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2019 Lincoln Mkz
Solid pick. The public record on this car is clean for its age. Inspect it, then negotiate with confidence.
17 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 21, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Complaints are still coming in strong late in this car's life, a chronic-problem pattern, not early teething.
Very few owner complaints for its age and sales volume.
Score breakdown, by factor
Full methodology →#89 of 500Among the 2019 models with a matured record, the 2019 Lincoln Mkz ranks #89, scoring higher than 80% of them. See the 2019 ranking →
Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
5/5 overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating · 2019 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD
Rollover risk in a single-vehicle crash: 11%
No open NHTSA defect investigations on file.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2019 Lincoln Mkz, plotted where owners report it happening.
Engine
24%4 complaints · 4 in the last 2 years
“Vehicle model is prone to coolant intrusion which causes misfire and engine shut off while driving. Car shakes while accelerating.”
Steering
18%3 complaints · 3 in the last 2 years
“The steering wheel is loose and feels as if it wants to come apart from the steering column.”
Electrical system
18%3 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED 2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE. NO INDICATION OF SPEED NOR FUEL LEVEL.”
Transmission & drivetrain
12%2 complaints · 2 in the last 2 years
“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”
Check it against this car’s mileage
Type the odometer reading on the actual car you’re looking at to see which of these problem areas owners tend to report before it, around it, or after it.
Too few owners named a mileage on this model to place issues against an odometer yet.
Read all 17 owner complaints in their own words → · just the 3 crash/fire/injury reports →
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Back Over Prevention · 25V442000
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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Questions to ask the seller
Questions worth asking the seller of this Lincoln before you buy, drawn from its public record:
- NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2019 Lincoln Mkz. Can you run this car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and confirm each one shows "Remedy Completed"?
- Has this car been in any accident or had any structural, airbag, or flood-related repair? Do you have a clean title and a recent history report (Carfax / AutoCheck)?
- How many owners has it had, do you have the maintenance records, and why are you selling it?
- Are you open to me having an independent mechanic inspect it before we settle on a price?
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2019 Lincoln MKZ beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2019? See how every Mkz model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2019 Lincoln Mkz against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.