2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Routine

Owners filed 59 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. No safety recall has been issued.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
60,000 milesMedian miles at failure

41 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems

17 of the 59 complaints (29%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags17
000
Steering16
000
Structure › Body · body and frame4
000
Service Brakes · brakes4
100
Electrical System4
000
Engine3
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control3
000
Power Train · transmission2
000
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · throttle and acceleration1
000
Unknown or Other1
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 4, 2026VA

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 Li

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 15, 2025119,000 milesCA

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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Jul 3, 202555,567 milesFL

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that the front driver's side door failed to open while pulling the interior door handle, requiring the contact to open the door using the exterior door handle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the front driver's side interior door handle was replaced three times, and the door lock was replaced once; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the front passenger' side door failed to open completely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the front passenger' side door lock was replaced once; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 55,567.

Steering
Filed Dec 1, 2023125,000 milesTN

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist and driving track warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to his place of employment. The contact stated that after work he started the vehicle and, while driving, the steering seized. The contact used both hands to turn and steer the vehicle. The contact phoned the local dealer and made the dealer aware of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report to failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Steering
Filed Nov 29, 202366,000 milesCO

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while her husband was attempting to reverse, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, and the vehicle displayed a message stating "Electric Power Steering Assist Fault". The EPS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering control module. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering) however, the VIN was included but the vehicle was already repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was 66,000.

Steering
Filed Sep 1, 2023122,000 milesAR

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while his grandson was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the power steering control module was reprogrammed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

Steering
Filed Jul 31, 2023100,288 milesOH

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while starting the vehicle the steering wheel was firm. The "power steering assist fault" and "service advance trac" messages were displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the steering operated normally. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the recall for the failure had expired and provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was 100,288.

Steering
Filed Jul 20, 2023100,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, there was a beeping sound heard and the "Steering Assist" and "Service Track" warning lights illuminated. The contact stated slightly corrected the steering wheel and became aware that the vehicle had lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to pull off the roadway and shifted the vehicle into park(P) and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted however, the power steering functionality was still inoperable. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Power Train
Filed Jul 19, 2023190,000 milesOK

The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brake was inoperable. The Service ABS warning light was illuminated; however, the contact stated that the vehicle was driven to her residence with caution. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact researched and discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) in which her vehicle experienced the same failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 2, 2022WA

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V158000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The consumer stated that Ford completed the work necessary to repair the vehicle.

Steering
Filed Feb 9, 202135,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 42 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE AS THE SERVICE ADVANCED TRACK AND SERVICE POWER STEERING MESSAGES APPEARED ON HIS INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT CALLED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON SIMILAR MODEL VEHICLES FOR A POWER STEERING FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH A CASE NUMBER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.

Steering
Filed Oct 20, 202068,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH THE SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE THEN LOSS POWER STEERING FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL WAS DISABLED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN MANUAL STEERING MODE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY, TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PURCHASE FORD LINCOLN (1352 US-45, MAYFIELD, KY 42066) BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V340000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000.

Steering
Filed Oct 28, 201960,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. ALSO, 'SERVICE ADVANCETRAC' AND 'SERVICE STEERING ASSIST' WERE DISPLAYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 1, 201992,537 milesOK

STARTED VEHICLE IN PARKING LOT. BRAKE LIGHT, ABS, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ALL ON. BACKED OUT OF PARKING SPOT. THOUGHT I COULD GET IT HOME. PULLED OUT ONTO CITY STREET. TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE; PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN. DID NOT REMEMBER TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP, BUT PUT INTO PARK TO GET VEHICLE TO STOP. MANAGED TO PULL INTO ANOTHER PARKING LOT, CONTINUING TO PUT INTO PARK TO STOP. CALLED AAA AND HAD TOWED. DEALER INVOICE STATES, "VERIFIED CUST CONCERN. EXPERIENCED NO POWER BRAKE ASSIST ON VEHICLE. R&I THE ABS CONTROL MODULE FOR INTERNAL FAULT...."

Electrical System
Filed Jun 13, 2019115,000 milesVA

SEAT HEATING AND COOLING CONTROL SHUTS OFF AFTER AFTER BUTTON IS DEPRESSED. UPON TROUBLE SHOOTING IT WAS FOUND THAT SOMETHING SHORTED A PIN ON THE CONTROL MODULE LOCATED UNDER THE PASSENGERS SEAT TO THE EXTENT THAT THE FEMALE PIN CONNECTOR WAS COMPLETELY MELTED.

