Lincoln MKZ VIN Number Check

Decode a Lincoln MKZ VIN free with NHTSA vPIC. See its generation and the NHTSA recalls for that model year, then read what owners have reported.

VIN prefix3LN

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Lincoln MKZ

About the Lincoln MKZ

Lincoln sold the MKZ in the US for model years 2007–2020, across two generations. The Gen 1 came first (2007–2012), and the Gen 2 took over for 2013–2020. Across those years NHTSA lists 32 vehicle recall campaigns and 1,841 owner complaints. Complaints pile up on the Gen 1. Its 2008 and 2007 model years alone account for 540 of them, with owners bringing up air bags most often and the brakes after that. EPA rates the Gen 1 at 19–38 mpg combined, while the Gen 2, whose lineup includes hybrid versions, gets 20–41 mpg. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years2007–2020

GenerationsGen 1 · Gen 2

NHTSA recall campaigns32

Owner complaints1,841 at NHTSA

Lincoln MKZ photographed at a US vehicle auction — Auction lot photo, for illustration

Generations

Lincoln MKZ generations

Two generations since the 2007 model year. The Gen 1 (2007–2012) has the most owner complaints, the Gen 2 (2013–2020) the most recall campaigns (23).

2 / 2

Gen 2

2013–20202nd generation

Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2007201020152020

2013–2020· Generation 2 of 2

Gen 2 · 2nd generation

PlatformFord CD4 platform (CD533)

EPA combined mpg20–41

NHTSA recalls23

Engines (EPA)

2.0 L 4-cyl (hybrid) · 2013–2020
2.0 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2013–2020
3.7 L 6-cyl · 2013–2016
3.0 L 6-cyl (turbo) · 2017–2020

Drive & transmission (EPA)

AWD/4WD, FWD
automatic (2013–2020), CVT (2013–2020)

Known issues to check

Engine and cooling (147)Electrical system (83)Steering (79)2 high-risk recall campaigns

Mentions in 628 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · Gen 23LN6L5E9?HR······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve, built in Hermosillo, State Of Mexico

Check an MKZ VIN

Sources: Wikipedia · EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which MKZ model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 32 campaigns on file for MKZ model years 2007–2020, and the 2014 shows up in more of them than any other year (13), ahead of the 2013 (12). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

Pick a row

What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What Lincoln MKZ owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Complaints peak with the 2008 (281 of 1,841). Tap any bar or generation.

1,841NHTSA complaints, 2007–2020

111mention a crash

15mention a fire

67injuries reported

Owner complaints by model yearGen 2: 628 complaints · most for the 2017 (156)

Top complaint areas · Gen 2

Mentions in 628 complaints, 2013–2020.

Engine and cooling147

Electrical system83

Steering79

Brakes75

Powertrain (transmission, driveline)72

Structure and body33

Crashes 40Fires 7Injuries 26

2013–2020 (Gen 2)

NHTSA data summary

The 2017 stands out. On its own it has 156 of the ’s 628 complaints (25%), and owners across the generation name engine and cooling most often (147 mentions), then electrical system (83).

What MKZ owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2013–2020 (2nd generation)

The 2013, 2014 and 2017 draw the most complaints. NHTSA owners of the 2013 and 2014 often mention power steering assist failure, and more than a third of 2017 owners describe coolant leaking into the 2.0 liter turbo engine, often with overheating and engine replacement. CarComplaints lists bubbling paint, stalling and early tire wear for 2013, and a coolant leak leading to overheating for 2017. Lincoln ended the MKZ after 2020. Recalls cover power steering motor bolts on 2013–2016 models in salt states that may corrode, steering wheel bolts on 2014–2018 models that may loosen and front brake hoses on 2013–2018 models. [1] [2] [3] [4]

2007–2012 (1st generation)

The 2007 and 2008 draw the most complaints, many about Takata air bag recalls and parts delays. NHTSA owners of the 2008 also often report brake concerns and chrome peeling from the wheels. CarComplaints lists sudden engine racing with weak brakes, dashboard bubbling and transmission trouble with a check engine light for 2007, and peeling wheel chrome, a loose dashboard and water pump leaks for 2008. Recalls cover driver and passenger air bag inflators on these models and ABS control valves on 2007–2010 models that may not close properly, which can mean more pedal travel to stop. [5] [6] [7] [8]

What to check before buying

Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the air bag inflator and ABS recalls on older cars and the steering and brake hose recalls on newer ones.
On 2.0 liter turbo cars, ask about coolant loss or engine replacement.
On the drive, confirm steady steering assist, firm brakes and no temperature warnings.

