Owners have filed 146 complaints
about the 2013 Lincoln MKZ with NHTSA between 2013 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 47
Against the median year of the Lincoln MKZ. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 53
10.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 78
46% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
1047.6%
Latch
523.8%
Warning
14.8%
Assist
14.8%
Blind Spot Detection
14.8%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
14.8%
Trunk LID
14.8%
Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
14.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
22.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1718.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
88.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2527.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1718.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
99.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1010.9%
150,000+ miles
44.3%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2013 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD
10.9% risk
2013 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR FWD
10.9% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2013peak 6Mar 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2013 Lincoln MKZ
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
RQ22004Opened 8 Aug 2022Closed 24 Mar 2023SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures
On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 50 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging front brake jounce hose ruptures on model year (MY) 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A ruptured front brake hose results in a brake fluid leak. As a result, the driver may experience an increase in pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration, increasing the risk of a crash. It should be noted that the subject vehicles identified fell outside the scope of NHTSA Safety Recall 20V-469, which addressed front brake hoses rupturin...
RQ19005Opened 19 Dec 2019Closed 7 Feb 2022LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Door Latch Failures
In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. Some VOQs reported the failure occurred after the latch had been remedied under a prior recall which involved fracture of the latch pawl spring tab due to thermally induced cyclic fatigue. Other VOQs alleged a similar failure in vehicles not previously recalled. A latch with a fractured pawl sprin...
EA15002Opened 27 Feb 2015Closed 13 Nov 2015LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Door Latch Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford Fiesta, MY 2013 Ford Fusion and MY 2013 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. All of the affected vehicles share the same door latch design.ODI has received 281 unique reports related to the alleged problem, with over 100 claiming that the door(s) opened inadvertently while the vehicle was in motion. There were no crashes reported however three separate injuries were indicated, all caused by a rebounding door striking a consume...
Recalls on the 2013 Lincoln MKZ
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
23V162000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Risk: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
20V331000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
20E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Replacement Headlamps, part number DP5Z-13008-T and DP5Z-13008-V, sold for use with 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The headlamps may have an improper beam pattern and incorrect horizontal adjustment, the side markers may not illuminate and DOT markings may be missing. As such, these headlamps fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: The incorrect headlamps may reduce the driver's visibility or make the vehicle less visible, increasing the risk of a crash.
19V632000
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
Risk: If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
17V210000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Fiesta, 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
16V875000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured November 2, 2012, to July 31, 2014, and 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured November 14, 2012, to July 31, 2014. In the event of a crash, heat from the deployment of a seat belt pretensioner may cause a front seat belt anchor cable to fail.
Risk: If the driver or front passenger seatbelt cables cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, they would be at an increased risk of injury.
15V250000
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to March 20, 2015, and 2015 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 26, 2015, to February 28, 2015, and originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, snow or water containing road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
Risk: If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist. Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
15V246000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on April 23, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured July 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013, and 2012-2014 Fiesta vehicles manufactured February 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 119,567 vehicles, including certain model year 2011 Ford Fiestas manufactured from November 11, 2009, to May 31, 2013 and certain model year 2013 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured from February 1, 2012, to June 30, 2012. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202313263,269 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, the front brake hoses could fail and cause a progressive brake fluid leak. If this happens, the driver may experience a change in brake pedal feel and travel. This can cause reduced braking. Note: A brake fluid leak would cause the brake warning light to turn on. This recall doesn't affect models with a Hybrid engine. Vehicles repaired under Ford warranty extension program 22N02 already have updated brake hoses, and don't require this repair. Safety Risk: Reduced braking can cause an extended stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Ford will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the front brake hoses.
Recall 20194319,906 units in Canada
Steering
Issue: On certain vehicles, the bolts that attach the electric power steering assist motor to the steering gear may corrode and break. This could cause a loss of power steering assist. This recall applies to vehicles originally sold or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador). Safety Risk: A loss of power steering assist may result in a sudden increase in steering effort, especially at low vehicle speeds. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to replace the bolts and apply a wax sealer. If one or more of the bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed.