Steering
Filed May 28, 201986,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED AND THE POWER ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.

Structure › Body
Filed May 9, 201953,300 milesMA

SHORTLY AFTER I HAD THE TAKATA RECALL FIXED, I HAD THE FOLLOWING THINGS HAPPEN TO THE VEHICLE: INTERIOR DRIVER'S DOOR HANDLE WILL NOT OPERATE. PRIOR TO THAT THE DRIVER'S WINDOW WOULD NOT OPERATE. MYSTERIOUSLY, THE WINDOW BEGAN OPERATING, THEN THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN EACH INCIDENT OCCURRED.

Electrical System
Filed May 2, 2019142,000 milesNC

THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY KEEPS GOING OUT

Steering
Filed Apr 6, 201976,000 milesPA

POWER STEERING WENT WITHOUT ANY WARNING HAS RECALL ON OTHER MKZ OF THAT YEAR BUT NOT MINE. I PUT IT REVERSE AND HAD NO POWER STEERING LUCKY I WAS NOT DRIVING WHEN IT WENT OUT.

Steering
Filed Mar 29, 2019PA

STATIONARY, STARTED,NO POWER STEERING.STATED POER STEERING ASSIST FAULT.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 27, 201843,208 milesFL

FAILURE OF DRIVER'S INSIDE DOOR HANDLE: WHEN ATTEMPTING TO EXIT MY CAR, THE DOOR HANDLE'S MECHANISM SUDDENLY FAILED AND I WAS UNABLE TO EGRESS THE VEHICLE AND I CAME CLOSE TO PANICKING. SO I WAS FORCED TO EXIT VIA THE PASSENGER DOOR WHICH WAS VERY DIFFICULT CLIMBING OVER THE CENTER CONSOLE. AFTER TALKING TO THE LINCOLN ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER AND RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, I QUICKLY LEARNED THAT FORDS, INCLUDING LINCOLNS, HAVE AN EXTREMELY HIGH FAILURE RATE OF THIS PART. HE SAID THAT THE ALTERNATIVE TO CLIMBING OUT THE PASSENGER'S DOOR WAS TO LOWER THE DRIVER'S WINDOW AND OPEN THE DOOR BY PULLING ON THE OUTSIDE HANDLE WHICH CAN ALSO BE A DIFFICULT MANEUVER. BUT WHETHER AN EMERGENCY OR NOT, THAT IS CERTAINLY NOT THE FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MIND. HAD I BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE REQUIRING IMMEDIATE EXIT, IN ALL LIKELIHOOD, I WOULD HAVE LIKELY DIED. BECAUSE OF THIS FREQUENT PART FAILURE AND THE LIKELIHOOD OF INJURY OR DEATH, I FIND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO FATHOM THAT YOUR AGENCY HASN'T ISSUED AN URGENT RECALL ON THIS PART.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 13, 2018MO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V024000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. JOE MACHENS CAPITAL CITY FORD (807 SOUTHWEST BLVD, JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI 65109, (855) 929-5900) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL IN MARCH OF 2017 AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 7, 2018WA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V024000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. EVERGREEN FORD LINCOLN (1500 18TH AVENUE NW, ISSAQUAH, WASHINGTON 98027, (425) 392-6900) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 30, 2018CA

I AM CURRENTLY IN A RENTAL AND HAVE BEEN FOR MONTHS. CALIFORNIA CODE REQUIRES THAT, IF A MANUFACTURER OR ITS REPRESENTATIVE IS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE MOTOR VEHICLE TO CONFORM TO THE VEHICLES APPLICABLE EXPRESS WARRANTY AFTER A REASONABLE NUMBER OF ATTEMPTS. ITS BEEN TWO YEARS, MAYBE LONGER. THE VEHICLE IS NOW IN NONCONFORMITY FOR OVER 60 DAYS.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 28, 2018IL

TAKATA RECALL: I RECEIVED NOTICE THE RECALL A YEAR AGO. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED A FORD DEALER ABOUT THE RECALL WHO TOLD ME THEY WOULD CALL WHEN READY TO REPLACE MY AIR BAG. I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED NOR GOTTEN MY AIR BAG REPLACED.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 26, 2018FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V024000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN 2015. THE DEALER (POMPANO FORD, INC., 2741 N FEDERAL HWY, POMPANO BEACH, FL 33064) STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 18, 2018FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V024000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. GERMAIN LINCOLN (133303 TAMIAMI TRAIL NORTH, NAPLES, FLORIDA, (888) 649-3826) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT CONSUMER STATED NO PARTS AVAILABLE. UPDATED 12/13/18*JB

Steering
Filed Aug 24, 2018130,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE MESSAGES "POWER STEERING FAILURE" AND "ADVANCE TRACKING FAILURE" DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (MAGIC CITY FORD, 809 WILLIAMSON RD. NE, ROANOKE, VA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 16, 201854,000 milesPA

MY 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HAS A TAIL LAMP THAT DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, AND THE BRAKE LIGHT IS NOT AS BRIGHT AS THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CAR HAS ABOUT 54,000 MILES. THE ENTIRE TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY HAS TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $300-$400 WHEN IN THE PAST A $3 BULB WOULD BE THE FIX. 14M03 TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY EXTENDED COVERAGE SHOULD INCLUDE ANY FORD TAIL LIGHT WITH THIS PROBLEM. IN THE PAST, REPLACING A BULB WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT THE MANUFACTURER NOW PRODUCES A CAR THAT PLACES AN UNFAIR COST BURDEN ON THE OWNER. THE DESIGN IS RIDICULOUS AND MAY CAUSE A SAFETY ISSUE.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 8, 201812 milesCA

I CURRENTLY HAVE A RENTAL CAR BECAUSE OF THE "TAKATA RECALL", BUT THE MAIN ISSUE IS THE TRACTION CONTROL FUNCTION. THE ADJUSTMENTS MADE WHEN TRACTION CONTROL IS ON, DURING PERIODS OF RAIN HAVE ALMOST CAUSE 3 COLLISIONS I THINK OF. ITS NOT LIKE A LOSS OF POWER STEERING, BUT AN OVERCOMPENSATION. IT FEELS READY TO HYDROPLANE WHEN EVER THERE IS HEAVY RAIN. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED ALL FOUR WHEELS AND IT MAKES NO DIFFERENCE.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 2, 201863,000 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING THERE IS A LARGE POP SOUND AND THEN EXTREME STATIC / "WHITE NOISE" THAT COMES THROUGH THE SPEAKER SYSTEM EVEN IF THE AUDIO IS TURNED OFF. IT WILL PERIODICALLY DO THIS OFF AND ON AND IS EXTREMELY LOUD AND DISTRACTING WHILE DRIVING. ALSO BECAUSE IT IS SO SPORADIC AND THE POP AND STATIC NOISE IS NEVER KNOWN WHEN IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IT HAS NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENTS FROM BEING SCARED WHEN IT COMES ON SUDDENLY. IT DOES THIS WHILE CITY DRIVING OR HIGHWAY DRIVING. I CAN NOT TAKE A PICTURE OF A SOUND BUT I DO HAVE VIDEO AND YOU CAN ALSO YOUTUBE OTHER PEOPLES COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. IT BEGAN FOR ME ON JULY 24, 2018 AND HAS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN ON A DAILY BASIS SINCE THEN.

Power Train
Filed Jun 7, 2018TX

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY 50 -60 MPH THE CAR WILL SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING ON THE DASH IS SAYS PULL OVER SAFELY. THE CAR RESTARTS ONCE STOPPED THE KEY TURNED OFF THEN ON. THE PROBLEM IS VERY DANGEROUS ., ESPECIALLY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.THIS HAS HAPPENED 7-8 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 3, 201860,000 milesTX

DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROX 65 MPH, A MESSAGE APPEARED TO PULL OVER. AT THE SAME TIME, THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. THE GAS PETAL NO LONGER WORKED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE. THE CAR HAS RIGHT AT 60K MILES.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jan 9, 201836,000 milesVA

THE ELECTRIC ASSIST POWER STEERING HAS FAILED

Air Bags
Filed Nov 20, 2017CA

TAKATA RECALL. I WAS NOTIFIED OF A RECALL OF TAKATA AIRBAG INFLATORS FOR MY CAR THIS DATE BY POSTCARD. FROM TK HOLDINGS, INC. I CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO INFORMED ME "THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE ANYWHERE TO REPAIR THE DEFECT." THUS, I HAVE NO REMEDY AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THIS SAFETY DEFECT IN MY CAR.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 13, 2017FL