Sources (8) and method

Sources:

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner complaints · by model year

MKZ complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Hybrid MKZ versions count alongside gas ones. Tap a year to see its top systems.

1,841complaints, 2007–2020

111mention a crash

15mention a fire

67injuries reported

1complaint reports a death

Most complaints: 2008 (281), 2007 (259), 2012 (205)

2008 · 281 complaints

Crashes 12 · fires 0 · injuries 3

Air bags166

Service brakes73

Wheels32

Electrical system8

Power train6

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

MKZ CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 54 MKZ versions for model years 2007–2020 (gas and hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 217 g/mi, for the 2020 hybrid. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

Gen 12007–2012

19–38 mpg · CO₂ 234–468 g/mi

Gen 22013–2020

20–41 mpg · CO₂ 217–450 g/mi

Model year2020

24combined MPG

373CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)

$2,800EPA yearly fuel cost

5/10Smog rating

1 = worst · 10 = cleanest

5/10Greenhouse gas rating

California LEV-III ULEV70 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 70Emission standard

Cleanest gas version of 2020: FWD · Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo — 24 MPG · 373 g/mi

Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year

GasHybrid

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

MKZ vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs BMW 5 Series

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2013–2020. NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns for the MKZ, against 62 for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 24 for the BMW 5 Series. Pick a range to compare.

Lincoln MKZGen 2

Model years 2013–2020

NHTSA recall campaigns: 23
NHTSA owner complaints: 628
EPA combined mpg: 20–41
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.0 L · 6-cyl 3.0, 3.7 L
Also listed: turbo, hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, FWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2016)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Engine and cooling 147
Electrical system 83
Steering 79

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Model years 2013–2020

NHTSA recall campaigns: 62
NHTSA owner complaints: 955
EPA combined mpg: 17–26
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.0 L · 6-cyl 3.0, 3.5 L · 8-cyl 4.0, 4.7, 5.5 L
Also listed: turbo, hybrid, mild hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, RWD
NHTSA crash rating: 4★ overall (2016)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Air bags 181
Electrical system 131
Engine and cooling 124

BMW 5 Series

Model years 2013–2020

NHTSA recall campaigns: 24
NHTSA owner complaints: 731
EPA combined mpg: 17–30
Engines (EPA): 4-cyl 2.0 L · 6-cyl 3.0 L · 8-cyl 4.4 L
Also listed: turbo, hybrid, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Drive (EPA): AWD/4WD, RWD
NHTSA crash rating: 5★ overall (2016)

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

Engine and cooling 319
Electrical system 198
Air bags 116

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

Lincoln MKZ VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on an MKZ

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

White Lincoln MKZ (second generation) sedan, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

The MKZ was discontinued after 2020. Locate its VIN on the plate at the lower driver's side windshield. Door jamb sticker and trunk lid label near the latch are secondary locations. Engine bay stamp is present. The Gen 2 generation starts with the 2013 model year; the VIN’s 10th character (D for 2013) shows which side of that line a car falls on.

Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge

The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.

FAQ

Common Lincoln MKZ VIN questions

Which Lincoln MKZ model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2008 leads with 281, ahead of the 2007 (259) and 2012 (205). Those first two alone make up 29% of the 1,841 MKZ complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the Lincoln MKZ had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 32 vehicle campaigns for model years 2007–2020, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns. By generation, Gen 2 leads with 23. Then come the Gen 1 (9), and a campaign can span two generations.

Which Lincoln MKZ recalls are high risk?

16V-384 and 17V-024 cover air bag inflators that can rupture. 21V-158, 18V-046, 18V-775 and 19V-001 cover air bag inflator modules and how they deploy. NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 13V-227 and 15V-618. Do-not-drive advisories came with 16V-384, 17V-024, 18V-046 and 19V-001. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

Which MKZ generation am I looking at?

By US model year, the Gen 1 is 2007–2012 and the Gen 2 2013–2020. Read the year off the VIN’s 10th character (D is 2013).

What fuel economy does the Lincoln MKZ get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2013–2020 Gen 2 at 20–41 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, up from 19–38 mpg for the 2007–2012 Gen 1 (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the Lincoln MKZ compare with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series on recalls?

For 2013–2020 models the MKZ has 23 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has 62, the BMW 5 Series 24. Complaints run 628, 955 and 731 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

What crash rating does the Lincoln MKZ have?

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2020 MKZ 5 stars overall. Both rated versions, FWD and AWD, get that score.

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