EZ Swap LLC services the Lincoln MKT in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2010 to 2019. If your MKT has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help MKT owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 298 owner complaints on file for the MKT and 14 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are steering (102), structure (50), electrical system (29).
Most-Reported Lincoln MKT Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the MKT (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 102 | 34% | |
| Structure | 50 | 16% | |
| Electrical System | 29 | 9% | |
| Engine | 24 | 8% | |
| Back Over Prevention | 24 | 8% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 21 | 7% | |
| Suspension | 18 | 6% | |
| Visibility | 17 | 5% |
Steering
102 of the 298 complaints (34%) mention steering. Steering complaints deserve prompt attention. We inspect steering components and alignment so the car tracks straight and responds predictably. See our suspension & alignment page.
Structure
50 of the 298 complaints (16%) mention body, doors and latches. Latch and body complaints affect security and safety. We inspect and repair door, hood and trunk hardware. See our auto repair page.
Electrical System
29 of the 298 complaints (9%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Lincoln MKT Complaints by Model Year
The MKT model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2010, 2014. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 65 | |
| 2011 | 19 | |
| 2012 | 28 | |
| 2013 | 70 | |
| 2014 | 54 | |
| 2015 | 24 | |
| 2016 | 9 | |
| 2017 | 4 | |
| 2018 | 7 | |
| 2019 | 18 |
Lincoln MKT Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the MKT, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Lincoln.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your MKT? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Lincoln MKT Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the MKT in these model years, most often involving fuel system, gasoline, electrical system, back over prevention. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2025 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 25V695000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles.
- 2025 recall, Structure (campaign 25V827000): 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.
- 2024 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 24V951000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 Flex, Fiesta, and Lincoln MKT vehicles. The rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image.
- 2020 recall, Suspension (campaign 20V072000): 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.
- 2018 recall, Electrical System (campaign 18V548000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX, 2019 Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKT vehicles.
- 2016 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 16V621000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI Ecoboost engines and 2013-2015 Ford Taurus Police Interceptor vehicles.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the MKT, 6 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, 5 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Lincoln MKT Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Lincoln will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a MKT that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for MKT owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Lincoln MKT, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Lincoln MKT Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Lincoln MKT repair service, or choose a service below.
Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Lincoln MKT FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Lincoln MKT?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Lincoln MKT are steering (102), structure (50), electrical system (29). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which MKT model years have the most complaints?
The MKT model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2010, 2014. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Lincoln MKT?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Lincoln MKT. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Lincoln MKT have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for the Lincoln MKT across model years 2010 to 2019. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Lincoln MKT in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Lincoln vehicles including the MKT, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Lincoln MKT?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Lincoln MKT in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Lincoln Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.