Lincoln MKT Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 30, 2026 · 295 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

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
2010 Lincoln MKT photographed in Marlow Heights, Maryland , USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Peak: 2013, with 70 complaints
2010: 652010652011: 192011192012: 272012272013: 702013702014: 542014542015: 242015242016: 9201692017: 3201732018: 7201872019: 17201917

n = 295 complaints · Source: NHTSA

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

  1. 2013 MKT: 70 complaints, 7 recalls
  2. 2010 MKT: 65 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2014 MKT: 54 complaints, 4 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2017 MKT: 3 complaints, 3 recalls
  2. 2018 MKT: 7 complaints, 2 recalls
  3. 2016 MKT: 9 complaints, 3 recalls

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 areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Steering problems10183
Structure48101
Electrical System2881
Back Over Prevention2460
Engine2460
Fuel/propulsion System2160
Suspension1862
Visibility1740
Power Train1661
Electronic Stability Control (esc)850
Exterior Lighting851
Vehicle Speed Control731
Visibility/wiper630
Fuel System, Gasoline530
Engine and Engine Cooling330
Seat Belts330
Service Brakes, Hydraulic310
Wheels321
Air Bags221
Lane Departure210
Latches/locks/linkages220
Equipment Adaptive/mobility110
Seats110
Service Brakes110
Tires110

All Lincoln MKT model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2019 MKT174—Back Over PreventionFewer complaints than other years
2018 MKT72—Structure
2017 MKT33—Engine and Engine Cooling
2016 MKT93—Structure
2015 MKT246—Unknown or OtherMore complaints than other years
2014 MKT544—StructureFar more complaints than other years
2013 MKT707—SteeringFar more complaints than other years
2012 MKT271—SteeringMore complaints than other years
2011 MKT191—SteeringFewer complaints than other years
2010 MKT650—SteeringFar 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.