2010 Lincoln Mkz: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2010 Lincoln Mkz? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 169 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2010 Lincoln Mkz Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2010 Lincoln Mkz trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2010 Lincoln Mkz Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated9.2% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
9.2% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2010 Lincoln Mkz has 169 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Mkz
- Model year
- 2010
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 169
- Crash-related complaints
- 14
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2010 Lincoln Mkz Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Brake System
Hydraulic
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Brake System, Hydraulic. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2010 Lincoln Mkz?
The 2010 Lincoln Mkz shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2010 Lincoln Mkz
Inspection Focus
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for airbag and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system and brakes before purchase.
- Check for any history of unintended acceleration or electrical faults.
Before You Close the Deal
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbag systems.
- Request service records for airbag and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the airbag system and brakes before purchase.
- Check for any history of unintended acceleration or electrical faults.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2010 Lincoln Mkz, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2010 Lincoln MKZ has 169 NHTSA complaints, with a notable concentration in airbag malfunctions (96 complaints) and brake system issues (40 complaints). There are 9 recalls and 14 crash-related complaints, but the data is based on a single model year with low confidence.
- Airbag malfunctions account for the majority of complaints (96 out of 169).
- Brake system issues are the second most reported component (40 complaints).
- Unintended acceleration and electrical faults each have 10 complaints.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Brake System
- Unintended Acceleration
All 2010 Lincoln Mkz Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Lincoln Mkz. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 96 | 6 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 40 | 3 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 10 | 9 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2010 Lincoln Mkz. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the ABS and the Traction Control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the ABS had failed and needed to be replaced. Th…
I bought this car and it started making a tick sound and when I got it home the drive train was hanging
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, several unknown warning lights illuminated. Additionally, on several occasions, while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brake pedal r…
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to slow as intended. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that …
The brake pedal had a long travel before brakes would apply. I was not able to operate my vehicle without concern for myself and others since brakes did not react quickly. It required a flush of the brake fluid and replacement of the ABS brake module. I believe this type of incid…
Water pump failure Car has 44,000 miles. Dealer maintained Safety - I am reading that engine can shut off Known problem with Lincoln/ ford water pump failures in engines Just purchased vehicle last month dealer filled up reservoir w coolant said it just evaporated did not a…
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, he had to apply pressure to the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that either the master c…
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle cut her off. As a result, the contact’s wife abruptly depressed the brake pedal, but extra force had to be applied to stop the vehicle. No warning ligh…
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had excee…
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while in the car wash the transmission was shifted back to the Driver position when suddenly the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a pair of the…
Wrench light came on a few times when I checked it the codes were p2135 and p0122 and p1576 car didnt accelerate It happen again one time and then it was letting me accelerate but it was very limited
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while her husband was driving 45 MPH and approaching a traffic light, he had to depress the brake pedal to the floor to stop the vehicle. The driver stated that the advance trac and ABS warning lights were illuminated but tu…
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while making a left turn at a low rate of speed, several warning lights including the ABS warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact then received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 …
The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, while depressing on the brake pedal the vehicle failed to stop. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to cruise to an independent mechanic. The contact sta…
I traded in this 2010 Lincoln MKZ on November 24, 2018 at Classic Acura in Beaumont, Texas. Since that time I have contacted both Lincoln Motor Company by phone and email plus Kinsel Ford-Lincoln of Beaumont, Texas in person and by phone. These contacts were done multiple times a…
RECEVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE LETTER. I NEED A RENTAL CAR OR LOANER CAR FROM DEARERSHIP FOR MY OWN SAFETY WHILE I AWAIT THE REPAIR OF MY DEFECTED DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG. MY VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AT THIS POINT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, EXCESSIVE FORCE HAD TO BE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO RESPOND. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V904000 …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V904000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED ANOTHER …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Lincoln Mkz.
2010 Lincoln Mkz Recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Lincoln Mkz. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2010 Lincoln Mkz Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2010 Lincoln Mkz reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 169 owner complaints, 14 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2010 Lincoln Mkz shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Lincoln Mkz?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (96 complaints). #2: Brake System (40 complaints). #3: Hydraulic (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Lincoln Mkz?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2010 Lincoln Mkz?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Lincoln Mkz, NHTSA complaints include 14 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 169 total complaints. 10 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Lincoln Mkz have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Lincoln Mkz. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 9 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2010 Lincoln Mkz?▾
The 2010 Lincoln Mkz shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Lincoln Mkz reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2010 Lincoln Mkz based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.