2019 Lincoln Mkz Safety Report
2019 LINCOLN MKZ Safety Analysis
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2019 Lincoln Mkz
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2019 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 | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (13) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 2 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Lincoln Mkz | 2 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Lincoln Mkz | 26 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Lincoln Mkz | 120 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Lincoln Mkz | 59 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Lincoln Mkz | 72 | 11 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2019 Lincoln Mkz Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2019 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
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Lincoln onlyUnknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Lincoln onlyPower Train,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Lincoln onlyPower Train
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Lincoln onlyFuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Lincoln onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other issues Lincoln onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Lincoln Mkz
Reliability Score
The 2019 Lincoln Mkz receives a reliability score of 85 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 2019 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 2019 Lincoln Mkz
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Lincoln Mkz:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant Intrusion Engine failure due to coolant intrusion into cylinders, a known design flaw in the engine. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Issues Steering wheel wobbling and locking up, affecting vehicle control. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Faults Issues with the electrical system, including unauthorized access when doors are locked. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Instrument Cluster Failure Inaccurate speed and fuel level indicators, leading to potential confusion. |
Low | 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 2019 Lincoln Mkz:
Steering issues, including wobbling and locking up, are reported by a significant percentage of owners.
Engine problems, particularly related to coolant intrusion, are a notable concern.
Electrical system faults, such as unauthorized access, have been reported.
Instrument cluster failures have been reported, affecting speed and fuel level indicators.
Recall Details for the 2019 Lincoln Mkz
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2019 Lincoln Mkz by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2019 Lincoln Mkz
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2019 Lincoln Mkz with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 repl...
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...
Randomly my steering wheel will get stiff/lock up and pull the car and its hard to control it sometimes
My 2019 Lincoln MKZ check engine light came on. The repair shop said coolant was leaking into #3 cylinder from cracks in the engine block. Per alerts the shop receives from Ford, this is a known issue and there is no way to repair this issue. The engine will need to be replaced. My powertrain warranty ended 4 month earlier. My car has 45,500 miles on it. I talked to the dealership and they advised...
On models 2017-2019 Lincoln mkz’s there is a tsb known issue for coolant intrusion in the cylinders. I need an engine replacement. This should be a recall in these cars
On 10 May 2025 the car engine stalled at an intersection and would not restart. Had the car towed to the nearest Ford Dealership (Five Star Ford - Plano, Texas). The dealership repaired the failure by replacing the low pressure fuel pump. Failure is similar to 25V442000.
The steering wheel is loose and feels as if it wants to come apart from the steering column.
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.
Engine failed due to coolant intrusion into cylinders. This is a known design flaw in this engine
I was driving in normal conditions with nothing near me and my glass sunroof (closed) exploded and shattered.
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 me...
2019 LINCOLN MKZ. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE COLLISION WARNING RADAR.
THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED 2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE. NO INDICATION OF SPEED NOR FUEL LEVEL.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Lincoln Mkz
Has the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ been recalled?
Yes, the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ have?
The 2019 LINCOLN MKZ has 13 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ?
The 2019 LINCOLN MKZ received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ involve steering (3 complaints), unknown or other (1 complaints), power train,engine (1 complaints). Other affected components include power train, fuel/propulsion system, electrical system,unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ out of 13 total complaints (15.4% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ have?
There are no fire reports for the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ.
How many injuries are reported for the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2019 LINCOLN MKZ?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ is generally recommended. It has 13 complaints, 1 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 2019 LINCOLN MKZ?
The components with the most failures on the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ are: 1. STEERING (3 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN,ENGINE (1 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (1 complaints), 5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints). STEERING is the single most-reported problem area with 3 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2019 LINCOLN MKZ?
Consider the reported issues with steering and engine problems, especially coolant intrusion, before purchasing a 2019 Lincoln MKZ. The 2019 LINCOLN MKZ has 13 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ?
The 2019 LINCOLN MKZ receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 13 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 2 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Coolant Intrusion and Steering Issues.
What are the known issues with the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ?
Known issues with the 2019 LINCOLN MKZ include: Coolant Intrusion, Steering Issues, Electrical System Faults, Instrument Cluster Failure. These are based on patterns found across 13 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there known issues with the steering in the 2019 Lincoln MKZ?
Yes, reports indicate steering wheel wobbling and locking up during use.
What is the most common engine problem reported for the 2019 Lincoln MKZ?
Coolant intrusion leading to engine failure is a known issue.
Can the electrical system in the 2019 Lincoln MKZ be compromised?
Yes, there have been reports of unauthorized access when the doors are locked.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Consider the reported issues with steering and engine problems, especially coolant intrusion, before purchasing a 2019 Lincoln MKZ.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Lincoln Mkz
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Lincoln Mkz. The data includes 13 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Lincoln Mkz an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 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