MODEL
Lincoln Mkz
NHTSA safety across every Lincoln Mkz model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Lincoln Mkz we cover (2019 to 2020), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2020 at 90 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 89. 2 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Lincoln MKZ is a mid-size luxury sedan aimed at buyers who want a premium American driving experience without stepping up to a full-size flagship. Positioned squarely against European and Japanese luxury competitors, the 2019 and 2020 MKZ pairs a refined interior with a comfort-forward character. It appeals to professionals and empty-nesters who prioritize a quiet, polished cabin over performance aggression.
The 2019 to 2020 Lincoln MKZ earns a respectable place in the luxury sedan safety conversation, though the picture is nuanced rather than uniformly outstanding. The 2020 model year reaches a MotorCaliber Safety Index of 90 out of 100, landing in our Exceptional band, while the 2019 model registers in the Strong band. That is a meaningful year-over-year improvement worth noting for shoppers deciding between the two. Crash-test geometry tells a similarly mixed story. The MKZ posts a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in side-impact testing, which reflects genuine structural strength in the scenarios most likely to cause serious injury. Frontal and rollover protection both land at 4 out of 5 stars, solid results that fall just short of top marks. Two recalls across the covered model years is a relatively low count for a luxury vehicle in this window, suggesting Lincoln addressed issues without a pattern of widespread production problems. Owner complaints are modest at 17 total, with 2 involving reported crashes and 1 involving reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the low volume does not raise red flags. The bottom line: the 2020 MKZ is the stronger safety choice of the two years, and its side-impact performance is genuinely impressive. Shoppers who prioritize crash protection should lean toward the 2020 model year.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the MKZ for its quiet, well-appointed cabin and smooth, composed ride that suits long-distance comfort. Most consider it a strong value within the entry luxury segment. Some reviewers note that its infotainment system and driver-assistance technology feel less cutting-edge than key competitors, though the overall driving experience is consistently described as refined and unhurried.
- The 2020 MKZ scores higher than the 2019 model on our Safety Index, reaching the Exceptional band at 90 out of 100. If safety ranking is your priority, the 2020 is the clear choice between these two years.
- Side-impact protection is the MKZ's strongest crash-test result, earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. This is the crash scenario most associated with serious occupant injury, making that score genuinely meaningful.
- Frontal and rollover crash ratings both sit at 4 out of 5 stars across covered years. Solid but not top-tier, so buyers who want best-in-class frontal protection should compare those specific scores against rival luxury sedans.
- With only 2 recalls and 17 total owner complaints across the 2019 to 2020 model years, the MKZ does not show a pattern of widespread safety-related issues. The low complaint volume is a reassuring signal, though all complaints remain unverified allegations.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 Lincoln Mkz with 1 recalls.