2019 Lincoln MKZ Problems & Complaints

Better than average61% fewer complaints than a typical year of the MKZ at the same age

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 2019 Lincoln MKZ with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 61% fewer than a typical MKZ model year at the same age, making the 2019 one of the better MKZ years. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (8 complaints). One recall covers this model year.

21complaints
1recalls
2crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2019 Lincoln MKZ problems

  • Engine & cooling
    838%
  • Other / not specified
    419%
  • Electrical system~0 miles
    314%
  • Steering~116,000 miles
    314%
  • Driver assistance
    210%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    210%
  • Body & structure
    15%
  • Fuel & propulsion system
    15%

Share of the 21 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Lincoln MKZ complaints by model year

200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192592811141701451461099784641413521
Owner complaints per model year, Lincoln MKZ. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best MKZ years: 2006, 2019, 2007. Years to avoid: 2010, 2017, 2012, 2011. Compare all years →

2019 Lincoln MKZ recalls (1)

Back over prevention › Software

NHTSA recall 25V-442 · Jun 27, 2025 · 200,237 vehicles

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and…

Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

What 2019 Lincoln MKZ owners say

Engine & cooling

I noticed on mid Sept/2026 when I started my car the engine was idling rough for a few minutes, then went idling normal. Every morning after it repeated itself when first starting the car and my check engine light came on. I scheduled a a diagnostic with an Auto shop and it was diagnosed as Cylinder 2 misfire. Shop told me to check if coolant level is lower in the next morning, I checked it was low & had to add more coolant, also no coolant on the floor. Check Engine Light on almost every day, took it to another auto shop for 2nd opinion, had them do a coolant pressure test. The Coolant pressure test showed Cylinder 2 had coolant getting inside it. Shop found TSB 19-2208 pertaining to this issue. Repair for this was to replace engine. …

Sep 2026

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. …

Nov 2024

Electrical system

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

Jun 2023 · crash

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.

Nov 2024 · 1 injury

Steering

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.

116,000 miles · Feb 2026

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

Sep 2025

2019 Lincoln MKZ engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.0L 4-cyl hybridCVTFWD42 / 39 / 41
2.0L 4-cyl turbo6-speed automaticFWD20 / 31 / 24
2.0L 4-cyl turbo6-speed automaticAWD20 / 29 / 23
3.0L 6-cyl turbo6-speed automaticFWD18 / 27 / 21
3.0L 6-cyl turbo6-speed automaticAWD17 / 26 / 20

EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Lincoln MKZ a good car?

Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 MKZ rates better than average: 61% fewer complaints than a typical year of the MKZ at the same age. It is one of the best MKZ 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 2019 Lincoln MKZ?

The engine & cooling — 8 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (3) and steering (3).

How many recalls does the 2019 Lincoln MKZ have?

There is 1 recall for the 2019 Lincoln MKZ, the most recent from June 27, 2025 (software). 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 MKZ?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006, 2019 and 2007. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2010, 2017, 2012 and 2011. See the full Lincoln MKZ years comparison.

At what mileage do 2019 Lincoln MKZ problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 116,000 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.