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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-LINCOLN-MKZ NHTSA data synced 3 days ago
2016 · Lincoln

Lincoln MKZ problems

61 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.8 / 10

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

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 MKZ?
Generally reliable

Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.

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.

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Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
12 reports · fails ~66,158 mi · avg $700
moderate
brakes
10 reports · fails ~80,834 mi · avg $450
severe
electrical
9 reports · fails ~47,500 mi · avg $850
severe
airbags
7 reports · fails ~20,002 mi · avg $1,100
severe
engine
6 reports · fails ~65,667 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
wheels
3 reports · avg $400
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2016 MKZ'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 MKZ?
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 MKZ · electrical
I’ve had my car for 7 months and the power steering went out. Not able drive until repaired for $2000.
2016 MKZ · steering
Owner of 2016 MKZ Hybrid 65870 miles Loss of electronic power steering and Advance Trac Soon after replacement of Bolt under recall 19R02 I heard friction/grinding when turning steering wheel. Oct 1, 2021 I contacted Parks Lincoln of Tampa for a diagnostic and they told me the…
2016 MKZ · electrical
Heated seat module programming put out too much current and melted wiring harness under the seat. Luckily it didn't start a fire. The calibration firmware has an update to fix this problem, but I was unaware because there is no recall or service warning. If they have a fix for…
11/18/2019 · at 60,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11280857.0 · see electrical pattern →
2016 MKZ · airbags Crash
Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Lincoln mkz. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact's vehicle rear ended another vehicle that stopped abruptly. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was…
11/13/2017 · at 9,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11045621.0 · see airbags pattern →
View all 61 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2016 Lincoln MKZ? 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
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 20E025000 April 24, 2020

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Replacement Headlamps, part number DP5Z-13008-T and DP5Z-13008-V, sold for use with 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles

The incorrect headlamps may reduce the driver's visibility or make the vehicle less visible, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify vehicle manufacturers, and dealers will inspect the headlamps, and replace the headlamps, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Ford will instruct dealers to return all improper headlamps and not to install them on any vehicles. The recall began June 3, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C10.

Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA

EA Air Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2016 Lincoln MKZ reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 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.

Should you avoid the 2016 Lincoln MKZ?

On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Lincoln MKZ does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.8/10 — above the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

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

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 12 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 66,158 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 66,158 miles. 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 2016 Lincoln MKZ?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 61 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, 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 are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Lincoln/MKZ. 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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