jerky as it shifts gears. The capless fuel system can be a bit clumsy when it comes to pouring additives into the tank, as a funnel is required. It's a shame that the AWD cannot be manually controlled, but overall, the pros of the car far outweigh the cons. As long as you keep your Lincoln well maintained, it will always be there for you. I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a stylish, confident, and purposeful ride. This is exactly what you would expect from Lincoln, an automotive luxury boutique.
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Vehicle year: 2020
We recently purchased a used 2020 MKZ hybrid after my wife's 2012 MKZ hybrid was rear-ended and totaled. As we are fans of hybrids and Lincolns, we found this car to be a great fit for us. The 2020 model is slightly larger than the 2012 and boasts superior technology. Unlike the 2012 model, which would only go into EV mode up to 40mph and get mid to high 30s for mpg, the 2020 model can operate in EV mode up to 70+ mph and is currently averaging an impressive 43.5mpg. The car also offers a nicer ride, more bells and whistles (as it's a Reserve model), and solid construction. However, there are a few downsides, such as limited trunk space and console space for odds and ends like a cell phone. It's unfortunate that 2020 was the last year for a Lincoln sedan, but with gas prices at $5/gallon, this car is the way to go. It gets similar gas mileage as a Prius and is way more attractive.
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Vehicle year: 2015
The MKZ is an amazing car with classic design both inside and out. It is very comfortable, with seats that fit like a glove and everything at your fingertips. We have owned 3 Marks and 1 Town car, but this one is truly exquisite. The only tiny drawback is that there are no hand grips on either side, which can be a challenge for those with back issues. Overall, we really enjoy all the amenities and feel pampered when driving it. When out and about, we feel proud to own such a beautiful car. If you're a Lincoln lover, you will definitely love it too!
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Vehicle year: 2017
I test drove many vehicles and found that the MKZ had the best interior, ride, and comfort. The creamy smooth 400HP engine is hard to beat for the price of $55k. The Lincoln brand seems to be trying harder to provide a higher-end quality interior, with well thought out multicontour seats, soft and supple leather, and padded surfaces. I ordered a MKZ with the Drivers Package that has dynamic torque vectoring which intelligently applies power to the rear wheels when driving aggressively. During the test ride, I did not feel any torque steer or understeer typically associated with FWD and some AWD vehicles. The road isolation and ride felt better in the Lincoln than a Caddy, Mercedes or BMW. The AWD with torque vectoring does its job and keeps torque steer under control and steering feel is precise. It's easy to thread the car through a needle. The average Joe wants stable good grip on a variety of road conditions along with easy control and sure-footed steering feel, and Lincoln delivers. I am not an expert, but I know the difference between the Lincoln and a true sport sedan and opted for the Lincoln. My other vehicles are a Corvette, Pontiac G8 GT (RWD 6 liter), F150, and Road Glide. The only cons besides the Lincoln name:The Lexus NX has a few drawbacks, such as limited rear headroom and a smaller rear seat compared to some of its competitors. Additionally, the weight distribution is not 50-50% front and rear like a RWD sedan due to its AWD system. However, it's worth noting that the push button gear selector, which Consumer Reports criticized, is not a big deal for most people. In fact, it makes a lot of sense to free up the console. Hopefully, other brands will follow suit and adopt this common solution through committee.
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Vehicle year: 2016
I'm so glad to hear that you're still pleased with your Lincoln MKZ! It sounds like you made a great choice in terms of comfort and value. The standard equipment and options available at a reasonable price are definitely a plus. It's also great to hear that you and your passenger were comfortable during your long trip. Thank you for sharing your positive experience and standing by your original review!
Are you having problems with your Lincoln Mkz?
Dameon Cormier 2025-07-22
Vehicle year: 2012
Congratulations on passing 600 miles on your new Ultimate Pkg MKZ Hybrid! On short trips of about 2 miles, you are getting around 26 mpg. However, during your 22-mile commute to work, with 30% city driving and 70% highway driving, you are consistently getting an impressive 42 mpg. These results are even better than the expected 41 mpg for city driving. When you drive more efficiently, such as accelerating faster and braking later and harder, you can still achieve an average of 33 mpg, which is still quite good. It's great to hear that your car is teaching you how to drive more efficiently. Even when you go past 65 mph but stay under 75 on the highway, you are still getting 42 mpg. It sounds like your biggest challenge is hard acceleration and braking, but overall, you are doing a great job!
Dustin Rogahn 2025-07-19
Vehicle year: 2011
I have a 2010 MKZ. The seat won’t stay in automatic adjustment. We Found that when the battery goes bad, the seat loses it’s setting. We have had 4 replacement batteries in 4 years. The drivers side seat broke once. The lumbar on the passenger is now broken. The passenger side fender is loose. It came loose from where it is attached. The rims carode and cause the tires to leak via the rim. Tail light recall, repaired by dealer. Rear breaks done at 71,051 miles. AC line leak at 71051 miles Replaced at 71617 miles. Replace inner driver side door handle. A wire on the rear defroster grid got broken, rubbed. Right chrome mirror cover fell off, I was charged for the replacement. The AC is now not working properly again. Are other MKZ’s as troubled as this one? [contact info removed]
Rosario Wintheiser 2025-07-12
Vehicle year: 2009
After trading our Zephyr for the MKZ, we encountered an issue with the traction control light coming on at just 3,000 miles. Despite the dealer changing a sensor, the car was unable to go over 30 mph. However, we have been informed that this issue is due to a bad batch of sensors that are currently on nationwide back order. While we are currently without our car, we are confident that the issue will be resolved in due course.
Garett Schultz 2025-06-03
Vehicle year: 2017
Our car has been serviced 5 times in the 3 months we've had it. Although we've had some issues with the battery and the stereo, we're confident that the dealership will resolve these problems. We've been impressed with the sound quality of the stereo, but have experienced some issues with Sirius dropping channels. Additionally, we've noticed a flickering in the rear cabin light, which the dealership has been unable to replicate. Despite this, we're confident that the dealership will resolve these issues and we're looking forward to enjoying our $55,000+ car. We appreciate Lincoln's efforts to help us and we're confident that they will continue to provide excellent service. While we've had some issues, we're still happy with our purchase and would recommend Lincoln to others.
Gussie Swift 2025-05-18
Vehicle year: 2013
The EPA MPG on the sticker was incorrect when the car was new, but Lincoln finally admitted to this error under government order. As a result, I received a free pair of sunglasses. Although the sticker originally said 48 mpg, I have never gotten more than 35.5 overall average mpg. Unfortunately, I have had five recalls in two years. Recently, I have experienced an involuntary transmission shift from drive to reverse when stopped on two occasions. I have researched this issue, but have been unable to find anyone else who has experienced it. This is quite concerning! Thankfully, I have another vehicle and have stopped driving the Lincoln. I will be taking it back to the dealer this week. On the positive side, the car is quite roomy for all passengers, including myself as a 6-foot owner and primary driver. Additionally, it looks great and the white pearl paint is very catchy. However, the driver's side has a terrible blind spot due to structural post size and placement. The on-screen LCD touch controls for everything from entertainment to climate can be a little bit distracting unless you learn the very specific commands for voice control, which doesn't always respond to your request.