Check a VIN

2019 Lincoln MKZ problems

The most common problem on the 2019 Lincoln MKZ is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical MKZ model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
91/100
Owner complaints
21
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
127
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
20-41mpg

The worst 2019 Lincoln MKZ problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    8
  • Electrical
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Fuel system
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2019 Lincoln MKZ

Engine failure 6

Recalls 1

Back over prevention: softwareReported June 27, 2025 · 200,237 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 25V442000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2019 Lincoln MKZ

Technical service bulletins for the 2019 Lincoln MKZ 127

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 127 bulletins for the 2019 Lincoln MKZ

2019 Lincoln MKZ fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cyl HybridFWD423941
2.0L 4‑cylFWD203124
2.0L 4‑cylAWD202923
3.0L 6‑cylFWD182721
3.0L 6‑cylAWD172620

What 2019 Lincoln MKZ owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine · TX

I noticed on mid Sept/2026 when I started my car the engine was idling rough for a few minutes, then went idling normal. Every morning after it repeated itself when first starting the car and my check engine light came on. I scheduled a a diagnostic with an Auto shop and it was diagnosed as Cylinder 2 misfire. Shop told me to check if coolant level is lower in the next morning, I checked it was low & had to add more coolant, also no coolant on the floor. Check Engine Light on almost every day, took it to another auto shop for 2nd opinion, had them do a coolant pressure test. The Coolant pressure test showed Cylinder 2 had coolant getting inside it. Shop found TSB 19-2208 pertaining to this issue. Repair for this was to replace engine. Found out about Miller vs Ford Class action suit online which stated Ford had a Engine Block design flaw on the 1.0 L, 1.6 L, & 2.0 L EcoBoost engines which allows coolant to leak directly into the combustion Cylinders, which could cause severe overheating. My Lincoln MKZ has the 2.0 L EcoBoost engine. Eventually my engine will fail completely if I continue to drive the car. My MKZ engine was built on 08/2018

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Engine · VA

In August 2026, my 2019 Lincoln MKZ equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, with approximately 39,000 miles, began experiencing repeated coolant loss, rough shaking during startup, engine misfires, temperature-gauge fluctuations toward hot, and an “Engine Coolant Over Temperature” warning while the vehicle was being driven. The warning appeared and then cleared, creating concern that the vehicle could continue operating without a persistent warning even though the engine was overheating. The climate-control system also began blowing hot air while the air conditioning was selected. Before the over-temperature warning, coolant had required frequent replacement, at times approximately once per week. An authorized Lincoln dealership performed diagnostic testing and confirmed coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. The dealership advised that the failure matches the condition addressed in Ford’s technical service bulletin concerning coolant intrusion in certain 2.0L EcoBoost engines. The prescribed repair is replacement of the engine long-block assembly. This condition creates a safety concern because coolant entering the cylinders can cause misfires, overheating, severe engine damage, and potential loss of motive power while driving. The vehicle is currently at the authorized Lincoln dealership, and the failed engine should remain available for inspection until it is replaced. No crash, fire, or injury occurred. The manufacturer declined repair assistance because the vehicle was outside the applicable time limit, and the estimated engine replacement cost is approximately $9,620.

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Engine · FL

On XXX, the engine in my 2019 Lincoln MKZ (Mileage 58,089) with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine suffered a catastrophic, sudden failure while driving. The vehicle began to overheat & run extremely rough, triggering multiple warning lights. It is now inoperable and unsafe to drive. The vehicle was towed to a Lincoln dealership (Tasca Lincoln in [XXX]) for diagnosis. The work order number is RO #XXX. The dealership confirmed the failure is due to a well-documented manufacturing defect known as "coolant intrusion," where the engine block cracks internally, allowing coolant to leak directly into the engine cylinders. The diagnostic trouble codes stored were P0217 (Engine Overheat Condition), P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected), & P0316 (Misfire Detected on Startup). This issue is specifically addressed in Ford's own Technical Service Bulletin 19-2346. This coolant intrusion defect creates a critical safety hazard. The engine can lose its coolant and fail without any prior warning, leading to a complete loss of power while the vehicle is in motion. A sudden seizure of the engine at highway speeds could cause a catastrophic accident, endangering myself, my passengers, & other drivers on the road. Estimated Cost for Repair: $10,781.40 (for complete engine replacement). I contacted Lincoln Customer Relations (Case #XXX) to request assistance with this known manufacturing defect. I was informed that there is no goodwill assistance available & that my case was being forwarded to their internal Vehicle Safety Division. This confirms that Ford is aware this is a serious safety issue. This is not a normal wear-and-tear failure; it is a fundamental defect in the engine's design that Ford has acknowledged internally through its service bulletins. An engine should not fail catastrophically due to a manufacturing defect on a [XXX] vehicle. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate this defect to determine if a safety recall is warranted to protect the public. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(

