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Which year models of used Lincoln MKT to avoid

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Lincoln MKT on city street

2013 Lincoln MKT by Mr.choppers CC-BY-SA-3.0

The Lincoln MKT was produced by the Ford Motor Company from 2010 to 2019, succeeding the Lincoln MKX. This mid-size 3-row luxury crossover SUV is based on a D4 chassis and built with multiple weight-saving features in its body to ensure smoother handling. The MKT is a great vehicle, and we want you to drive one that functions at its maximum capabilities. Good thing CoPilot is here to show you which Lincoln MKT year models are the best!

Quick answer: Avoid Lincoln MKT year model 2010

The only year model of the Lincoln MKT that we recommend avoiding is the first: 2010. It’s the only model with a significant number of complaints, ranging from premature tire wear to an inadequate A/C system. In another vehicle you might be able to look past these, but because every model that followed this one is more reliable it’s worth avoiding the 2010.


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Which year models of Lincoln MKT are safe to buy used? 

Given the fact that this town car was designed to not only be sleek but extremely sturdy, it only makes sense that most of its year models are great purchases. For the most part, any Lincoln MKT you buy should deliver excellent performance due to its long list of high-quality standard equipment. We recommend buying the following Lincoln MKT year models.

  • 2011 Lincoln MKT
  • 2012 Lincoln MKT
  • 2013 Lincoln MKT
  • 2014 Lincoln MKT
  • 2015 Lincoln MKT
  • 2016 Lincoln MKT
  • 2017 Lincoln MKT
  • 2018 Lincoln MKT
  • 2019 Lincoln MKT

There have been very few complaints leveled against these Lincoln MKT year models. From 2016 to 2019, the MKT received zero complaints, so you can buy without worry! None of the other ones have more than three complaints, but we should still address some of the bigger issues people have had with them. The 2012 and 2015 year models’ complaints are minuscule, so there’s no need for concern here.


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The 2011’s only serious complaint is a single report of it slipping while in reverse at 57,000 miles. This would certainly be worrisome if it happened to you, but due to its rarity it shouldn’t be a problem. The 2013 year model had a report of a leaking fluid smell, so if this happens in yours, be sure to get it checked out right away. However, this is highly unlikely. The most troublesome report in the 2014 MKT is a vibration while driving, but as with the previous issues, it’s so rare that we doubt it would happen to you. Overall, almost any Lincoln MKT you find will be a superb luxury crossover that gives you little headache, and we recommend any of the ones in this list.

Which year models of Lincoln MKT to avoid: 

Lincoln MKTs are known for their extreme reliability and performance, providing their drivers with total security. Even this model that we recommend avoiding is safer than most other vehicles on the market, SUV or otherwise. However, there are better Lincoln MKTs out there for you, so we recommend staying away from this year model:

  • 2010 Lincoln MKT

The 2010 Lincoln MKT is the only one that’s garnered a substantial amount of complaints, and while most of them aren’t very concerning, they might become an annoyance that makes this crossover worth passing up. The A/C system is prone to malfunctions, particularly not providing heat to the passenger side. 

Premature tire wear has also been a major complaint at only 32,000 miles, costing an average of $2,200 to fix. One report of brakes failing at 87,000 miles is also worth noting. If you wind up with a 2010 MKT it will still probably be a decently operable vehicle, but with so many other year models to choose from that don’t have these complaints, we recommend avoiding it.


THE BEST USED SUVS UNDER $10,000

We looked into price, reliability, features, and more to create this list of the best used SUVs under $10k on the market today. Take a look - some of the best used SUVs have gone mostly overlooked or forgotten. 


Lincoln MKT problem counts by year

These are the most common problems reported by owners on platforms such as carproblems.com, carcomplaints.com, and Car Talk Community. Highly reported defects include premature tire wear and inconsistent heating. 

The easiest way to find a reliable Lincoln MKT in your area

For the easiest way to find reliable Lincoln MKTs in your area, download the free CoPilot car shopping app. We’ll search every dealership in your area for the luxury crossover SUV you’re looking for and make a list, personalized for you, of the best purchases near you. CoPilot is built using the same technology that car dealerships use to buy and sell their inventory, making it the smartest and easiest way to buy a used Lincoln MKT.

If you’re more interested in a newer, off-lease ride, try CoPilot Compare, the search engine for nearly-new cars. Not only do we exclusively show you models that are 5 years or newer with low mileage (most with CPO availability), we’ll also break down how much you save buying used vs. new and show you the best nearly-new listings in your area.

On top of all this, CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no ‘promoted’ or ‘sponsored’ listings - just the best cars in your area. Learn more about how CoPilot works on our About Us page.