Is the 2019 Lincoln MKZ reliable?

The 2019 Lincoln MKZ has 18 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2019 Lincoln MKZ?

Top problems: ENGINE (4 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (3 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (3 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2019 Lincoln MKZ?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE. Contact any Lincoln dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2019 Lincoln MKZ?

The 2019 Lincoln MKZ gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2019 Lincoln MKZ?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2019 Lincoln MKZ is approximately $2,014/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2019 Lincoln MKZ

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2019 Lincoln MKZ has 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.1x the segment average of 146. The most common issue is engine problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: engine failed due to coolant intrusion into cylinders. this is a known design flaw in this engine. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.

3 crash reports 2 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

4 complaints

22%

• Engine failed due to coolant intrusion into cylinders. This is a known design flaw in this engine
• My 2019 Lincoln MKZ check engine light came on. The repair shop said coolant was leaking into #3 cylinder from cracks in the engine block. Per alerts the shop receives from Ford, this is a known issue and there is no way to repair this issue. The engine will need to be replaced. My powertrain warran
• Vehicle model is prone to coolant intrusion which causes misfire and engine shut off while driving. Car shakes while accelerating.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“Engine failed due to coolant intrusion into cylinders. This is a known design flaw in this engine”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (1)

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE27/06/2025

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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2019 Lincoln MKZ

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2019 Lincoln MKZ

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,014

Full coverage / month

$168

Liability only / year

$668

vs US avg

+20%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2014

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Lincoln MKZ Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Complimentary maintenance for select models; check with your dealer for eligibility.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Lincoln New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

6 yr / 70K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

6 yr / 70K mi

These are the terms for a new Lincoln. If you're buying a used 2019 MKZ, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Lincoln dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 18 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: Engine failed due to coolant intrusion into cylinders. This is a known design flaw in this engine
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED 2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE. NO INDICATION OF SPEED NOR FUEL LEVEL.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: The steering wheel is loose and feels as if it wants to come apart from the steering column.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: 2019 LINCOLN MKZ. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DEFECTIVE COLLISION WARNING RADAR.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Lincoln dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)