DecodedCars2018 Lincoln MKT
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.7L 6-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 16 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 207.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,943 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints7 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 37 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Lincoln MKT is a standard SUV offered with 2 engines (3.7L 6-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 208 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,943 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (16 city / 24 highway), 3% worse than the 2018 standard SUV average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 MKT — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 MKT →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 207.5 in | 76 in | 67.3 in | 117.7 in | 65.7 / 65.7 in | 4,943 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKT FWD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -3% | $3,550 | 468 |
| MKT Livery AWD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | +6% | $3,700 | 493 |
| MKT AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -9% | $3,950 | 523 |
| MKT Hearse AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 17 | 0% | $3,950 | 531 |
| MKT Limo AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -6% | $4,200 | 557 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Lincoln MKT.
Similar 2018 standard SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Lincoln MKT (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Cadillac Escalade | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Audi Q7 | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Tesla Model X | 295 mi | Not rated | 9 |
| 2018 Lexus LX | 15 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2018 Lincoln Navigator | 19 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2018 Infiniti QX80 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (2)
Structure › Body · Dec 1, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V827000 · 11,852 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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 November 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.
Suspension › Rear · Feb 10, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V072000 · 211,207 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2018 Lincoln MKT is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Lincoln MKT buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure — 2 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 133,200 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Lincoln MKT. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other MKT years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 MKT | 19 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 18 |
| 2017 MKT | 19 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 4 |
| 2016 MKT | 21 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 3 | 9 |
| 2015 MKT | 23 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 24 |
| 2014 MKT | 23 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 4 | 50 |
| 2013 MKT | 23 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 8 | 64 |
| 2012 MKT | 20 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 25 |
| 2011 MKT | 19 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 1 | 16 |
| 2010 MKT | 19 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 46 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →