2018 Lincoln MKT Problems & Complaints

Better than average54% fewer complaints than a typical year of the MKT at the same age

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2018 Lincoln MKT with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 54% fewer than a typical MKT model year at the same age, making the 2018 one of the better MKT years. The most reported problem area is the body & structure (3 complaints, typically around 133,000 miles). 2 recalls cover this model year.

7complaints
2recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2018 Lincoln MKT problems

  • Other / not specified
    343%
  • Body & structure~133,000 miles
    343%
  • Stability & traction control
    114%
  • Electrical system
    114%
  • Driver assistance
    114%
  • Fuel & propulsion system
    114%

Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Lincoln MKT 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).

Best MKT years: 2017, 2016, 2018. Years to avoid: 2013, 2014, 2010. Compare all years →

2018 Lincoln MKT recalls (2)

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.

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.

What 2018 Lincoln MKT owners say

Body & structure

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated the black panel trim had detached while driving at 55 MPH on the highway. The driver ran over the plastic. The contact received the recall notification letter for the NHTSA Campaign Number. 25V827000 (Back Over Prevention) The contact called the local dealer regarding the recall. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Shults Ford Harmarville, 1300 Gulf Lab Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, where it was diagnosed, but they were unsure if the part was covered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 133,200.

133,000 miles · May 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKT. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior windshield trim on the driver's side door detached. After some time, the exterior windshield trim on the passenger's side door also detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who did not provide a specific diagnosis, but the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 49,000.

49,000 miles · May 2023

2018 Lincoln MKT engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.7L 6-cyl6-speed automaticFWD16 / 24 / 19
3.7L 6-cyl6-speed automaticAWD16 / 23 / 18
3.5L 6-cyl turbo6-speed automaticAWD15 / 21 / 17

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Lincoln MKT a good car?

Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 MKT rates better than average: 54% fewer complaints than a typical year of the MKT at the same age. It is one of the best MKT years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Lincoln MKT?

The body & structure — 3 complaints, 43% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body › door. Next are the stability & traction control (1) and electrical system (1).

How many recalls does the 2018 Lincoln MKT have?

There are 2 recalls for the 2018 Lincoln MKT, the most recent from December 1, 2025 (body). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Lincoln MKT?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2016 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2014 and 2010. See the full Lincoln MKT years comparison.

At what mileage do 2018 Lincoln MKT problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 133,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

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.