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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-LINCOLN-MKT NHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Lincoln

2016 Lincoln MKT problems

The 2016 Lincoln MKT has 3 active recall campaigns on file and only 9 owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.

The 2016 Lincoln MKT has 9 NHTSA owner complaints and 3 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is body at 3 complaints, typically surfacing around 80,500 miles (~$1,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

Lincoln MKT owner complaints by model year
Model yearOwner complaintsRecalls
2013 MKT 69 7
2014 MKT 54 4
2015 MKT 24 6
2016 MKT (this page) 9 3
2017 MKT 3 3
2018 MKT 7 2
2019 MKT 11 4
2016 Lincoln MKT
Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain · representative photo of the Lincoln MKT
0 5 10
Reliability score
Not rated

Limited NHTSA data — only 9 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 3 active recalls on file.

0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 MKT?
Not enough data for a verdict

Only 9 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 3 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

NHTSA crash-test safety ratings

Rollover 4/5

Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2016 Lincoln MKT SUV FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.

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<iframe src="https://problemsbyvin.com/embed/reliability/2016-lincoln-mkt/" width="100%" height="340" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:8px;max-width:640px" title="2016 Lincoln MKT reliability snapshot" loading="lazy"></iframe> <p style="font:12px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif;color:#64748b;max-width:640px;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://problemsbyvin.com/2016-lincoln-mkt/" style="color:#b8540a;font-weight:600">2016 Lincoln MKT reliability snapshot — ProblemsByVin</a></p>

Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints

body
3 reports · fails ~80,500 mi · avg $1,500
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2016 MKT's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2016 MKT?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 MKT · electrical
The engine light continues to come on and the only reading it gives off is that the engine is running lean. Nothing seems to be smoking or wrong with the vehicle. It continues to drive well. Then the backup cameras started to go on a blink. It comes off and on intermittently…
12/04/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11702945.0
2016 MKT · suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Lincoln mkt. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20v072000 (suspension) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.…
08/21/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11350664.0
2016 MKT · body
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V827000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the passenger's side B-pillar trim had partially detached.…
07/23/2026 · at 103,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11752342.0 · see body pattern →
2016 MKT · steering
While making a turn onto highway my electric power steering completely went out with cars turning next to me. It yanked the wheel out of my hand almost causing a crash. Then a window appears in ly car saying your steering has failed pull over safely . Little late for that. After…
07/14/2019 · NHTSA ODI #11231718.0
View all 9 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2016 Lincoln MKT? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
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Active recalls showing 3 of 3

severe NHTSA 25V827000 December 1, 2025

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKT vehicles

Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 23, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 2, 2025.
severe NHTSA 20V072000 February 10, 2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack

A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
severe NHTSA 16V925000 December 22, 2016

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3

An oil leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S46.

Common questions

Is the 2016 Lincoln MKT reliable?

Limited NHTSA data. Only 9 owner complaints have been filed for the 2016 Lincoln MKT, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.

Should you avoid the 2016 Lincoln MKT?

Only 9 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 3 active recalls above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2016 Lincoln MKT without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.

What should I check before buying a used 2016 Lincoln MKT?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2016 Lincoln MKT to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.

Is the 2016 Lincoln MKT a good used car to buy?

Hard to say from federal data alone — only 9 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 Lincoln MKT?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is body, with 3 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 80,500 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The body is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 80,500 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Lincoln MKT 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 2016 Lincoln MKT?

Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 9 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Lincoln/MKT. 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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