repaired · 2026 Q2
Doors: latch
Risk. Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
2016 Lincoln MKZProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 65 owner complaints about the 2016 Lincoln MKZ, most often about the steering. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-775 the manufacturer reports only 32% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 9, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Lincoln MKZ has problems
65 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
13Steering
11Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
10Service brakes4 crash/fire/injury
9Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
6Engine
5Back over prevention
4Service brakes, hydraulic
3Wheels
3Seat belts
96 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 13 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 10 | 4 |
| Air bags | 9 | 3 |
| Engine | 6 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 5 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 4 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 9 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2016 Lincoln MKZ recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q1
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q2
Doors: latch
Risk. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Steering: electric power assist system
Risk. 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…
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2019 Q3
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Risk. A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage
Risk. A fuel tank that cracks may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lincoln.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other MKZ year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the MKZ median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Lincoln MKZ safety ratings
2016 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2016 Lincoln MKZ, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- Door Latch FailuresLed to recall 20V-177
- Front Brake Jounce Hose FailuresLed to recall 23V-162
In owners' words
What MKZ owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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
I was driving on the freeway when the steering on my car became very difficult and “wobbly”. It was hard to keep it going straight. I knew something was wrong and when I got home, I told my husband to check my tires. The next morning I was told that my tires were fine but when we got into the car,…
Own a 2016 MKZ?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.