Lincoln MKT Problems by Year
NHTSA has 295 owner complaints and 14 safety recalls on file for the Lincoln MKT, across 10 model years (2010–2019). The 2013 model year has the most complaints (70). The most reported problem area overall is steering.

Lincoln MKT years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical MKT year: 2010, 2013, 2014. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2013 MKT: 70 complaints, 7 recalls
- 2010 MKT: 65 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2014 MKT: 54 complaints, 4 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Lincoln MKT problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering problems | 101 | 8 | 3 |
| Structure | 48 | 10 | 1 |
| Electrical System | 28 | 8 | 1 |
| Back Over Prevention | 24 | 6 | 0 |
| Engine | 24 | 6 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 21 | 6 | 0 |
| Suspension | 18 | 6 | 2 |
| Visibility | 17 | 4 | 0 |
| Power Train | 16 | 6 | 1 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 8 | 5 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 8 | 5 | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | 3 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Air Bags | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Lane Departure | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Equipment Adaptive/mobility | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Lincoln MKT model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 MKT | 17 | 4 | — | Back Over Prevention | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2018 MKT | 7 | 2 | — | Structure | |
| 2017 MKT | 3 | 3 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 2016 MKT | 9 | 3 | — | Structure | |
| 2015 MKT | 24 | 6 | — | Unknown or Other | More complaints than other years |
| 2014 MKT | 54 | 4 | — | Structure | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2013 MKT | 70 | 7 | — | Steering | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2012 MKT | 27 | 1 | — | Steering | More complaints than other years |
| 2011 MKT | 19 | 1 | — | Steering | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2010 MKT | 65 | 0 | — | Steering | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Lincoln: all Lincoln models · Lincoln VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Lincoln MKT years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2010 (65), 2013 (70), 2014 (54) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical MKT year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Lincoln MKT?
Steering, with 101 complaints across 8 model years.
How many recalls does the Lincoln MKT have?
14 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.