Recall 201718310,996 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles, the door latches may have a broken pawl spring tab. This could result in the door not latching correctly. As a result, doors which appear to be latched could unlatch while driving. This could increase the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant seated next to the door, or result in damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace all four door latches with a more robust part. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2015-175.
Recall 201660134,417 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, deployment of the driver or front passenger seatbelt pretensioner in a crash may generate internal pretensioner temperatures that can degrade the tensile strength of the outboard seat belt anchor cable. This could result in the seat belt not adequately restraining the seat occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will apply a coating to protect the pretensioner's cables.
Recall 201517731,193 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles registered and operated in areas where road salt is used on the roadways during winter months for extended time periods (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland-Labrador), corrosion may occur at the steering gear motor attachment bolts. Steering gear motor detachment from the gear housing could result in sudden loss of steering power assist. This would cause the Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control malfunction indicator lamps to illuminate. A vehicle experiencing a loss of steering power assist would revert to a manual steering mode which would require greater driver effort, especially at low vehicle speeds. A loss of steering power assist could ultimately result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will apply sealer and replace the steering gear motor attachment bolts as required. If one or more of the steering gear motor attachment bolds are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle.
Recall 201517550,681 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles, the door latches may have a broken pawl spring tab. This could result in the door not latching correctly. As a result, doors which appear to be latched could unlatch while driving. This could increase the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant seated next to the door, or result in damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace all four door latches with a more robust part.
Recall 201442782,962 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, sealant applied to the restraints control module could fail, allowing moisture to enter the module circuit board. This could cause corrosion to form, which will illuminate the airbag warning light and could affect restraint system function, potentially disabling airbags or other safety systems. This could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants in a crash where airbag deployment is warranted. Correction: Dealers will replace the restraints control module.
Recall 20141094,744 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 207 – Anchorage of Seats. The front driver and passenger seatback recliner mechanism may separate from the seatback frame due to improper welding. If this were to occur, the seatback could become noisy, loose or begin leaning and could fail to meet the strength requirements of the standard. This could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the seatback assemblies.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 136,000 milesAllen Park, MIFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, he saw smoke entering through the vents. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving the vehicle to a near friend's residence. The contact stated when he open the hood he saw the fire was located on the engine. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with water nearby. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. The vehicle was not drivable. The fire department did come to the location of the vehicle but a fire report was not filed. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
NHTSA complaint #11495511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesAllen Park, MIFire
FIRERELATED
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, he saw smoke entering through the vents. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving the vehicle to a near friend's residence. The contact stated when he open the hood he saw the fire was located on the engine. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with water nearby. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. The vehicle was not drivable. The fire department did come to the location of the vehicle but a fire report was not filed. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
NHTSA complaint #11495511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pearl, MSCrash
ENGINE
WHILE TURNING INTO MY DRIVEWAY I SLOWED TO MAKE THE TURN AND MY CAR IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED RPMS REVVED UP. NO DAMAGE WAS DONE. THEN A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND SLOWED TO MAKE THE TURN AND THE RPMS SHOT UP AGAIN CAUSING ME TO HIT A PARKED CAR AND ALSO A BUILDING BEFORE I COULD BRING THE CAR TO A STOP. I TOOK THE CAR IMMEDIATELY TO GRAY DANIELS DEALERSHIP IN BRANDON MS AND THEY TOLD ME THEY CLD NOT EVEN LOOK AT IT UNTIL TUESDAY. THIS WAS FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2018. NO INJURIES OCCURRED, MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CAR HAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE BUT WAS DRIVABLE. I WAS UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING THE CAR SO I GOT A RENTAL CAR AND TOOK THE MKZ BACK TO GRAY DANIELS. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, IT SEEMS A COMMON PROBLEM AND IT IS CALLED ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE CAUSING UNWANTED ACCELERATION. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT FOR YEARS!!!! THE DEALERSHIPS ARE ALSO AWARE! EVEN THOUGH GRAY DANIELS PLAYED IGNORANT, THEY ARE AWARE. I HAVE SENT THEM AN EMAIL OF COUNTLESS COMPLAINTS MADE BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE AND OVER 5000 DEATHS THAT HAVE OCCURRED AND A HUGE LAWSUIT STIMPSON VS FORD FOR THIS VERY REASON! I WANT THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED AND A FORMAL COMPLAINT FILED. I WILL ALSO BE ADVISING FORD MOTOR COMPANY (NOT THAT THEY WILL DO ANYTHING) OF THE DEALERSHIP AND HOW I WAS TREATED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS COMPLETELY UNPROFESSIONAL AND MY DAUGHTER EVEN WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED THEIR SERIOUSNESS OF THE ISSUE STILL GRAY DANIELS COULD CARE LESS AND TOLD MY DAUGHTER TO STOP VIDEO AND AUDIO RECORDING. I'VE ATTACHED 5 COMPLAINTS THAT I FOUND ONLINE. I COULD PROVIDE MANY MORE BUT YOUR SITE DOES NOT ALLOW MORE THAN 5. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11102454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pearl, MSCrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHILE TURNING INTO MY DRIVEWAY I SLOWED TO MAKE THE TURN AND MY CAR IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATED RPMS REVVED UP. NO DAMAGE WAS DONE. THEN A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND SLOWED TO MAKE THE TURN AND THE RPMS SHOT UP AGAIN CAUSING ME TO HIT A PARKED CAR AND ALSO A BUILDING BEFORE I COULD BRING THE CAR TO A STOP. I TOOK THE CAR IMMEDIATELY TO GRAY DANIELS DEALERSHIP IN BRANDON MS AND THEY TOLD ME THEY CLD NOT EVEN LOOK AT IT UNTIL TUESDAY. THIS WAS FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2018. NO INJURIES OCCURRED, MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. CAR HAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE BUT WAS DRIVABLE. I WAS UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVING THE CAR SO I GOT A RENTAL CAR AND TOOK THE MKZ BACK TO GRAY DANIELS. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, IT SEEMS A COMMON PROBLEM AND IT IS CALLED ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE CAUSING UNWANTED ACCELERATION. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT FOR YEARS!!!! THE DEALERSHIPS ARE ALSO AWARE! EVEN THOUGH GRAY DANIELS PLAYED IGNORANT, THEY ARE AWARE. I HAVE SENT THEM AN EMAIL OF COUNTLESS COMPLAINTS MADE BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE AND OVER 5000 DEATHS THAT HAVE OCCURRED AND A HUGE LAWSUIT STIMPSON VS FORD FOR THIS VERY REASON! I WANT THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED AND A FORMAL COMPLAINT FILED. I WILL ALSO BE ADVISING FORD MOTOR COMPANY (NOT THAT THEY WILL DO ANYTHING) OF THE DEALERSHIP AND HOW I WAS TREATED. THE DEALERSHIP WAS COMPLETELY UNPROFESSIONAL AND MY DAUGHTER EVEN WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED THEIR SERIOUSNESS OF THE ISSUE STILL GRAY DANIELS COULD CARE LESS AND TOLD MY DAUGHTER TO STOP VIDEO AND AUDIO RECORDING. I'VE ATTACHED 5 COMPLAINTS THAT I FOUND ONLINE. I COULD PROVIDE MANY MORE BUT YOUR SITE DOES NOT ALLOW MORE THAN 5. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11102454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesPhiladephia, PACrash2 injured
SEAT BELTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 LINCOLN MKZ. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR FRONT END CRASH. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EXCHANGING INFORMATION WITH THE OCCUPANT OF THE OTHER VEHICLE, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED INTO A STONE WALL. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER DID NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V875000 (SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #10959499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesPhiladephia, PACrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 LINCOLN MKZ. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR FRONT END CRASH. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EXCHANGING INFORMATION WITH THE OCCUPANT OF THE OTHER VEHICLE, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED INTO A STONE WALL. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER DID NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V875000 (SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #10959499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Renton, WA
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle: Lincoln MKZ 2013 Dealer: Auto Quest Inc. Description of the Safety Issue: I am submitting this report regarding a vehicle safety concern involving a 2013 Lincoln MKZ that I purchased from Auto Quest Inc. in Renton, Washington. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, within the first few days of ownership, the vehicle began experiencing significant mechanical problems including transmission issues and persistent brake noise that required multiple repair attempts. These problems appeared almost immediately after the purchase, which raises concerns that the vehicle may have had pre-existing mechanical or safety-related defects that were not disclosed at the time of sale. Since purchasing the vehicle I have had to spend thousands of dollars on repairs in order to keep the vehicle operational. Despite these repairs, the brake system has continued to produce abnormal noise and the vehicle has experienced ongoing mechanical issues. These types of issues may represent potential safety risks to drivers and passengers if the braking system or transmission were to fail while the vehicle is in operation. I am reporting this issue so that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration can evaluate whether this may represent a broader safety defect affecting this vehicle model or vehicles sold under similar circumstances.
NHTSA complaint #11723699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Renton, WA
SUSPENSION
Vehicle: Lincoln MKZ 2013 Dealer: Auto Quest Inc. Description of the Safety Issue: I am submitting this report regarding a vehicle safety concern involving a 2013 Lincoln MKZ that I purchased from Auto Quest Inc. in Renton, Washington. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, within the first few days of ownership, the vehicle began experiencing significant mechanical problems including transmission issues and persistent brake noise that required multiple repair attempts. These problems appeared almost immediately after the purchase, which raises concerns that the vehicle may have had pre-existing mechanical or safety-related defects that were not disclosed at the time of sale. Since purchasing the vehicle I have had to spend thousands of dollars on repairs in order to keep the vehicle operational. Despite these repairs, the brake system has continued to produce abnormal noise and the vehicle has experienced ongoing mechanical issues. These types of issues may represent potential safety risks to drivers and passengers if the braking system or transmission were to fail while the vehicle is in operation. I am reporting this issue so that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration can evaluate whether this may represent a broader safety defect affecting this vehicle model or vehicles sold under similar circumstances.
NHTSA complaint #11723699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Renton, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle: Lincoln MKZ 2013 Dealer: Auto Quest Inc. Description of the Safety Issue: I am submitting this report regarding a vehicle safety concern involving a 2013 Lincoln MKZ that I purchased from Auto Quest Inc. in Renton, Washington. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, within the first few days of ownership, the vehicle began experiencing significant mechanical problems including transmission issues and persistent brake noise that required multiple repair attempts. These problems appeared almost immediately after the purchase, which raises concerns that the vehicle may have had pre-existing mechanical or safety-related defects that were not disclosed at the time of sale. Since purchasing the vehicle I have had to spend thousands of dollars on repairs in order to keep the vehicle operational. Despite these repairs, the brake system has continued to produce abnormal noise and the vehicle has experienced ongoing mechanical issues. These types of issues may represent potential safety risks to drivers and passengers if the braking system or transmission were to fail while the vehicle is in operation. I am reporting this issue so that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration can evaluate whether this may represent a broader safety defect affecting this vehicle model or vehicles sold under similar circumstances.
NHTSA complaint #11723699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Roxbury, MA
STEERING
I was slowing down to take a turn and I see an error message saying “power steering assist failure”. And steering went stiff..
NHTSA complaint #11717680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Petersburg, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Video camera in the back is almost unusable at times, get loss of vision completely or it's flipped image and distorted. Don't know if this counts but I had a issue where key batteries where fine and the car did not want to unlock or start. Also last winter the door would not unlock and if forced would not close.
NHTSA complaint #11697244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
S Hutchinson Islan, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
the driver side mirror blind spot stopped working and all most hit a vehicle coming up alongside of me. Yes it is available No in October
NHTSA complaint #11694985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
S Hutchinson Islan, FL
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
the driver side mirror blind spot stopped working and all most hit a vehicle coming up alongside of me. Yes it is available No in October
NHTSA complaint #11694985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yakima, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owned a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while adjusting the driver's side motorized seat, the contact felt an electric shock through her left hand, prompting the contact to cease the action and immediately turn off the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined there was short in the motorized seat. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11691292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesVirginia Beach, VA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera screen turned off and turned on independently. Additionally, there was a message to contact the dealer displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11684577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesSaint Clair Shores, MI
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that the back-over prevention camera was inoperable. The contact stated that occasionally the screen was distorted or blank. The message that the camera was unavailable was displayed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall or warranty coverage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
NHTSA complaint #11675259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Punta Gorda, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that on several occasions while exiting the vehicle, the contact observed an abnormally strong fuel odor outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not able to be replicated; however, the gas cap was replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact believed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11664875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,800 milesMantua, NJ
STEERING
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering was vibrating and jiggling. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loosened near the gear housing. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 63,800.
NHTSA complaint #11630952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trotwood, OH
ENGINE
Catalytic converter, reduced engine power and toxic fumes. I had it inspected and would cost me $1200, I purchased the vehicle from dealership and was not made aware of the recalls and customer satisfaction program that would have covered the catalytic converter under campaign #20m01. When I became aware of the program it was too late by a couple of months, there was no prior symptoms prior to the failure, I became aware of the problem December 2023 due to warning light (check engine). This has became an inconvenience and a headache especially knowing the problem could have been avoided if I received the "letter" regarding customer satisfaction program but I never did.
NHTSA complaint #11624473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Trotwood, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
Car (93,000 miles) was operating fine, no check engine nor any other lights. I go into pharmacy come back out get in car to shift gears into drive and I notice the brake pedal sink to floor. As I am driving I notice that when braking it continues to take a longer distance to stop (brake light comes on). I recently had a spinal fusion so my safety and others was put into jeopardy. There was no waring of potential problems and I regularly have the car maintenance with no indication of needing any work done. I noticed all brake fluid was gone so I refilled hoping for the best but the fluid leaked out of the front passenger side brake line causing the fluid to be sprayed everywhere. Since, the problem happened so suddenly I checked for any brake problems concerning my vehicle type and I found that it has a recall for this problem. This has been an inconvenience due to being my only source of transportation, I need to get my meds, recovering from back surgery, now this!
NHTSA complaint #11621749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nunica, MI
STEERING
Power steering fault, Hard to steering.
NHTSA complaint #11608685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nunica, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Power steering fault, Hard to steering.
NHTSA complaint #11608685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Preston, IA
STEERING
When turn and more specifically u-turns or sharp turns, the steering is very hard. I noticed that there was a recall on power steering for the Lincoln MKZ 2013 for cars registered in Iowa. However, Lincoln is saying that my car is not covered.
NHTSA complaint #11602742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
STEERING
The power steering suddenly stopped working as I was on the highway and couldn’t control my car without warning. It started working momentarily and then stopped again. It’s been over 24 hours. The fuses were checked. At the same time that the steering went out two messages appeared. “Lane keeping sys malfunction” and “steering loss stop safety”. It is available for inspection currently.
NHTSA complaint #11572980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
The power steering suddenly stopped working as I was on the highway and couldn’t control my car without warning. It started working momentarily and then stopped again. It’s been over 24 hours. The fuses were checked. At the same time that the steering went out two messages appeared. “Lane keeping sys malfunction” and “steering loss stop safety”. It is available for inspection currently.
NHTSA complaint #11572980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Detroit, MI
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
The power steering suddenly stopped working as I was on the highway and couldn’t control my car without warning. It started working momentarily and then stopped again. It’s been over 24 hours. The fuses were checked. At the same time that the steering went out two messages appeared. “Lane keeping sys malfunction” and “steering loss stop safety”. It is available for inspection currently.
NHTSA complaint #11572980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesUpper Marlboro, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while starting the vehicle and driving at various speeds, there was a loud beeping sound as if the doors were unlocked or opened. There were no warning lights or error messages displayed. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11546303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, OH
WHEELS
Took car in for an oil change and tire rotation. The dealer did the oil change but could not do the tire rotation because the lug nuts needed to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11541241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fayetteville, OH
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
Took car in for an oil change and tire rotation. The dealer did the oil change but could not do the tire rotation because the lug nuts needed to be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11541241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aiken, SC
SEAT BELTS
The seat belts unlock at any given time
NHTSA complaint #11533775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,000 milesMarlborough, MA
STEERING
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the power steering became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who informed her about the steering recalls for the vehicle regarding the electrical power steering assist which caused the power steering column to fail. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer. The local dealer was contacted and informed her that the repair was not covered under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V250000 (Steering). The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
NHTSA complaint #11523960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.