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ProblemsByVinFile / 2016-LINCOLN-MKZNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Lincoln
2016 Lincoln MKZ problems
The 2016 Lincoln MKZ has 63 NHTSA owner complaints and 7 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2016 Lincoln MKZ has 63 NHTSA owner complaints and 7 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 12 complaints, typically surfacing around 66,158 miles (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
7
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 MKZ?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average
7 recall campaigns on file
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.
Buying a used 2016 Lincoln MKZ? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
steering — 12 owner reports
· tends to show around 66,158 mi · ~$700 to fix
brakes — 11 owner reports
· tends to show around 78,626 mi · ~$450 to fix
electrical — 9 owner reports
· tends to show around 47,500 mi · ~$850 to fix
airbags — 7 owner reports
· tends to show around 20,002 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: brakes is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 78,626 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 7 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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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…
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…
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…
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.
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
Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles
A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Lincoln MKZ has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2016 Lincoln MKZ?
The 2016 Lincoln MKZ is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 7 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Lincoln MKZ?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 12 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 66,158 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Lincoln MKZ a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 63 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 66,158 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
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 63 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.
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/MKZ.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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