Research · Midsize Cars
2016 Lincoln MKZ HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 56 owner complaints for the 2016 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. Most complaints involve steering (11) and air bags (10). The EPA rates it 40 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
40mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
56
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$1,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
56 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2016 – Oct 2026
- Steering11
- Air bags10
- Service brakes9
- Electrical system7
- Engine5
- Seat belts5
- Wheels4
- Service brakes, hydraulic4
- Back over prevention3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Steering
11 reports
“My power steering electric system doesn’t work, the steering gear motor may have detached from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds”
Air bags
10 reports3 crashes
“A VEHICLE STOPPED SUDDENLY IN FRONT OF ME BECAUSE A CAR DID THE SAME IN FRONT OF THEM. I BRAKED SUDDENLY BUT IT FELT LIKE MY VEHICLE WAS BEING PUSHED FROM BEHIND, MY STEERING WHEEL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED SO DID THE SIDES. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BEFORE THE IMPACT BLINDING ME AS I REAR ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT. I SUFFERED BURNS, BRUISES, NECK INJURIES AND LOWER BACK PAIN. I WAS DRIVING NO MORE THAN 25-30 MILES PER HOUR. MY CAR WAS A TOTAL LOST AND I HAD OWNED IT FOR LESS THAN A YEAR.”
Service brakes
9 reports4 crashes
“While driving a complete loss of brake incident occurred. The brake pedal got still, and the car would not stop. Luckily, we were close to home and was able to slow down enough to turn around and get home slowly. Upon investigation it was found the coupler (Part that connects camshaft to brake pump) failed causing the brake pump to not work. This situation is extremely dangerous as we had no prior warning to failure. Even the complete loss of brakes did not have any indicator lights during the incident. Considering the operation of the coupler, how could something so small and so important be weak enough to snap internally, causing a complete loss of brakes with no warning.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKZ Hybrid FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 41 | 39 | 40 | $1,500 | 227 |
- 40mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Lincoln MKZ HEV 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 4 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 10035
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2016 MKZ Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2016 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 56 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (11), air bags (10), service brakes (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2016 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid at 40 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2016 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026