Filed Jul 30, 2026 · Engine · TX

My engine has failed at less than 40,000 miles due to coolant leaking into the engine.

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · TN

The shifter cable bushing was broken. Car would not move out of Park. Same as Recall 22543 but this vehicle was not included. I have sent this before with the repair order from the dealership but the mileage was incorrect on that form by the service adviser. I am enclosing the corrected mileage with the receipt

Filed Jul 3, 2026 · TN

The shifter cable bushing was broken and car was stuck on Park

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Engine · NY

Technical Service Bulletin 19-2387 My vehicle has this defect which is an ongoing problem and at the time of this correspondence my vehicle has under 13,000 miles. Seepage around the perimeter of the oil pan which in time will result in a steady leak and in turn loosing enough oil will cause engine damage. Technicians refer to this as the oil pan sweating. As per the Technical Service Bulletin this problem exists on 2017 to 2019 Lincoln MKZ 3.0 which Ford installed a plastic oil pan on all new vehicles to reduce the weight of the vehicle. The 2017 to 2019 Lincoln MKZ 2.0 were fitted with metal oil pans and there is no issue. I notified Lincoln customer service and they are aware of this problem yet a recall has not been issued. This is a manufacturer defect and Ford should take responsibility to correct this problem. A recall should be issued. Thank You for your attention on this matter. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Engine · SC

Vehicle model is prone to coolant intrusion which causes misfire and engine shut off while driving. Car shakes while accelerating.

Filed Mar 12, 2026 · IN

I took my car to a Lincoln dealer because I was getting a drive control malfunction error every time I started my car. After a couple of days, I called the service dept. for a status update on the repair. The dealer told me that the car could not be repaired because they don't have a replacement part. They had me call the Lincoln Concierge, who also told me the same thing, they did not have a replacement part. When I researched the error message, is said that it is dangerous to drive the car without the repair. When I bought the car, I also purchased an extended warranty, which is now not worth the paper it's printed on. My car is only 7 years old and only has 53,000 miles, why can't they repair my car? The car is currently still at the dealer, so I do not have any paperwork for now.

Filed Feb 17, 2026 · Steering · 116,100 miles · MA

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while reversing, the steering wheel wobbled. The contact stated that the steering wheel was moving back and forth. In addition, the contact stated that while making a turn, the steering wheel turned in the intended direction without an issue. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,100.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2019 Lincoln MKZ before you buy

Compare the 2019 Lincoln MKZ

MKZ vs Audi A4MKZ vs Mercedes-Benz C300MKZ vs BMW 328IMKZ vs Cadillac CTSMKZ vs Lexus ES350MKZ vs Acura TLX

Other model years

20072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020

Questions about the 2019 Lincoln MKZ

Is the 2019 Lincoln MKZ reliable?

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 2019 Lincoln MKZ, fewer than a typical MKZ model year.

What is the 2019 Lincoln MKZ year score?

The 2019 Lincoln MKZ scores 91 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lincoln MKZ: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2019 Lincoln MKZ?

Engine and cooling, with 8 complaints. Next is electrical (3).

How many recalls does the 2019 Lincoln MKZ have?

1 recall, covering back over prevention.

What year does the Lincoln MKZ have bad engine?

The Lincoln MKZ model years with the most engine complaints are 2017 (85 complaints), 2018 (16 complaints) and 2011 (13 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2019 Lincoln MKZ get?

Official estimates for the 2019 Lincoln MKZ range from 20 to 41 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl hybrid, FWD) gets 42 city and 39 highway.

Share your experience with the 2019 Lincoln MKZ

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2019 Lincoln MKZ?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN