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2019 Lincoln Mkz

The Verdict

95 Smooth Ride

The 2019 Lincoln Mkz has 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (8 complaints) and engine (8 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 95/100, it earns a "Smooth Ride" rating. If you're shopping for a Lincoln Mkz, consider the 2020 model year which has 90% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2020 has 90% fewer complaints

View the 2020 Lincoln Mkz dashboard →

95

Klunk Score: Smooth Ride

This vehicle year has significantly fewer complaints than average. A reliable choice.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20073040169106
2008396915876
200915246744
2010163810474
2011522391144
201245197453
2013556191612
201448817168
201541151394
201625141581
20171315108116
2018614156
201980381
202020000

By Category

Body
8
Engine
8
Electrical
3
Transmission
1

By Severity

1
10
2
7
3
1
4
2

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 1

In August 2026, my 2019 Lincoln MKZ equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, with approximately 39,000 miles, began experiencing repeated coolant loss, rough shaking during startup, engine misfires, temperature-gauge fluctuations toward hot, and an “Engine Coolant Over Temperature” warning while the vehicle was being driven. The warning appeared and then cleared, creating concern that the vehicle could continue operating without a persistent warning even though the engine was overheating. The climate-control system also began blowing hot air while the air conditioning was selected. Before the over-temperature warning, coolant had required frequent replacement, at times approximately once per week. An authorized Lincoln dealership performed diagnostic testing and confirmed coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. The dealership advised that the failure matches the condition addressed in Ford’s technical service bulletin concerning coolant intrusion in certain 2.0L EcoBoost engines. The prescribed repair is replacement of the engine long-block assembly. This condition creates a safety concern because coolant entering the cylinders can cause misfires, overheating, severe engine damage, and potential loss of motive power while driving. The vehicle is currently at the authorized Lincoln dealership, and the failed engine should remain available for inspection until it is replaced. No crash, fire, or injury occurred. The manufacturer declined repair assistance because the vehicle was outside the applicable time limit, and the estimated engine replacement cost is approximately $9,620.

10d ago
Engine 1

On XXX, the engine in my 2019 Lincoln MKZ (Mileage 58,089) with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine suffered a catastrophic, sudden failure while driving. The vehicle began to overheat & run extremely rough, triggering multiple warning lights. It is now inoperable and unsafe to drive. The vehicle was towed to a Lincoln dealership (Tasca Lincoln in [XXX]) for diagnosis. The work order number is RO #XXX. The dealership confirmed the failure is due to a well-documented manufacturing defect known as "coolant intrusion," where the engine block cracks internally, allowing coolant to leak directly into the engine cylinders. The diagnostic trouble codes stored were P0217 (Engine Overheat Condition), P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected), & P0316 (Misfire Detected on Startup). This issue is specifically addressed in Ford's own Technical Service Bulletin 19-2346. This coolant intrusion defect creates a critical safety hazard. The engine can lose its coolant and fail without any prior warning, leading to a complete loss of power while the vehicle is in motion. A sudden seizure of the engine at highway speeds could cause a catastrophic accident, endangering myself, my passengers, & other drivers on the road. Estimated Cost for Repair: $10,781.40 (for complete engine replacement). I contacted Lincoln Customer Relations (Case #XXX) to request assistance with this known manufacturing defect. I was informed that there is no goodwill assistance available & that my case was being forwarded to their internal Vehicle Safety Division. This confirms that Ford is aware this is a serious safety issue. This is not a normal wear-and-tear failure; it is a fundamental defect in the engine's design that Ford has acknowledged internally through its service bulletins. An engine should not fail catastrophically due to a manufacturing defect on a [XXX] vehicle. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this defect to determine if a safety recall is warranted to protect the public. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

23d ago
Engine 2

My engine has failed at less than 40,000 miles due to coolant leaking into the engine.