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V024000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BAY LINCOLN (641 W 15TH ST, PANAMA CITY, FL 32401, (888) 500-5851) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE REMEDY WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 13, 2017CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V024000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE OVER A YEAR AGO. THE DEALER (ALBANY FORD SUBARU, 929 SAN PABLO AVE, ALBANY, CA 94706(510) 528-1244) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A POSTCARD FROM TK HOLDINGS, ALERTING HIM THAT THEY FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 11, 2017CA

I WAS MADE AWARE OF PASSENGER AIR BAG RECALL. I CONTACTED DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY DO NOT HAVE PARTS AND CAN NOT TELL ME WHEN I CAN HAVE REPAIRS.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 6, 201735,000 milesFL

"TAKATA RECALL" NOTIFIED OF RECALL MANY MONTHS AGO BUT EVERY TIME I CALL DEALER THEY SAY THEY DON'T HAVE REPLACEMENTS. DEALER IS ISLAND LINCOLN MERCURY ON MERRITT ISLAND, FL NOTE: DATE BELOW IS JUST A GUESS. I CAN NOT FIND NOTIFICATION

Air Bags
Filed Nov 3, 201770,500 milesTX

I HAVE RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL NOTICE WITH A FAULT IN AIRBAG INFLATOR. ITS BEEN 9 MONTHS AND CAR MANUFACTURER DOESN'T HAVE A REMEDY. IN FUTURE IF THERE IS COLLISION THEN THIS VEHICLE DRIVER RISKS A SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY. I WOULD LIKE NHTSA FACILITATE A SPEEDIER REPLACEMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE PART.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 2, 2017CA

GOT TAKATA RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH, TOOK IN TO LIVERMORE AUTO GROUP , THEY HAD CAR FOR A DAY THEN TOLD ME PARTS ARE NOT MADE YET , THEY SAID I WOULD BE CALLED WHEN PARTS ARE MADE. STILL WAITING FOR THEM TO CALL , WORRIED ABOUT SAFETY OF WIFE DRIVING THE CAR WITH DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS

Air Bags
Filed Oct 24, 2017130,000 milesTX

THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIRBAG INFLATOR HAS BEEN RECALLED IN MARCH 2017. AS OF TODAY, 2017.10.24, THE CERTIFIED LINCOLN DEALER IN AUSTIN TEXAS DOES NOT HAVE A REPLACEMENT FOR THIS RECALLED ITEM. I CALLED IN MARCH AND AGAIN TODAY, AND REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE FIXED BEFORE A POTENTIAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT HAPPENS.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 24, 201745,000 milesCA

I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE ENTIRE STEERING ASSEMBLY AND THE ELECTRONIC STEERING MUST BE REPLACED DUE TO A FAILURE OF THE STEERING MOTOR SENSOR. THIS REPAIR IS ESTIMATED TO COST $2100. OTHER 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRIDS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS SAME FAULT, NHTSA ID 15V340000, BUT MY CAR DOES NOT SEEM TO BE COVERED. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT MY CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM AND WHATEVER CORRECTION OR RUNNING CHANGE THEY MADE TO THE PRODUCTION LINE DID NOT ADEQUATELY FIX THE ISSUE. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WHEN A WARNING LIGHT (YELLOW WRENCH) CAME ON. I STOPPED THE CAR, CHECKED THE MANUAL AND COULD FIND NO REFERENCE TO THIS WARNING LIGHT. IT DID NOT REAPPEAR WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR AND NEVER CAME BACK ON.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 28, 2017VA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V024000 (AIR BAGS) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTIFICATION IN MARCH OF 2017. THE DEALER (TED BRITT FORD SALES, 11165 FAIRFAX BLVD, FAIRFAX, VA, 22030) STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE AND THAT THEY WERE NOT CERTAIN WHEN THEY WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 19, 2017MA

DRIVER'S DOOR DOES NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. IT APPEARS THAT A WIRE HAS SNAPPED CAUSING THIS ISSUE. I HAVE TO ROLL THE WINDOW DOWN TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed May 3, 201745,500 milesVT

