Owners have filed 12 complaints
about the 2016 Lincoln MKT with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 14
Against the median year of the Lincoln MKT. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 86
16.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 57
33% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2016 Lincoln MKT
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Body & Structure
325.0%
Median failure at 80,500 miles
Other & Unspecified
216.7%
Median failure at 64,000 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
216.7%
Median failure at 103,000 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
18.3%
Median failure at 24,123 miles
Suspension
18.3%
Steering
18.3%
Median failure at 90 miles
Electrical System
18.3%
Engine & Cooling
18.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
116.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
116.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
233.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
233.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2018peak 3Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2016 Lincoln MKT
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2025664501 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the exterior B-pillar trims on the driver and front passenger doors may not be properly attached. As a result, the trim(s) could loosen and separate from the vehicle. Safety Risk: Trim that detaches from the vehicle could create a hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to secure the exterior B-pillar trims.
Recall 202005115,281 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear suspension toe link(s) could break. This could cause a sudden loss of vehicle stability. Note: Vehicles previously repaired under Ford Campaign 19R01 or 19S18 do not require repair under this recall. For the Taurus model, only the SHO Performance Package model is included in this recall. Safety Risk: A loss of vehicle stability could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to install improved rear suspension toe links.
Recall 201928112,211 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: On certain vehicles, a buildup of dirt and mud could cause the rear suspension toe links to break. This could result in a sudden loss of vehicle stability. Note: This problem affects vehicles operated in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The unique soil properties in this region could make a toe link more likely to break. Safety Risk: A loss of stability could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to install improved rear suspension toe links.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 58,000 milesMartinez, CA1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR LESS THAN A YEAR AND THE MOONROOF HAS SHATTERED ON ME TWICE ALREADY. THE FRONT ONE TO BE EXACT, BOTH TIMES IT WAS RAINING BUT NORMAL RAIN, I LIVE IN NORTHEN CALIFORNIA. NO OBJECTS HIT MY CAR AND NO ACCIDENT. IT SOUNDS LIKE A LOUD GUNSHOT NEAR YOU AND ITS VERY SCARY I ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE I SWERVED TO NEXT LANE DUE TO BEING SCARED OF THE LOUD NOISE. FIRST TIME I WAS ON MY WAY TO RENO AND I HAD TO KEEP GOING BUT IT WAS HELL AND ONE OF THE WORST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE. PART OF THE GLASS FLEW OFF WITHIN MINUTES OF ME DRIVING SO RAIN GOT INTO MY CAR. I HAD TO TAPE A TARP DOWN WITH GORILLA TAPE TO GET TO A SAFE DESTINATION. THERE WAS GLASS INSIDE THE CAR AND MY LITTLE BROTHER GOT CUT ON HIS ARM, THIS GLASS IS THICK AND HEAVY! THE SECOND TIME WAS 8 MONTHS AFTER I HAD IT REPAIRED. RAINING AGAIN BUT THIS TIME I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT WHEN I HEARD THE GUNSHOT NOISE AND I IMMEDIATELY KNEW WHAT HAPPENED. I WAS SCARED BUT SO VERY UPSET THAT IT HAPPENED AGAIN JUST MONTHS APART. IT'S VERY UPSETTING THAT LINCOLN HAS NOT RECOGNIZED THIS AS A DEFECT ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS BLOGS AS ON HERE THE SAME COMPLAINT FROM PEOPLE ALL OVER THE US THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. IT'S SO UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND UPSETTING BECAUSE I REALLY LOVE THE VEHICLE OTHER THAN THAT HUGE DEFECT. ON TOP OF THAT THIS REPAIR IS COSTLY, GLASS ALONE IS $1400-1600 WITHOUT LABOR IN MY AREA. I HOPE THAT LINCOLN WILL SOON TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND I PLAN TO KEEP FIGHTING THIS FIGHT AS I HAVE A FEELING THIS WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. I FEEL SO UNSAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE NOW. I REALLY HOPE MORE PEOPLE COMPLAIN AND SPEAK UP.
