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Verdict

2018 Lincoln MKT: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues

What the public record actually says about the 2018 Lincoln MKT — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.

The read

Not enough federal data to rank this one yet.

Complaint data for this model year is still being compiled. Structure leads the reports (43%). 2 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.

Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2018 vehicles, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.

Complaints filed

7

Reports to NHTSA, 2018

Safety recalls

2

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

17

EPA estimate

Complaint volume vs. segment peers

Peer ranking not yet available for this model year.

Known issues

Structure issues lead owner complaints (43% of 7 reports), followed by unknown or other (29%).

Structure43% · 3 reports
Unknown Or Other29% · 2 reports
Electrical System14% · 1 report
Fuel/Propulsion System14% · 1 report

Share of all 7 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11740353, ODI 11575730, ODI 11544805.

Recalls(2)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

StructureJan 2025 · 25V827000Details +

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.

Risk: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 23, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SD5. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 2, 2025.

SuspensionOct 2020 · 20V072000Details +

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.

Risk: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. Remedy parts are not currently available. Owners were notified about the recall on March 3, 2020. A second notice will be mailed when remedy parts become available, which is currently expected to be the end of September 2020. The recall began October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or Lincoln customer service at 1-800-521-4140. Ford's number for this recall is 20S04.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2018 Lincoln MKT SUV FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover

2018 Lincoln MKT SUV AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
MKT FWD3.7L 6-cylFront-Wheel Drive162419
MKT Livery AWD3.7L 6-cylAll-Wheel Drive162318
MKT Hearse AWD3.5L 6-cylAll-Wheel Drive142117
MKT AWD3.5L 6-cylAll-Wheel Drive152117
MKT Limo AWD3.5L 6-cylAll-Wheel Drive142116

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare model years

"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.

2018 Lincoln MKT: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2018 Lincoln MKT?

Owners filed 7 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 Lincoln MKT. Among the 10 model years of this MKT, that ranks #2 by complaint volume, where #1 has the fewest.

What are the most common problems on the 2018 Lincoln MKT?

The most-reported problem areas are Structure (43% of complaints) and unknown or other (29%).

How many recalls does the 2018 Lincoln MKT have?

2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2018 Lincoln MKT, covering components such as structure. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Lincoln MKT get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Lincoln MKT between 16 and 19 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.