2016 Lincoln MKZ
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2016 Lincoln MKZ.
What to watch for on the 2016 Lincoln MKZ
Coolant Intrusion into the Cylinders
Some engines from the mid-2010s leak coolant into the cylinders through a cracked block or head gasket area.
Internal Water Pump Failure
On front-wheel-drive-based models (Explorer, Flex, Taurus, Edge, MKX, MKT, MKZ, MKS) the water pump sits inside the engine, driven by the timing chain.
1 more known problem on the 2016 MKZ
Your guide shows all of them and which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.
Recalls on the 2016 Lincoln MKZ
Steering: electric power assist system
Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
Fuel system: storage
The affected vehicles have a fuel tank that may have insufficent wall thickness.
4 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.
Source: NHTSA
What 64 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2016 Lincoln MKZ at a glance
- Trims
- BaseHybrid
- Engine
- 2.0L 4-Cylinder Turbo, 3.7L 6-Cylinder, 2.0L 4-Cylinder Hybrid
- Transmission
- Automatic 6-spd, CVT
- Drivetrain
- AWD, FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline, Hybrid
- Body style
- Sedan
Other Lincoln MKZ years
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Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the 2016 Lincoln MKZ?
Owners have filed 64 complaints about the 2016 Lincoln MKZ with NHTSA, most often about the service brakes. There are 7 recall campaigns covering this model year. Known problems on its engines include coolant intrusion into the cylinders, internal water pump failure and carbon buildup on intake valves. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.
Is the 2016 Lincoln MKZ reliable?
Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 7 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.
Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2016 Lincoln MKZ?
Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2016 Lincoln MKZ listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.