NHTSA complaint #11180980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,123 milesPlymouth, MI1 injured
VISIBILITY/WIPER
REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. DAYLIGHT HOURS, APPROXIMATELY 70 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS, PARKED IN SHADED AREA. DRIVER WALKED TO VEHICLE, SAT IN DRIVER SEAT, CLOSED DRIVER-SIDE DOOR, AND STARTED VEHICLE UNEVENTFULLY. LESS THAN ONE MINUTE LATER THE REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. DRIVER CUT LEFT HAND ON BROKEN GLASS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RETRIEVE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA complaint #11104438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 103,000 milesKentwood, MI
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V827000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the passenger's side B-pillar trim had partially detached. Additionally, the contact stated that the rear-view camera was intermittently inoperable. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesKentwood, MI
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V827000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the passenger's side B-pillar trim had partially detached. Additionally, the contact stated that the rear-view camera was intermittently inoperable. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, DE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The engine light continues to come on and the only reading it gives off is that the engine is running lean. Nothing seems to be smoking or wrong with the vehicle. It continues to drive well. Then the backup cameras started to go on a blink. It comes off and on intermittently sometimes on while driving forward and less frequently on when in reverse.
NHTSA complaint #11702945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, DE
ENGINE
The engine light continues to come on and the only reading it gives off is that the engine is running lean. Nothing seems to be smoking or wrong with the vehicle. It continues to drive well. Then the backup cameras started to go on a blink. It comes off and on intermittently sometimes on while driving forward and less frequently on when in reverse.
NHTSA complaint #11702945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, DE
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The engine light continues to come on and the only reading it gives off is that the engine is running lean. Nothing seems to be smoking or wrong with the vehicle. It continues to drive well. Then the backup cameras started to go on a blink. It comes off and on intermittently sometimes on while driving forward and less frequently on when in reverse.
NHTSA complaint #11702945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, DE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Panoramic sunroof shattered and it’s broken in pieces now; No longer just shattered I am on the phone with a George Hilliker from the Newark CarMax now. To my dismay there is nothing that can be done since this is not a mechanical defect. So at this point I am going to definitely cancel the extended CarMax care that I did sign up for him to help offset my cost for my deductible to deal with this damage. I would regret not turning around and returning the car on May 4 just because I heard the sound and had no idea what the consequences of that would turn into. I will also convey this in the survey request that I have received from Carmax. Taking this up any further would only cause me more frustration and money, But at this juncture I will definitely speak with a lawyer to see what my options are that way sinceI am now stuck with this vehicle. Granted had I known it had started breaking the glass on the third I would’ve returned it at any Carmax between Colorado and Delaware.
