NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Lincoln Mkz Safety Ratings
The 2019 Lincoln Mkz scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 15 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Lincoln MKZ earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, placing it in the Strong band. A five-star overall NHTSA crash rating and a full avoidance-tech score reinforce that standing. One active recall tempers the picture slightly, but the overall safety profile for this model year is genuinely solid.
The 2019 Lincoln MKZ HEV 4DR FWD received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Lincoln Mkz ranks 35 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 15 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 35 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Lincoln Mkz?
The 2019 Lincoln MKZ earns an 89/100 Safety Index, positioning it in the Strong band. Its perfect 10/10 score in avoidance technology, stemming from standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, significantly shapes this assessment. Crash protection contributes 61 of a possible 70 points to its profile. The defect record, at 17.75 out of 20, remains strong, despite a single active recall. This recall targets back-over prevention software, a campaign shared across a range of Ford and Lincoln vehicles, and does not involve structural or propulsion integrity. The 15 owner complaints are unverified, but two specific reports regarding Forward Collision Avoidance systems warrant attention, given the system's importance to the model's high technology score. The 2019 MKZ presents a well-rounded safety profile.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Lincoln Mkz perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Lincoln MKZ received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with side protection receiving the highest possible mark of five stars. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance assessment each earned four stars. The measured rollover risk for the MKZ stood at 11 percent, and it achieved a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test. All crash-test categories for this model year were rated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13303
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Lincoln Mkz have any recalls?
The 2019 Lincoln MKZ carries one recall campaign. It targets back-over prevention software, issued by Ford Motor Company and covering a broad range of 2019-2020 Lincoln and Ford models including this MKZ. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but shoppers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V442000
Risk: A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.
Reported 2025-06-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Lincoln Mkz?
NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints for the 2019 Lincoln MKZ, including 2 alleged crash incidents and 1 alleged injury. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components are Engine, Steering, Electrical System, and, notably, Forward Collision Avoidance, each drawing multiple reported concerns.
15 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Lincoln Mkz?
A significant recall concerning back-over prevention software is on record for the 2019 Lincoln MKZ. Any prospective owner should verify the remedy has been applied by checking the vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's database. Open recalls, regardless of a vehicle's age or mileage, transfer to subsequent owners, and their completion cannot be presumed.
- The 2019 Lincoln MKZ earned a five-star overall NHTSA rating, with side protection at five stars and both frontal and rollover protection at four stars, giving this specific model year a complete crash-test record with no unrated categories.
- A single recall is active for this model year, targeting back-over prevention software across a broad 2019-2020 Ford and Lincoln lineup. Confirming remedy completion by VIN is essential for used-market buyers.
- Forward Collision Avoidance appears among the top complaint components in NHTSA's unverified owner reports for this year, a detail worth noting given that the system's standard-equipment status is a primary reason the avoidance-tech sub-score reaches a perfect 10/10.
- No prior-year Safety Index is on file for comparison, so the 89/100 Strong band score stands as an absolute measure rather than a year-over-year improvement or decline for this generation.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Lincoln Mkz places
The 2019 Lincoln Mkz qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Lincoln Mkz safety questions
Was the 2019 Lincoln Mkz crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Lincoln Mkz, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Lincoln Mkz crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Lincoln Mkz earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Lincoln Mkz have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Lincoln Mkz. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Lincoln Mkz?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 15 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Lincoln Mkz. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Mkz years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13303), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Lincoln Mkz 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 35 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.