2016 Lincoln Mkz: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2016 Lincoln Mkz? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 59 complaints, with Brake System as the top reported area.
2016 Lincoln Mkz Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2016 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. 5 trims analysed.
2016 Lincoln Mkz Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2016 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.9% 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 2016 Lincoln Mkz has 59 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Lincoln
- Model
- Mkz
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 59
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 22 / 31
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2016 Lincoln Mkz Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Steering Defects
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Steering Defects, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2016 Lincoln Mkz?
The 2016 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 2016 Lincoln Mkz
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 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
Complaints for the 2016 Lincoln MKZ are concentrated in the brake system, steering, and electrical components, with 59 total complaints and 7 recalls. Crash-related complaints number 8, but the low confidence level suggests caution in interpretation.
- Brake system complaints are the most frequent at 13.
- Steering defects account for 12 complaints.
- Electrical faults total 11 complaints.
- Brake System issues are the most reported concern.
- Steering Defects are a recurring theme.
- Electrical Faults appear frequently.
All 2016 Lincoln Mkz Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Lincoln Mkz. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 13 | 4 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | 3 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 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 2016 Lincoln Mkz. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became loose, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the front end made an abnormal humming sound. The vehicle experienced a loss of …
regarding the rear view camera. It stopped working intermittently and now it shows the picture inverted (backwards) I see an extensive list of vehicles that have been recalled, but my vin is not listed. How do I get this repaired?
The back up camera mostly is blank and doesn’t warn me of a vehicle coming from either side resulting in almost getting hit several times
Rear camera malfunction in that the image is reversed and the reference lines are missing, fertile lines also appear obstructing view
My back up camera fails the majority of the time. When in reverse it will say camera not available, or it will just go black. And every once in a while it will actually work. I have goiter used to using the camera to check for cars and children behind me. It is hard to see things…
The issue is the back up camera works correctly sporadically. Often times the screen is blank or says to contact the dealer. I took it to the Ford dealer and said to fix the issue the camera would have to be replaced.
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while shifting into reverse(R), the image on the rear-view camera was frozen or distorted. The contact stated that on other occasions the screen was black. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken t…
I have had this problem now for over a year, the backup camera on my 2016 Lincoln MKZ shows a panoramic view of the rear but things are reversed, left is on the right side and visa versa or the screen goes blank and a message states camera unavailable contact dealership. Sometime…
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Prior to the failure, the vehicle had been taken to a local dealer on several occasions for a START/ST…
We own a 2016 Lincoln MKZ hybrid that is having issues with the backup camera randomly going blank, or significant delays at random times. Ford/Lincoln addressed the exact issue as a software recall in other models under Recall 25S72, but failed to list our vehicle. This is bec…
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera was inoperable, and the message "Camera Is Unavailable" was displayed. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer …
My MKZ started slowly losing coolant and running rough particularly upon starting the engine. Two days later the overheating warning came on and I pulled over and shut off the engine. Sioux Falls Ford has diagnosed it as coolant intrusion in the engine requiring a new engine bl…
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle lost mo…
Backup camera is showing opposite side. Left side is on yhe right and right side is on the left
I’ve had my car for 7 months and the power steering went out. Not able drive until repaired for $2000.
Eco Boost 2.0 Coolant Intrusion to Cylinders Needs new motor, very well known issue by Ford and they are not willing to pay for repairs
My power steering electric system doesn’t work, the steering gear motor may have detached from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds
While driving a complete loss of brake incident occurred. The brake pedal got still, and the car would not stop. Luckily, we were close to home and was able to slow down enough to turn around and get home slowly. Upon investigation it was found the coupler (Part that connects cam…
I brought my 2016 MKZ in for a Safety Recall on front brake hoses. I was told that the lug nuts were swollen and would have to be replaced and would cost 166.27. Had to do it to have the brake hoses replaced. They were replaced with the same type of aluminum lug nuts.…
Steering wheel is wobbly and loose
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Lincoln Mkz.
2016 Lincoln Mkz Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Lincoln Mkz. 7 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.
2016 Lincoln Mkz Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Lincoln Mkz reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 59 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 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 2016 Lincoln Mkz?▾
#1: Brake System (13 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (12 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Lincoln Mkz?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Lincoln Mkz?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Lincoln Mkz, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 59 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Lincoln Mkz have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2016 Lincoln Mkz. A major recall area is STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. 7 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 2016 Lincoln Mkz?▾
The 2016 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 Brake System 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 2016 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.