NHTSA complaint #11417799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parlin, NJ
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LINCOLN MKT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V072000 (SUSPENSION) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR A DEALER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11350664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90 milesHermitage, TN
STEERING
WHILE MAKING A TURN ONTO HIGHWAY MY ELECTRIC POWER STEERING COMPLETELY WENT OUT WITH CARS TURNING NEXT TO ME. IT YANKED THE WHEEL OUT OF MY HAND ALMOST CAUSING A CRASH. THEN A WINDOW APPEARS IN LY CAR SAYING YOUR STEERING HAS FAILED PULL OVER SAFELY . LITTLE LATE FOR THAT. AFTER GETTING CAR TO DEALER AND WAITING I SEARCHED AND FOUND ELECTRIC STEERING RECALL FROM 2015 SOME 400K CARS. THE SAME YEAR MINE WAS BUILT. DEALER SAYS NO BUT ITS THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11231718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesMartinez, CA1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR FOR LESS THAN A YEAR AND THE MOONROOF HAS SHATTERED ON ME TWICE ALREADY. THE FRONT ONE TO BE EXACT, BOTH TIMES IT WAS RAINING BUT NORMAL RAIN, I LIVE IN NORTHEN CALIFORNIA. NO OBJECTS HIT MY CAR AND NO ACCIDENT. IT SOUNDS LIKE A LOUD GUNSHOT NEAR YOU AND ITS VERY SCARY I ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE I SWERVED TO NEXT LANE DUE TO BEING SCARED OF THE LOUD NOISE. FIRST TIME I WAS ON MY WAY TO RENO AND I HAD TO KEEP GOING BUT IT WAS HELL AND ONE OF THE WORST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE. PART OF THE GLASS FLEW OFF WITHIN MINUTES OF ME DRIVING SO RAIN GOT INTO MY CAR. I HAD TO TAPE A TARP DOWN WITH GORILLA TAPE TO GET TO A SAFE DESTINATION. THERE WAS GLASS INSIDE THE CAR AND MY LITTLE BROTHER GOT CUT ON HIS ARM, THIS GLASS IS THICK AND HEAVY! THE SECOND TIME WAS 8 MONTHS AFTER I HAD IT REPAIRED. RAINING AGAIN BUT THIS TIME I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT WHEN I HEARD THE GUNSHOT NOISE AND I IMMEDIATELY KNEW WHAT HAPPENED. I WAS SCARED BUT SO VERY UPSET THAT IT HAPPENED AGAIN JUST MONTHS APART. IT'S VERY UPSETTING THAT LINCOLN HAS NOT RECOGNIZED THIS AS A DEFECT ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS BLOGS AS ON HERE THE SAME COMPLAINT FROM PEOPLE ALL OVER THE US THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. IT'S SO UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND UPSETTING BECAUSE I REALLY LOVE THE VEHICLE OTHER THAN THAT HUGE DEFECT. ON TOP OF THAT THIS REPAIR IS COSTLY, GLASS ALONE IS $1400-1600 WITHOUT LABOR IN MY AREA. I HOPE THAT LINCOLN WILL SOON TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND I PLAN TO KEEP FIGHTING THIS FIGHT AS I HAVE A FEELING THIS WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. I FEEL SO UNSAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE NOW. I REALLY HOPE MORE PEOPLE COMPLAIN AND SPEAK UP.
NHTSA complaint #11180980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,123 milesPlymouth, MI1 injured
VISIBILITY/WIPER
REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. DAYLIGHT HOURS, APPROXIMATELY 70 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS, PARKED IN SHADED AREA. DRIVER WALKED TO VEHICLE, SAT IN DRIVER SEAT, CLOSED DRIVER-SIDE DOOR, AND STARTED VEHICLE UNEVENTFULLY. LESS THAN ONE MINUTE LATER THE REAR WINDOW SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. DRIVER CUT LEFT HAND ON BROKEN GLASS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RETRIEVE PERSONAL BELONGINGS IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT.
NHTSA complaint #11104438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,000 milesDenver, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY, THE MOONROOF ON MY VEHICLE EXPLODED (SOUNDED LIKE A .38 GOING OFF). I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT HAD HAPPENED (THINKING MAYBE IT WAS A BLOWN TIRE) ONLY TO FIND THAT THE MOONROOF HAD COMPLETELY SHATTERED (SEE ATTACHED PICTURES). I HAD TWO OTHER PEOPLE IN MY VEHICLE AT THE TIME. FORD KNOWS THAT THIS IS A FLAW AND WON'T RECALL THESE VEHICLES IN WHICH I BELIEVE SHOULD BE MANDATORY AS IT IS A HIGHLY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11075972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
MY MOONROOF SHATTERED WITH NO REASON AS I WAS PULL FROM MY DRIVEWAY. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE 28 DEGREES NOT EVEN COLD FOR A CHICAGO. I WAS DRIVING NO MORE THAN 15 MILES AND NO HARD BRAKES OR BUMPS JUST SUDDENLY CRACKED ALL OVER.
NHTSA complaint #11072330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.