RoadVitals

2019 Lincoln Mkz

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
18
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Jun 27, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 18 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Lincoln Mkz, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and steering categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 127 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine529.4%
  • Electrical317.6%
  • Steering317.6%
  • Driver assistance211.8%
  • Powertrain (other)211.8%
  • Body & structure15.9%
  • Fuel system15.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Jun 27, 2025
200,237 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended.
The risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 25S72View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Jul 30, 2026

My engine has failed at less than 40,000 miles due to coolant leaking into the engine.

NHTSA ID
11753851
Incident
Jul 20, 2026
Filed Jul 8, 2026

The shifter cable bushing was broken. Car would not move out of Park. Same as Recall 22543 but this vehicle was not included. I have sent this before with the repair order from the dealership but the mileage was incorrect on that form by the service adviser. I am enclosing the corrected mileage with the receipt

NHTSA ID
11749036
Incident
Jun 28, 2026
Filed Jul 3, 2026

The shifter cable bushing was broken and car was stuck on Park

NHTSA ID
11748245
Incident
Jun 28, 2026
Engine
Filed Apr 14, 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. Thank You for your attention on this matter. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11731011
Incident
Nov 11, 2024
Engine
Filed Apr 1, 2026

Vehicle model is prone to coolant intrusion which causes misfire and engine shut off while driving. Car shakes while accelerating.

NHTSA ID
11728649
Incident
Mar 28, 2026
Filed Mar 12, 2026

I took my car to a Lincoln dealer because I was getting a drive control malfunction error every time I started my car. After a couple of days, I called the service dept. for a status update on the repair. The dealer told me that the car could not be repaired because they don't have a replacement part. They had me call the Lincoln Concierge, who also told me the same thing, they did not have a replacement part. When I researched the error message, is said that it is dangerous to drive the car without the repair. When I bought the car, I also purchased an extended warranty, which is now not worth the paper it's printed on. My car is only 7 years old and only has 53,000 miles, why can't they repair my car? The car is currently still at the dealer, so I do not have any paperwork for now.

NHTSA ID
11723920
Incident
Mar 2, 2026
Steering
Filed Feb 17, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11718633
Incident
Feb 3, 2026
Mileage
116,100 mi
Steering
Filed Sep 23, 2025

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

NHTSA ID
11689271
Incident
Sep 23, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 54589

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC3 may experience various connectivity concerns with The Ford App Lincoln App including but not limited to: missing activation prompt pop-upon the vehicle's center display screen when attempting to activate vehicle through The Ford App Lincoln App, incorrect location global positioning system GPS reported through The Ford App Lincoln App, problems with remote commands being performed through The Ford App Lincoln App and or incorrect data information reported on The Ford App Lincoln App. These symptoms will be accompanied by diagnostic trouble code DTC B156D 89 in the TCU. This may be due to the accessory protocol interface module APIM software. To correct the condition, update the APIM software.

SSM 54366

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.

SSM 54116

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Various 2019-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a partially or fully black center display screen at start-up using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This does not affect rear camera operation. This may be due to interference from the phone being connected into the media hub using a universal serial bus (USB) cable during SYNC system boot up. To correct his condition, advise the customer to disconnect the USB cable from the phone. If the center display screen displays normally, reconnect the phone. If the concern persists, disconnect the phone from the USB cable, cycle the ignition off and open the driver's door so the interior lights come on. Close the door, start the vehicle and wait for the center display screen to boot up past the start-up animation and display the home screen, then reconnect the phone using the USB cable. If the concern persists after this procedure, follow normal Workshop Manual diagnostics for a blank screen concern.

24B47 S1

CERTAIN 2018-2024 MODEL YEAR VARIOUS VEHICLES — UPDATE SYNC SOFTWARE

24B47 S1

Certain 2018 - 2024 Model Year Various Vehicles Update SYNC Software

SSM 53174

Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs. Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Lincoln Mkz by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2020210
2019Viewing181057.7
2018312163.2
20171334169.1
2016637373.7
20157811367.6
20149714365.9
201310813462.0
20121466259.3
20111447258.6
20101699362.4
20091147362.4
20082815457.8
20072595360.8
2006041

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.