32 of the
235 complaints filed about the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
are about the braking system —
14% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2014.
I have a Lincoln MKZ Hybrid 2012 with 88k miles on it. While I was slowing to a stop as I approached a stoplight at a busy intersection, the 'Check Brake' warning on the dashboard lit up without warning and no prior issues, and my ability to brake became near impossible as the pedal softened. I needed to push it all the way to the floor to get the vehicle to stop. I shifted into park and turned off the vehicle - following turning it back on, the dashboard warning disappeared, I was able to brake again, and the warning has not come back since. My vehicle just passed inspection earlier in the month, and nothing with the brakes came up. This is a critical safety issue! It could have been potentially fatal to myself, my passenger, or other drivers if I could not stop before the intersection, or if this had happened while I was on a main road or highway. I took it into the Ford Lincoln dealership. They cited a faulty HCU/ABS module and recommended replacement, but all parts are after-market at this point and would not come with a warranty. OEM replacements are also extremely difficult to come by. The repairs would take around $3.8k to complete, which is close to the current value of the vehicle. Ford issued Safety Recall 19S54 in December 2019, covering 600,166 model year 2006–2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr, and Lincoln MKZ vehicles for the exact same defect. No recall exists for anything in 2012 despite at least 17 NHTSA complaints have been filed for the 2012 Lincoln MKZ alone for this specific brake failure. The 2012 MKZ and Fusion use the same braking system architecture as the recalled vehicles. The failure mechanism is identical. The safety risk is identical.
NHTSA complaint #11742028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went all the way to the floorboard however, the vehicle failed to immediately stop. The contact stated that after pumping the brake pedal repeatedly the vehicle came to a stop. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with the ABS control module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000.
NHTSA complaint #11673764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the brake service warning light illuminated. The contact used excessive force on the brake pedal and the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 168,258.
NHTSA complaint #11669507 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went down to the floorboard and the stopping distance was extended. The "Check Braking System" and "Service Advancetrac" messages were displayed. The ABS, brakes, and the electronic stability control warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and engaged the electronic parking brake. The contact stated that when she turned off and restarted the vehicle, the warning lights turned off and the vehicle operated as needed. The contact stated that the failure recurred on two separate occasions; however, on the last occasion, the warning lights remained illuminated upon restarting the vehicle, and the brake failure persisted. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. The contact stated the ABS module failed, the older model years were under the recall but the newer cars were not included in this recall. The contact is requesting reimbursement for repairs made to this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11537859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH and making a lane change, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact pumped the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic between neutral(N) and drive(D) because the brakes failed to work as designed. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the brake lines needed to be replaced and that the brake fluid reservoir needed to be refilled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact stated that she had recently received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and related the failure to the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11532359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and pressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal extended to the floor causing the stopping distance to be extended, almost causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of another vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that brake fluid had leak from the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The failure mileage was 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11531541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11525959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving downhill at 10 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to slow or come to a complete stop. The contact stated she was able to pull over onto a grassy area, avoiding a collision, and the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the brake failure was caused by a leak in the brake hose related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). In addition, the dealer advised the contact that the tie rod, sway bar, control arm, and wheel bearing needed to be repaired before the brakes could be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired, pending an inspection by the manufacturer. A case was opened. The failure mileage was 123,000.
NHTSA complaint #11524723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that he was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed the failure as a ruptured front driver’s side brake hose. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that 2-months later while driving 70 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated again, and the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard again. The vehicle was driven to a Firestone repair center and diagnosed with a ruptured front passenger’s side brake hose. The brake hose was replaced. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) in April of 2023. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified due to the recall notification stating that the remedy parts were not available. The contact stated that the letter stated parts would be available in the third quarter of 2023. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair since the vehicle had already experienced the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11523788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11523710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the braking distance was extended. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was expected September 2023. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11523179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on two occasions and was diagnosed that the brake pads and brake fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired both times; however, the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door was failing to close as needed; the transmission not in park(P) message was illuminated when the gear shifter was shifted into park(P). The VIN was included in Campaign Number: 20V177000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages), 22V011000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the front brake hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11522538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11522495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the brakes failed to operate upon depression of the brake pedal with several unknown warning lights flashing on the instrument panel. The contact immediately applied the parking brake and drifted the vehicle off to the roadway. The contact restarted the vehicle three times and the warning lights reappeared on the instrument panel. The contact drove the vehicle home and later had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer inspected the vehicle and informed him that the ABS hydraulic control unit was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 69,500. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11522318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the brakes failed to operate upon depression of the brake pedal with several unknown warning lights flashing on the instrument panel. The contact immediately applied the parking brake and drifted the vehicle off to the roadway. The contact restarted the vehicle three times and the warning lights reappeared on the instrument panel. The contact drove the vehicle home and later had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The dealer inspected the vehicle and informed him that the ABS hydraulic control unit was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 69,500. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11522318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the braking system malfunctioned, and the brake pedal was depressed and extended to the floorboard, causing the vehicle to drive out into the intersection. Upon inspection, it was discovered that brake fluid had leaked from the vehicle and the brake fluid warning light was illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that parts for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic) were not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #11521981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 20 -30 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to respond and went down to the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband pumped the brake pedal until the brakes responded. The contact's husband was able to continue driving. The contact's husband purchased brake fluid and added to the reservoir however, the fluid started leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact later received recall notice of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11521177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the power steering failed. The contact stated that the ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she stopped the vehicle and turn off and restarted several times and the vehicle regained normal functionality. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake pedal had become firm while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal to the floorboard and heard an abnormal snapping sound and the brake functionality returned. The contact stated that the ABS and traction control lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact noted that when she placed the vehicle into park(P) with the engine running, the shift indicator would jump out of park(P) into drive(D) or into reverse(R). The contact stated that the vehicle would move in the direction of the gear that was inadvertently stated. The contact stated that the failures were intermittent but recurred several times. The contact researched online and related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V250000 (Steering), 22V011000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and 13V594000 (Power Train). The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 161,280.
NHTSA complaint #11515869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving 15-20 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle however while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
NHTSA complaint #11489631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact's wife owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V011000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. VIN tool showed no open recall on the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11455668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.