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ProblemsByVin File / 2010-LINCOLN-MKZ
2010 · lincoln

lincoln MKZ problems

0 safety recalls. 169 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.6 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
95 reports · avg $1,100
severe
brakes
33 reports · avg $450
moderate
electrical
7 reports · avg $850
moderate
lighting
6 reports · avg $250
moderate
body
4 reports · avg $1,500
severe
cruise control
4 reports · avg $600
severe
powertrain
4 reports · avg $2,500
severe
engine
3 reports · avg $3,100
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2010 MKZ · engine
Wrench light came on a few times when I checked it the codes were p2135 and p0122 and p1576 car didnt accelerate It happen again one time and then it was letting me accelerate but it was very limited
12/21/2021 · NHTSA ODI #11444584.0
2010 MKZ · brakes
ONE EVENING I GOT INTO MY CAR AND WAS HEADING HOME FROM WORK WHEN I USED THE BRAKES AND THEY WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I HAD NO BRAKES. THE PART I REPLACED WAS THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE CONTROL UNIT. IT COST ME ALMOST 700.00 TO REPAIR. I HAVE THE PROPER PAPERWORK IF YOU NEED TO…
12/20/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11290355.0
2010 MKZ · airbags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V384000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR.…
12/20/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11055744.0
2010 MKZ · lighting
I WAS INFORMED BY FRIENDS FOLLOWING OUR VEHICLE THAT THE DRIVER SIDE RED BRAKE LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE WITH NO CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AT NITE WHEN ALL THE CAR LIGHTS ARE TURNED ON. THIS I BELIEVE IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE DRIVERS FOLLOWING OUR VEHICLE WILL NOT BE AWARE WHEN…
12/20/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10667429.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Common questions

Is the 2010 Lincoln MKZ reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 169 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Lincoln MKZ is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2010 Lincoln MKZ?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 95 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Lincoln MKZ has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2010 Lincoln MKZ?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 169 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 8 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with lincoln. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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