Lincoln MKT Problems by Year

We compared every Lincoln MKT model year from 2010–2019 using 297 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 14 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2013, 2014 and 2010, which drew far more complaints than other MKT years at the same age. The best years are 2017, 2016 and 2018.

10model years
297complaints
14recalls
2013, 2014worst years
2017, 2016best years

Complaints by model year

201020112012201320142015201620172018201965192770542494718
Owner complaints per model year, Lincoln MKT. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
201918−15%4Collision AvoidanceAverage
20187−54%2BodyGood
20174−78%3BodyGood
20169−61%3BodyGood
201524−26%6Collision AvoidanceAverage
2014542.8×4BodyAvoid
2013703.2×7SteeringAvoid
2012271.4×1SteeringAverage
201119−48%1SteeringGood
2010652.7×—SteeringAvoid

* Complaints compared with the median MKT year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Lincoln MKT problems

  • 10134%
  • 5017%
  • Other / not specified
    4415%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2014
    289%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2010
    279%
  • Driver assistanceworst: 2019
    269%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2013
    258%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2014
    238%
  • Suspensionworst: 2014
    186%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2010
    165%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2010
    83%
  • Lightsworst: 2013
    83%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2010
    72%
  • Brakesworst: 2010
    41%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2011
    41%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2010
    31%
  • Air bagsworst: 2010
    21%
  • Locks & latchesworst: 2011
    21%
  • Seatsworst: 2010
    10%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2013
    10%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 2014
    10%

Latest Lincoln MKT recalls

Structure › Body

NHTSA recall 25V-827 · Dec 1, 2025 · 11,852 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKT vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.

Remedy: Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 23, 2025.

Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera

NHTSA recall 25V-695 · Oct 13, 2025 · 1,448,655 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years.

Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera

NHTSA recall 24V-951 · Dec 20, 2024 · 30,715 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Flex, Fiesta, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 22, 2025.

Suspension › Rear

NHTSA recall 20V-072 · Feb 10, 2020 · 211,207 vehicles

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. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.

Remedy: 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.

Electrical system › Starter assembly

NHTSA recall 18V-548 · Aug 20, 2018 · 87 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, 2019 Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The power supply cables at the starter and the alternator may not have been properly secured, possibly resulting in an electrical arc.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and starter motor power supply cables to verify that they are properly secured, correcting them as necessary, free of charge.

All 14 Lincoln MKT recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Lincoln MKT should you avoid?

2013, 2014 and 2010 — these years have the most complaints relative to other MKT years at the same age, led by steering problems in the 2013.

What is the best year for the Lincoln MKT?

2017 has the fewest complaints compared with other MKT years at the same age, followed by 2016 and 2018. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Lincoln MKT problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the steering (101), body & structure (50) and electrical system (28). Steering complaints peak in the 2013 model year.

How many recalls has the Lincoln MKT had?

14 recalls across 2010–2019. The model year with the most is 2013. See all Lincoln MKT recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.