TRAVELING SOUTH ON CT15 IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. TRAFFIC WAS MOVING AT ABOUT 40 MPH AND STOPPED SUDDENLY. I APPLIED PRESUURE TO BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP. PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. IT APPEARED THAT MINIMUAL REGENERATIVE BRAKING WAS ENGAGED BUT NO ADDITIONAL FRICTION BRAKING. CAR HAD PLENTY OF DISTANCE IN WHICH TO STOP [ MORE THAN 140 FEET]. CAR SLOWED FOR A TIME BUT WHEN SPEED WAS REDUCED TO ABOUT 10 MPH, THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING DISENGAGED AND CAR SURGED FORWARD AND REAR ENDED TRUCK CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL BODY DAMAGE. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE LITE ON DASH. DEALERS HAD INSPECTED BRAKE BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER CRASH AND REPORTED NO PROBLEMS. SIMULATED BRAKE ASSIST DID NOT PROVIDE ANY RESISTANCE TO PRESSURE ON PEDAL. BRAKE PEDAL POSITION SENSOR DID NOT GENERATE BRAKE REQUEST OR ABS AND ECM DID NOT RECONGNIZE REQUEST FOR EXTRA BRAKING. EXTREME PRESSURE ON BRAKE PEDAL DID NOT ACTIVATE FAIL/SAFE MANUAL FRICTION BRAKING. CAR SHOULD STOP IN 140 FEET FROM 60 MPH. QUESTIONS - WHAT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE SBA NOT ACTIVATING? WHY DID THE ABS AND ECM IGNORE OR NOT PROPERLY RESPOND TO THE BRAKING REQUEST? WHY THE FAIL/SAFE FRICTION BRAKING MODE FAIL TO ACTIVATE? WHAT PEDAL PRESSURE IS REQUIRED TO ACTIVATE MODE? THERE ARE NUMEROUS PRIOR REPORTS OF SIMILAR SYMPTOMS CAUSING ACCIDENTS IN 2011/2012 LINCOLN/FORD HYBRIDS. WHAT IS THE STOPPING DISTANCE FROM 60 MPH IN FAIL/SAFE MODE. FORD LITERATURE ON THE HYBRID BRAKING SYSTEM DOES NOT SPEAK TO THIS ISSUE OR GIVE ANY WARNING TO CUSTOMERS. HOW IS THE FAIL/SAFE FRICTION

Steering
Filed Mar 5, 201737,777 milesCO

CAR WAS PARKED. STARTED CAR AND PUT TRANSMISSION IN REVERSE AND NOTICED THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING. WARNING ON DASH "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILURE". ONLY 37,777 MILES ON CAR. PREVIOUS SERVICE RECORDS ON CAR STATED FIELD SERVICE ACTION 15N01 BUT IGNORED BY DEALER AT LEAST TWICE DURING WARRANTY PERIOD. NOW OUT OF WARRANTY.

Engine
Filed Nov 19, 201659,000 milesFL

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. POWER CUT OUT AND CAR SLOWED DOWN RAPIDLY. THROTTLE PEDAL WAS INOPERATIVE WITH TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD WHILE DODGING SEMI-TRUCKS. SHUT CAR OFF AND POWER RESET. WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DESTINATION. THE CAR LOST POWER PREVIOUSLY, 09/13/16, WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN, BUT AT THE LOWER SPEED IT WAS NOT LIFE THREATENING. THE ENGINE RESET AFTER RESTARTING THAT TIME ALSO. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THAT INCIDENCE BUT NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 2, 201664,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PULLING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT DOOR HANDLE, THERE WAS A SNAP ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE DOOR WAS SECURED, IN ORDER TO EXIT THE LOCK BUTTON WAS PULLED UP AND THE HANDLE NEEDED TO BE PULLED AT THE SAME TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 22, 201552,000 milesSC

ATTEMPTED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. SHUT THE CAR OFF, TURNED IT BACK ON. HIT THE LOCK AND UNLOCK BUTTON SEVERAL TIMES AND STILL COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. EVENTUALLY HAD TO OPEN IT FROM THE OUTSIDE.

Complaints 1-50 of 59, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2012
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20201000Routine
20192000Routine
20182000Routine
201717000Routine
20167000Routine
201513000Routine
201428000Routine
201313010Routine
2012 — this page59000Routine
201140000Routine

Compare every MKZ Hybrid year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.