2016 Lincoln MKT: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 9 owner complaints on record; most reports concern structure; the 2017 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Dec 2025
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Back Over Prevention · Jul 2026
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2025
“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.”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2020
Show 4 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2019
“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.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Jun 2018
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2018
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Lincoln MKT and Ford Flex and Taurus vehicles with the Police Interceptor or SHO Performance Pack. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKT vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 23, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 2, 2025.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-2017 Ford Flex, Lincoln MKT, 2017 Ford Explorer and Ford Explorer Police Interceptor Utility vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines. Improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak oil on engine components.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the turbocharger oil supply tubes, free of charge. The recall began on January 31, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S46.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2016 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact MKT by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Lincoln MKT reliable?
NHTSA has 9 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2016 Lincoln MKT. The most complained-about area is structure.
Does the 2016 Lincoln MKT have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:rear. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.