1mo ago
Body 1

The shifter cable bushing was broken. Car would not move out of Park. Same as Recall 22543 but this vehicle was not included. I have sent this before with the repair order from the dealership but the mileage was incorrect on that form by the service adviser. I am enclosing the corrected mileage with the receipt

2mo ago
Body 1

The shifter cable bushing was broken and car was stuck on Park

2mo ago
Engine 2

Technical Service Bulletin 19-2387 My vehicle has this defect which is an ongoing problem and at the time of this correspondence my vehicle has under 13,000 miles. Seepage around the perimeter of the oil pan which in time will result in a steady leak and in turn loosing enough oil will cause engine damage. Technicians refer to this as the oil pan sweating. As per the Technical Service Bulletin this problem exists on 2017 to 2019 Lincoln MKZ 3.0 which Ford installed a plastic oil pan on all new vehicles to reduce the weight of the vehicle. The 2017 to 2019 Lincoln MKZ 2.0 were fitted with metal oil pans and there is no issue. I notified Lincoln customer service and they are aware of this problem yet a recall has not been issued. This is a manufacturer defect and Ford should take responsibility to correct this problem. A recall should be issued. Thank You for your attention on this matter. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

5mo ago
Engine 1

Vehicle model is prone to coolant intrusion which causes misfire and engine shut off while driving. Car shakes while accelerating.

5mo ago
Body 1

I took my car to a Lincoln dealer because I was getting a drive control malfunction error every time I started my car. After a couple of days, I called the service dept. for a status update on the repair. The dealer told me that the car could not be repaired because they don't have a replacement part. They had me call the Lincoln Concierge, who also told me the same thing, they did not have a replacement part. When I researched the error message, is said that it is dangerous to drive the car without the repair. When I bought the car, I also purchased an extended warranty, which is now not worth the paper it's printed on. My car is only 7 years old and only has 53,000 miles, why can't they repair my car? The car is currently still at the dealer, so I do not have any paperwork for now.

6mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while reversing, the steering wheel wobbled. The contact stated that the steering wheel was moving back and forth. In addition, the contact stated that while making a turn, the steering wheel turned in the intended direction without an issue. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,100.

6mo ago
Body 2

Randomly my steering wheel will get stiff/lock up and pull the car and its hard to control it sometimes

11mo ago
Engine 1

My 2019 Lincoln MKZ check engine light came on. The repair shop said coolant was leaking into #3 cylinder from cracks in the engine block. Per alerts the shop receives from Ford, this is a known issue and there is no way to repair this issue. The engine will need to be replaced. My powertrain warranty ended 4 month earlier. My car has 45,500 miles on it. I talked to the dealership and they advised calling Lincoln directly. I call Lincoln and they confirmed this is a known issue. I was told that my car didn't meet the out of warranty criteria to receive any assistance to replace the defective engine. They wouldn't tell me what the parameters are and said I would need to pay the full cost to replace the engine. My understanding from the shop is they see many Escapes and MKZ with this engine issue but never seen one with this low of mileage. Lincoln told me to keep my replacement receipts in case there is a recall. I

12mo ago
Transmission 1

On models 2017-2019 Lincoln mkz’s there is a tsb known issue for coolant intrusion in the cylinders. I need an engine replacement. This should be a recall in these cars

13mo ago
Engine 2

On 10 May 2025 the car engine stalled at an intersection and would not restart. Had the car towed to the nearest Ford Dealership (Five Star Ford - Plano, Texas). The dealership repaired the failure by replacing the low pressure fuel pump. Failure is similar to 25V442000.

14mo ago
Body 2

The steering wheel is loose and feels as if it wants to come apart from the steering column.

21mo ago
Electrical 3

The 2019 Lincoln MKZ electrical system is faulty in my vehicle. Despite having all doors locked with car on and running someone was still able to open my door from the outside and essentially was carjacked, robbed, and severely beaten by 6 men. I did file a police report so it’s all documented along with photographs of my injuries sustained.

21mo ago
Engine 2

Engine failed due to coolant intrusion into cylinders. This is a known design flaw in this engine

22mo ago
Body 2

I was driving in normal conditions with nothing near me and my glass sunroof (closed) exploded and shattered.

29mo ago
Electrical 4

i put the car in park and it accelerated and hit the corner of my garage. when it was towed to the dealer for repair - i was told the message on the car was shift malfunction there was damage to the front grill, hood and passenger side quarter panel the vehicle is at Southgate Lincoln for repair and available for inspection i've asked the insurance company to investigate. there were no warning messages prior to impact someone could have been seriously injured and i could have had serious property damage

39mo ago
Body 4

2019 LINCOLN MKZ. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE COLLISION WARNING RADAR.

41mo ago
Electrical 1

THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED 2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE. NO INDICATION OF SPEED NOR FUEL LEVEL.

87mo ago
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