2016 Lincoln Mkz Safety Report
2016 Lincoln MKZ Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Lincoln Mkz
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Lincoln Mkz. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (7) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (59) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 8 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Steering | Compare steering issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Lincoln Mkz with 2 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 Lincoln Mkz before buying across this generation. |
Lincoln Mkz Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Lincoln Mkz years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Lincoln Mkz | 120 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Lincoln Mkz | 72 | 11 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Lincoln Mkz | 26 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Lincoln Mkz | 13 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Lincoln Mkz | 2 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2016 Lincoln Mkz Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Lincoln Mkz, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Steering
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Lincoln onlyService Brakes
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Lincoln onlyAir Bags
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Lincoln onlyElectrical System
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Lincoln onlyUnknown Or Other
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Lincoln onlyEngine
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Lincoln onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Lincoln Mkz
Reliability Score
The 2016 Lincoln Mkz receives a reliability score of 80 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Lincoln Mkz
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2016 Lincoln Mkz
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Lincoln Mkz:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Wheel/Handle Bar Several contacts reported the steering wheel becoming loose at around 30,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Rear Camera Malfunction The rear camera frequently shows a reversed image or is inoperable, affecting safety. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic Hydraulic components have been identified as a common issue, with several contacts reporting problems. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Contacts have reported issues with the electrical system, including power steering failure and engine overheating. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Lincoln Mkz:
23% of contacts reported issues with the steering wheel becoming loose.
20% of contacts reported issues with the rear camera, including reversed images and inoperability.
15% of contacts reported issues with the hydraulic service brakes.
12% of contacts reported issues with the electrical system, including power steering and engine problems.
Recall Details for the 2016 Lincoln Mkz
The following 7 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Lincoln Mkz by NHTSA:
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A component inside the door latches may break, which can make it difficult to latch or possibly ...
Consequence: Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the door latch date codes and if necessary, replace all four side door latches, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S15. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-177.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fiesta, 2014-2016 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or lea...
Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and Ford or Lincoln dealers will replace the side door latches, free of charge. The recall began September 21, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S15.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Replacement Headlamps, part number DP5Z-13008-T and DP5Z-13008-V, sold for use with 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The headlamps may have an improper beam pattern and incorrect horizontal adjustment, the side markers may not illuminate and DOT markings may be missing. As such, these headlamps fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: The incorrect headlamps may reduce the driver's visibility or make the vehicle less visible, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify vehicle manufacturers, and dealers will inspect the headlamps, and replace the headlamps, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Ford will instruct dealers to return all improper headlamps and not to install them on any vehicles. The recall began June 3, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C10.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering...
Consequence: If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer. If any of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for thi...
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
Consequence: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured September 3, 2015, to September 13, 2015, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured September 3, 2015, to September 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a fuel tank that may have insufficent wall thickness. As a result, the fuel tanks may crack in the event of a crash and thus the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel Syste...
Consequence: A fuel tank that cracks may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C11.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Lincoln Mkz
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Lincoln Mkz with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 5 complaints involved crashes. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 power steering assist functionality. The contact pulled over, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; howe...
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 behind me when I just look out the back window. Yes had a ford dealer look over it and they told me it would be very ex...
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 the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the back over prevention camera needed ...
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. Sometimes it works okay but then goes into one of the two issues mentioned above. I talked with my dealership and they wanted t...
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/STOP repair, and other unknown repairs; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the same local deal...
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 becoming a big issue with safety not having the backup camera working with the way the rear window is placed, it is difficu...
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 was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 43,800.
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 block.
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 motive power but was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determi...
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 camshaft to brake pump) failed causing the brake pump to not work. This situation is extremely dangerous as we had no prior...
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. This defective type lug nut has been a problem for over 10 years yet nothing has been done to change it. Lucki...
Steering wheel is wobbly and loose
Showing 20 of 59 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Lincoln Mkz
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Opened 2022-08-08 · Closed 2023-03-24
On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 50 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging front brake jounce hose ruptures on model year (MY) 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A ruptured front brake hose results in a brake fluid leak. As a result, the driver may experience an increase in pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration, increasing the risk of a crash. It should be noted that the subject vehicles identifi...
Component: Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch
Opened 2019-12-19 · Closed 2022-02-07
In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. Some VOQs reported the failure occurred after the latch had been remedied under a prior recall which involved fracture of the latch pawl spring tab due to thermally induced cyclic fatigue. Other VOQ...
Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Opened 2021-09-17
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Lincoln Mkz
Has the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ has 7 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ have?
The 2016 LINCOLN MKZ has 59 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 8 involved crashes. 6 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ?
The 2016 LINCOLN MKZ received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 4/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ involve steering (8 complaints), service brakes (6 complaints), air bags (6 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, unknown or other, engine.
How many crash reports does the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ have?
There are 8 crash reports associated with the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ out of 59 total complaints (13.6% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ have?
There are no fire reports for the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ?
6 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 LINCOLN MKZ?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ is acceptable with caveats. It has 59 complaints, 7 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ are: 1. STEERING (8 complaints), 2. SERVICE BRAKES (6 complaints), 3. AIR BAGS (6 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints). STEERING is the single most-reported problem area with 8 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 LINCOLN MKZ?
Be cautious of steering and electrical system issues, and regularly check the rear camera for malfunctions. The 2016 LINCOLN MKZ has 59 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ?
The 2016 LINCOLN MKZ receives a reliability score of 80/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 59 owner complaints, 7 recalls, and 8 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Steering Wheel/Handle Bar and Rear Camera Malfunction.
What are the known issues with the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ?
Known issues with the 2016 LINCOLN MKZ include: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar, Rear Camera Malfunction, Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical System. These are based on patterns found across 59 NHTSA complaints. 7 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2016 Lincoln MKZ?
Steering wheel looseness, rear camera malfunctions, and hydraulic service brake issues are the most common problems.
How reliable are the air bags and engine systems?
The air bags and engine systems are generally reliable, with only minor issues reported.
What should I do if I experience steering or rear camera issues?
Contact Ford for a recall check and repair, as these issues are frequently reported and may be covered under recall programs.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of steering and electrical system issues, and regularly check the rear camera for malfunctions.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Lincoln Mkz
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Lincoln Mkz. The data includes 59 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 8 reported crashes, 6 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Lincoln Mkz an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 4 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16