Makes›Lincoln›MKZ›2016

2016 Lincoln MKZ

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Lincoln MKZ
Pictured: 2018 Lincoln MKZ, front 2.7.20. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
2.0l/Hybrid 4dr Sedan, 3.7l AWD 4dr Sedan
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.7L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
40 combined · 41 city / 39 hwy
Length
194.1 in
Curb weight
3,827–4,001 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 53% better than the average 2016 midsize car (26.2 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 37 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Lincoln MKZ is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.7L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 194 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,827 lb (2.0l/Hybrid 4dr Sedan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 40 MPG combined (41 city / 39 highway), 53% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,700 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 71 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2016

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 MKZ — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 MKZ →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2.0l/Hybrid 4dr Sedan194.1 in73.2 in58.3 in112.2 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,827 lb59/41
3.7l AWD 4dr Sedan194.1 in73.2 in58.3 in112.2 in62.2 / 62.2 in4,001 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
MKZ Hybrid FWD Hybrid2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive41 / 39 / 40+53%$1,700227
MKZ FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 33 / 26-1%$2,600341
MKZ AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25-5%$2,700357
MKZ FWD3.7L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21-20%$3,200415
MKZ AWD3.7L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20-24%$3,350450
9/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
9/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $3,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
26.2 MPG2016 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2016 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.9%
2016 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning

Similar 2016 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Lincoln MKZ (this car)40 MPG★★★★★6
2016 BMW 5 Series30 MPGNot rated0
2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class23 MPG★★★★★0
2016 Audi A427 MPGNot rated3
2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class30 MPGNot rated0
2016 BMW 7 Series24 MPGNot rated0
2016 Audi A630 MPG★★★★★3

Recalls (6)

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Nov 17, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V775000 · 45,173 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and 2016 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 inside the door latches may break, which can make it difficult to latch or possibly allow the doors to open while driving.
Risk
Vehicle doors opening unexpectedly while driving can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect the door latch date codes and if necessary, replace all four side door latches, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 20, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S15. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-177.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Mar 10, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V162000 · 1,280,726 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
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.
Fix
Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Mar 23, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V177000 · 288,110 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and Ford or Lincoln dealers will replace the side door latches, free of charge. The recall began September 21, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S15.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Aug 29, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V632000 · 116,160 vehicles

Problem
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.
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 effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer. If any of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S26.
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar · Mar 12, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V167000 · 1,301,986 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage · Oct 1, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V618000 · 658 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
A fuel tank that cracks may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C11.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Lincoln MKZ is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

71Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
6Injuries reported
60,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System11
Steering11
Service Brakes10
Air Bags10
Unknown Or Other7
Engine6
Seat Belts5
Wheels5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/06: 222/07: 122/09: 123/03: 123/04: 423/05: 423/08: 324/01: 224/04: 124/06: 124/11: 124/12: 125/05: 125/06: 225/07: 125/08: 225/09: 525/10: 126/03: 226/05: 226/06: 126/07: 126/09: 226/10: 122/0623/0323/0824/0625/0525/0826/0326/07max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Lincoln MKZ buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Steering — 11 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  4. Service Brakes — 10 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Lincoln MKZ. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other MKZ years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 MKZ41194.1 in★★★★★13
2019 MKZ41194.1 in★★★★★123
2018 MKZ40194.1 in★★★★★238
2017 MKZ40194.1 in★★★★★4158
2015 MKZ40194.1 in★★★★★1097
2014 MKZ38194.1 in★★★★★13117
2013 MKZ38194.1 inNot rated12101
2012 MKZ38190.6 inNot rated5195
2011 MKZ38190.6 inNot rated5170
2010 MKZ21190.6 inNot rated7150
2009 MKZ21190.6 inNot rated6103
2008 MKZ22190.6 inNot rated4259

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →