FaultScore

Lincoln MKZ steering problems

114 of the 2,025 complaints filed about the Lincoln MKZ are about the steering — 6% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2014.

114

Complaints

6%

Share of all complaints

8

Crashes

0

Fires

Steering complaints by model year

2008 MKZ 1 0.9%

Median failure at 100,700 miles

2009 MKZ 3 2.6%

Median failure at 30,198 miles

2010 MKZ 1 0.9%

Median failure at 2,600 miles

2011 MKZ 19 16.7%

Median failure at 71,289 miles

2012 MKZ 20 17.5%

Median failure at 65,000 miles

2013 MKZ 16 14.0%

Median failure at 67,000 miles

2014 MKZ 25 21.9%

Median failure at 65,000 miles

2015 MKZ 7 6.1%

Median failure at 72,200 miles

2016 MKZ 12 10.5%

Median failure at 53,000 miles

2017 MKZ 6 5.3%

Median failure at 15,400 miles

2019 MKZ 3 2.6%

Median failure at 116,100 miles

2020 MKZ 1 0.9%

What owners said

2015 Lincoln MKZ Amelia, OH

STEERING

My vehicle experienced a sudden Electric Power Steering (EPS) failure resulting in loss of steering assist. The dealer confirmed the EPS rack failed and stated this issue has occurred on other Ford vehicles. My VIN is not included in the existing EPS recall, but the symptoms and failure match the recalled vehicles exactly. The repair cost is approximately $5,400. This is a safety‑critical failure that occurred without warning and created a hazardous driving situation. I am requesting NHTSA review this issue for potential recall expansion. Was at a restaurant with my parents and family when the steering failed and had to have it towed to my house about an hour away. Took me several months to try and figure out how to get this repair as the first estimate was $3500, my parents decided to help us get it fixed as we depend on 2 cars, the dealer said the entire rack had to be replaced and now the cost is $5400.00

NHTSA complaint #11735164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Lincoln MKZ Howell, NJ

STEERING

My car was involved with an accident regarding a pothole and had an immediate loss of electronic power steering upon impact. Upon inspection by multiple certified technicians and adjusters, they noticed corrosion around the same bolts related to a recall for the same vehicle, but a different model/lot production: 15S14/19S26. This was a known corrosion defect, which is allegedly now causing the same issue with this model vehicle, causing extremely dangerous driving conditions which could lead to potential major incidents such as these. This now makes me question every vehicle from Ford Lincoln, or steering component related assembly recalls from corrosion when hitting any kind of potholes or larger contact areas.

NHTSA complaint #11730264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Lincoln MKZ at 110,000 miles Detroit, MI

STEERING

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became loose, and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the front end made an abnormal humming sound. The vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist functionality. The contact pulled over, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA complaint #11726289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Lincoln MKZ at 116,100 miles Milford, MA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while reversing, the steering wheel wobbled. The contact stated that the steering wheel was moving back and forth. In addition, the contact stated that while making a turn, the steering wheel turned in the intended direction without an issue. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,100.

NHTSA complaint #11718633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Lincoln MKZ 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.

2014 Lincoln MKZ Watertown, NY

STEERING

STEERING GEAR STOPPED WORKING, CAUSED THE CAR TO LOCK UP STEERING WHILE DRIVING SIMALAR AS RECALL 19S26. WE FEEL THIS CAR SHOULD ADDED TO THE CURRENT RECALLS FOR THIS SAME MATTER.

NHTSA complaint #11713321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Lincoln MKZ Watertown, NY

STEERING

Steering wheel lock up

NHTSA complaint #11708587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Lincoln MKZ Martin, MI

STEERING

After filling up with gas, started the vehicle & it displayed SEVERAL warnings regarding the steering, stability control, etc. Only about 2 miles from home. Started driving home & the steering wheel was variably going from fairly difficult to turn to VERY difficult to turn. Got within about 150 feet of my home & could not turn the steering wheel AT ALL. Tried multiple times to back up / go forward while attempting to move the steering wheel in hopes of getting in my driveway, to no avail. Ended up having to call a tow truck & having vehicle taken to a local dealership.

NHTSA complaint #11702182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Lincoln MKZ at 135,000 miles Baldwinsville, NY

STEERING

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to steer in either direction. No warning light was illuminated. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had progressed over time. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it remained for further investigation; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

NHTSA complaint #11697881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Lincoln MKZ at 92,000 miles Tulare, CA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed into the garage, the steering column made a grinding sound while turning off the vehicle. The contact was unable to adjust the steering wheel up and down into position. An unknown dealer and a secondary dealer, Keller Ford (1073 Cadillac Ln, Hanford, CA 93230), were made aware of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA complaint #11691226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Lincoln MKZ Waynesboro, TN

STEERING

Randomly my steering wheel will get stiff/lock up and pull the car and its hard to control it sometimes

NHTSA complaint #11689271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Lincoln MKZ at 107,168 miles Houston, TX

STEERING

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally with the powertrain warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to function properly and became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,168.

NHTSA complaint #11681412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Lincoln MKZ Rochester Hills, MI

STEERING

A light came on for steering loss, stop safely and lock down my car. We are unable to drive it. The issue is the same to the recall number 19526 and possibly number 18508. Which my car is listed. The steering becsme difficult to turn and then eventually the light came on for steering loss and the car has been disabled. I looked up our Vin number [XXX] , and it was not included on this recall. However we believe it should be. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11679561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Lincoln MKZ at 121,000 miles Ladson, SC

STEERING

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn in either direction. The messages "Steering Assist Unavailable" and "Hill Assist" were displayed on the instrument cluster. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 121,000.

NHTSA complaint #11679253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Lincoln MKZ Eunice, LA

STEERING

When I stop at a stop sign & then turn right, my steering wheel locks up. It does clear up after trying to turn it but I’m stuck in traffic & cannot move because the steering is locked. This happened twice in 4 days. Brought car to dealership & they never heard of this.

NHTSA complaint #11674743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Lincoln MKZ Ethridge, TN

STEERING

My car has lost powering steering three times now. I have replaced the rack and pinion module twice and I’m fixing to a third time. This has happened all within the last 3.5 years

NHTSA complaint #11667052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Lincoln MKZ Coconut Grove, FL

STEERING

My daughter almost killed herself in the car at [XXX]; the steering wheel and wheels got stuck. She's stuck at [XXX] close by [XXX] in the middle of the road, She's already called the mechanic and towing company and his assistant so I can get to work. The car is under my name [XXX] . Car was towed to a mechanic shop. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11666748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Lincoln MKZ Hamersville, OH

STEERING

Steering assist fault

NHTSA complaint #11647162 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Lincoln MKZ Columbus, GA

STEERING

I was sitting in idle staying warm in car. When I decided to leave, I noticed I couldn't turn the steering wheel or that it was very difficult to steer. I have not had this issue inspected. The warning lights that was on before was "service advancedtrac", "collision warning not available" "drive control malfunction service required". I called Sons Ford Auburn where they stayed there was no recall for this issue. I also called Lincoln customer service where they told me the recall doesn't fall under my vehicle due to it being a hybrid and that I don't have the bolts associated with the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11635313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Lincoln MKZ at 63,800 miles Mantua, 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.

Other Lincoln MKZ problems