2016 Lincoln MKZ Problems: 6 Known Issues
2016 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Lincoln MKZ has 6 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are 2.0L EcoBoost Internal Coolant Leak / Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders ($5,000-$15,000 repair), Door Latch Failure - Doors Can Open While Driving ($0-$400 repair) and Electric Power Steering Loss of Assist (Corroded Gear Motor Bolts) ($0-$1,200 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $15,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 6 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls10 recalls
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured September 3, 2015, to September 13, 2015, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured September 3, 2015, to September 12, 2015. The affected vehicles have a fuel tank that may have insufficent wall thickness. As a result, the fuel tanks may crack in the event of a crash and thus the vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fiesta, 2014-2016 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Lincoln MKZ problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Lincoln MKZ has 6 documented issues. Documented issues include: 2.0L EcoBoost Internal Coolant Leak / Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders, Door Latch Failure - Doors Can Open While Driving, Electric Power Steering Loss of Assist (Corroded Gear Motor Bolts). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Lincoln MKZ reliable?
The 2016 Lincoln MKZ has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 2.0L EcoBoost Internal Coolant Leak / Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders and Door Latch Failure - Doors Can Open While Driving and Electric Power Steering Loss of Assist (Corroded Gear Motor Bolts). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Lincoln MKZ problems?
Repair costs for known Lincoln MKZ issues range from $0 to $15,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 2.0L EcoBoost Internal Coolant Leak / Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders, typically costs $5,000-$15,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2013-2020 Lincoln MKZ 2.0L EcoBoost Internal Coolant Leak / Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders?
Second-generation MKZ models equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost turbo engine can develop an internal coolant leak where coolant seeps from the cooling jacket into a combustion chamber, commonly cylinder 2. This is attributed to a cylinder head/block design and sealing defect. Burned… Repairs typically run $5,000-$15,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ Door Latch Failure - Doors Can Open While Driving?
On 2013-2016 MKZ models, the door latch pawl spring tab can fracture, particularly after exposure to high ambient temperatures. A weakened latch may not securely hold the door closed, so a door can open while the vehicle is in motion. Ford issued door-latch recalls (15S16, 20S15… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ Electric Power Steering Loss of Assist (Corroded Gear Motor Bolts)?
On 2013-2016 MKZ (and platform-mate Fusion) models, road salt and contaminants can corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts. If the bolts corrode and fail, the steering gear motor can detach from the housing, causing a sudden loss of power steering assist a… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ MyLincoln Touch / SYNC Infotainment Failures (APIM Module)?
Second-generation MKZ models with MyLincoln Touch / SYNC 2 frequently suffer infotainment failures rooted in the APIM module: black or frozen screen, random reboots, system staying frozen even after shutdown, and loss of functions like the rearview camera and defroster controls. Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ Panoramic Retractable Glass Roof - Leaks, Stuck Sunshade, and Shattering?
The MKZ's signature retractable panoramic glass roof is a recurring trouble spot on 2013-2016 models. Worn seals and clogged drainage channels let water leak into the cabin, the power sunshade can jam, fail to retract/extend, or grind due to motor/track failure, and owners report… Repairs typically run $200-$2,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ Harsh / Delayed Automatic Transmission Shifting (6F35)?
MKZ models with the 6F35 6-speed automatic commonly exhibit harsh or delayed engagement, a bump or slip on takeoff, and sluggish acceleration from 0-5 mph. A known cause is a 6F35 valve body design flaw addressed by a Ford TSB that modifies the valve body separator plate (deletin… Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.