About the Lincoln MKZ
Corporate fleet departments favored the MKZ throughout its 2006-2020 production run, and odometer readings reflect it. Hybrid variants available from 2011 onward add battery condition variables, while commercial registration histories appearing in VIN reports are common, buyers should expect elevated mileage relative to age across most used inventory.
A VIN number lookup on this Lincoln MKZ includes real high-resolution auction photos sourced directly from Copart and IAAI, the largest salvage auction operators in the United States.
What a Lincoln MKZ VIN Check Reveals
A VIN number check on any Lincoln MKZ pulls records from state DMV offices, NHTSA databases, insurance industry filings, and salvage auction records across all 50 states. The report covers the following data categories:
- Accident and collision history
- Full odometer timeline
- Open safety recalls from NHTSA
- Title brands (salvage, flood, lemon law, total loss)
- Theft and recovery records
- Lien and ownership history
- Structural and frame damage
- Airbag deployment records
- State inspection history
- Prior vehicle use (fleet, rental, taxi, auction)
Lincoln MKZ VIN Number Location
Where to find the VIN on a MKZ
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. MKZ Hybrid was a common livery and sedan-service vehicle, VIN checks frequently surface commercial registrations with high annual mileage on models marketed by sellers as privately used.
The VIN also appears on the vehicle registration, insurance documents, and title. All locations should match. A mismatch between VIN plates is a potential indicator of a rebuilt or salvage vehicle.
Common Issues Found in VIN Reports for the Lincoln MKZ
VIN history reports on used Lincoln MKZ vehicles frequently show accident and collision claims, title discrepancies, and odometer irregularities. Any open NHTSA recall notices tied to the specific VIN will appear in the report, along with the recall completion status where that data is available.
Lincoln vehicles carrying a VIN prefix of 5LM, 3LN are traceable through all 50 state DMV systems and the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). Coverage for vehicles registered after 1990 is generally comprehensive.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
Lincoln MKZ — last 3 model years
What MKZ owners report across recent generations
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.
- NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, 2013 Lincoln MKZ
- CarComplaints.com, 2013 Lincoln MKZ problems
- NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, 2017 Lincoln MKZ
- CarComplaints.com, 2017 Lincoln MKZ problems
- NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, 2007 Lincoln MKZ
- CarComplaints.com, 2007 Lincoln MKZ problems
- NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, 2008 Lincoln MKZ
- CarComplaints.com, 2008 Lincoln MKZ problems
Updated September 25, 2026 · Summarized in our own words by VinNumber.net from public owner reports; individual experiences vary.