Which Years Of Used Lincoln MKZs Are Most Reliable?
We've rounded up 11 of the most reliable Lincoln MKZ years. See which ones (and which MKZ years to avoid) so you can make a smart choice when car shopping.
The Lincoln MKZ is a solid midsize sedan option, offering an attractive appearance any driver will adore. Lincoln tends to be dependable, and most years of the MKZ follow suit. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case all around. It’s vital to better understand the most reliable Lincoln MKZ year if you want to make the wisest decision.
Whether you’re preparing to purchase a Lincoln MKZ or are considering if it’s the right next choice for your life, we advise learning more about which years of the vehicle are most dependable and which you should keep at bay. Keep reading to learn more about the years to refrain from, which are safe to purchase used, common issues in the system, and more.
Quick Answer: Avoid Lincoln MKZ Year Models 2007, 2008, and 2013.
While there are more good years than bad for the Lincoln MKZ, there are some we advise keeping away from whenever possible. Do not invest in the 2007, 2008, or 2013 options to avoid wasting time and money on the road. The Lincoln MKZ can be problematic if you invest in these selections.
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Which Year Models of Lincoln MKZ Are Safe to Buy Used?
There are a few years we don’t recommend investing in used. However, where there are some terrible years, there are a few excellent selections. These have the best results from customers and should provide a dependable experience on the go.
Here are the best versions of the vehicle to purchase used:
- 2009 Lincoln MKZ
- 2010 Lincoln MKZ
- 2011 Lincoln MKZ
- 2012 Lincoln MKZ
- 2014 Lincoln MKZ
- 2015 Lincoln MKZ
- 2016 Lincoln MKZ
- 2017 Lincoln MKZ
- 2018 Lincoln MKZ
- 2019 Lincoln MKZ
- 2020 Lincoln MKZ
These are solid selections.
While you won’t find any of these years lacking flaws, they have fewer complaints than the three worst years. Always take your machine for a test drive before taking it off the lot to ensure no hidden issues. Also, consider having a mechanic look at the machine to ensure you don’t get stuck with anything.
Which Year Models of Lincoln MKZ Should You Avoid?
There are some solid choices for the Lincoln MKZ, but some stand out as less than ideal. While these are drivable, they will cost far too much money and time on your part to keep them in functional, operating condition.
Here are the worst choices for the Lincoln MKZ:
- 2007 Lincoln MKZ
- 2008 Lincoln MKZ
- 2013 Lincoln MKZ
These are the worst selections available for purchase.
Out of these, the worst year of the Lincoln MKZ is the 2008 iteration. The 2008 Lincoln MKZ struggled with accessory issues. Some of the worst areas included the dash becoming unattached, plastic seat trim breaking off, interior paneling coming off, and more. There’s unfortunate instability inside the system.
HOW LONG DO LINCOLN MKZs LAST?
If you’re looking into the Lincoln MKZ, it’s valuable to check out its lifespan. You might wonder - how long do Lincoln MKZs last?
Common Lincoln MKZ Issues
Purchasing a car means you’re signing up for all the issues that appear in the system. These are common to the car type, so they could make themselves known in the best or worst iterations of the Lincoln MKZ and get worse if you don’t care for them.
According to carparts.com, here are some common issues with the Lincoln MKZ:
- Trouble with shifting the automatic transmission
- Early wear on the dashboard
- Power steering fluid leak
- Chrome peeling on wheels
- Trunk lid not latching
These are unfortunate for the Lincoln MKZ.
No matter which used year of the car you purchase, ensure you take it to a mechanic or have a test drive before making a final decision. You never know when there could be hidden issues, which could cost ample money and time to keep in quality condition for practical use.
Lincoln MKZ Problem Count By Year
First-hand information is always a valuable place to check when determining which version is ideal for your life. With the Lincoln MKZ, there is ample information about the number of reported issues per year by drivers behind the wheel.
According to carcomplaints.com, here are the problem counts by year for the Lincoln MKZ:
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Is the Lincoln MKZ a Good Car?
Unfortunately, the Lincoln MKZ does not tend to be a dependable selection. According to repairpal.com, the Lincoln MKZ scores ⅗, placing it 20th out of 31 vehicles. It also has ownership costs that are higher than average. Unless you love the car, it might be best to go with another selection if you’re focused on dependability.
THE LINCOLN MKZ YEARS TO AVOID
If you’re thinking about buying a new or used Lincoln MKZ, here’s what you need to know about the Lincoln MKZ years to avoid – and why those years should be avoided.
How Much Does a New Lincoln MKZ Typically Cost?
Let’s say you want to invest in a brand-new version of the Lincoln MKZ. The price ranges from $37,000-$43,000.
How Much Does a Used Lincoln MKZ Typically Cost?
If you want a used version of the vehicle, the price will be even less. Typically, a used Lincoln MKZ will go from $5,000-$17,000.
Is It Worth It to Buy a Lincoln MKZ?
Overall, if you can invest in a used version from one of the most dependable years, it might be worth it to invest. It can struggle with dependability, but if you’re smart about your selection, the Lincoln MKZ will be well worth the purchase.
FAQ: Most Reliable Lincoln MKZ Years
Q: Which Lincoln MKZ years are recommended for their reliability?
Several years are recommended for their dependability. We advise picking the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 selections.
Q: What common issues should I be aware of in the Lincoln MKZ?
There are ample troubles in the Lincoln MKZ, especially in the worst years. Watch for troubles like early wear on the dashboard and power steering fluid leaking.
Q: Can I trust Lincoln MKZ models from the early 2000s?
You can trust some of the earlier models for the Lincoln MKZ. However, we don’t recommend the 2007 and 2008 iterations.
Q: Is the 2020 Lincoln MKZ reliable?
Yes, the 2020 Lincoln MKZ falls on our list of dependable selections. It has minimal complaints from customers and is updated with more features than other iterations.
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