70 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.
Most common 2013 Lincoln MKZ problems
13 of the 109 complaints (12%) are about the steering.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Steering
13
0
0
0
Electrical System
12
0
0
0
Structure › Body · body and frame
10
1
0
0
Engine
10
1
0
0
Seat Belts
8
0
0
0
Power Train · transmission
8
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
7
1
1
0
Wheels
6
0
0
0
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · door locks and latches
5
0
0
0
Service Brakes · brakes
4
0
0
0
13 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings23V162000
Filed Mar 10, 20231,280,726 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
Filed Jun 8, 20202,147,323 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Defect. 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.
Remedy. Ford will notify vehicle manufacturers, and dealers will inspect the headlamps, and replace the headlamps, as necessary, free of charge. Additionally, Ford will instruct dealers to return all improper headlamps and not to install them on any vehicles. The recall began June 3, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C10.
Filed Aug 29, 2019116,160 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer. If any of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S26.
Filed Mar 27, 2017191,432 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began May 1, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S16.
Filed Dec 5, 2016603,392 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable, free of charge. The recall began May 16, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S42.
Filed Apr 28, 2015487,301 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply sealer and replace the steering gear motor bolts as required. If one or more of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S14.
Filed Apr 24, 2015456,440 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches with an improved part, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed to owners on June 5, 2015. The recall began on December 18, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S16.
Filed Sep 26, 2014746,842 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.
Risk. The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.
Filed Apr 2, 201443,135 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk. The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.
Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C03.
Filed Nov 25, 20137,153 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 26, 2012, through September 24, 2013. Due to a manufacturing error, the transmission range sensor may not function properly allowing the affected vehicles to be shifted out of the Park position without first applying the brake pedal. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection."
Risk. Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll which may result in a crash.
Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software, free of charge. The recall began on January 2014. Customers may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13C09.
Filed May 31, 2013390,783 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S04.
Defect. Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, through March 15, 2013 and equipped with an engine block heater. During use, the engine block heater cords may be bent and in certain temperatures, the wire insulation may crack, exposing the electrical wires.
Risk. Exposed electrical wires increase the risk of electric shock.
Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S05. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
All 13 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air Bags1 injured
Filed Sep 15, 2026LA
Component Failure & Inspection: Restraints Control Module (RCM) / physical airbags failed on a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The 44-page Bosch CDR report proves a hardware failure: Page 8 logs a "YES" command for Frontal and Rollover Discriminating Deployment. System voltage was stable (14.02V at T0), and seatbelt pretensioners successfully fired (683.0 ms and 688.0 ms). However, physical airbags completely failed to inflate and left no execution timestamps. This matches NHTSA Campaign for 2013 Lincoln MKZ for air bag but owner was never alerted. NHTSA Campaign where cracked conformal coating shunts deployment voltage to ground. The vehicle/RCM are preserved and available for inspection.Safety Risk: The failure left driver K** ****** unprotected in a violent, multi-stage crash. Entering at 50.70 MPH, the vehicle braked to 40.02 MPH at initial impact struck car then struck the road and flipped ~1 second later. Due to non-deployment, the driver suffered severe injuries requiring critical medical air evacuation (airlift) and 6 months of lost wages so far. Confirmation/Reproduction: Confirmed via forensic data extraction. A retained professional pulled the black box data, generating a 44-page Bosch CDR report proving the software commanded deployment ("YES") but the hardware mechanically failed.Inspections: The Louisiana Uniform Crash Report explicitly notes "Not Deployed" despite the rollover. State Farm Insurance reviewed these digital metrics and reassigned 100% fault to the other driver
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 11, 2026WA
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.
Steering
Filed Feb 12, 2026MA
I was slowing down to take a turn and I see an error message saying “power steering assist failure”. And steering went stiff..
Electrical System
Filed Nov 3, 2025PA
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.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 22, 2025FL
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
Electrical System
Filed Oct 3, 2025WA
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.
Back Over Prevention
Filed Sep 2, 202570,000 milesVA
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.
Back Over Prevention
Filed Jul 22, 202582,000 milesMI
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 4, 2025FL
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.
Steering
Filed Dec 16, 202463,800 milesNJ
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.
Engine
Filed Nov 11, 2024OH
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.
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 24, 2024OH
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!
Steering
Filed Aug 15, 2024MI
Power steering fault, Hard to steering.
Steering
Filed Jul 16, 2024IA
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.
Steering
Filed Feb 20, 2024MI
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.
Electrical System
Filed Sep 25, 2023160,000 milesMD
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.
Wheels
Filed Aug 28, 2023OH
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.
Seat Belts
Filed Jul 22, 2023SC
The seat belts unlock at any given time
Steering
Filed May 26, 202367,000 milesMA
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.
Electrical System
Filed May 17, 2023AL
The air blower and radio automatically adjust. The air will turn on and off by itself and go from low speed to full blast and all in between. The radio automatically adjusts volume by itself. Luckily, so far when it’s happens it can be turned off and doesn’t come back on. However, you can see the lights on the volume button control going crazy from high to low. It happens continually. The radio can barely be used because it won’t stay consistent
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 21, 2023IL
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. 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 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 had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 18, 2023MA
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. 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.
Structure › Body
Filed Feb 8, 2023MN
The doors of the vehicle fail to latch closed when the temperatures get below freezing. There has been a recall previously repaired in 2016 per vehicle records, however this seems to be an issue now.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Feb 1, 202343,000 milesVA
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to slow the vehicle however, the brake pedal went to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to stop within a reasonable distance. The contact allowed the vehicle to independently slow down before pulling over to the side of the roadway and activating the parking brake. The vehicle was turned off and then towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a hole in the brake line. The brake line was replaced, and brake fluid was added to the reservoir. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 43,000.
Seat Belts
Filed Jan 6, 2023WV
The middle rear seat belt locks up when you fold the seat down and the only way to lift the seat is to remove the seat belt from the car and allow it to fully retract. But as soon as the seat get laid down again you have to repeat the process. There are multiple videos on YouTube of multiple ford vehicles having the same problem. Secondly periodically all the lights on the dash come on and it says all the Advanced Driver Assistant systems aren’t working and the electronic assist powersteering stops working. It lasts anywhere from a couple minutes or until the car is turned off for a long time. There are also multiple videos on YouTube showing the same problem on multiple Lonicoln MKZ’s.
FirerelatedFire
Filed Nov 30, 2022136,000 milesMI
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.
Steering
Filed Apr 11, 202263,491 milesPA
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while her fiancé was making a left turn, the “Service Power Steering Now” warning light was illuminated and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was not drivable but was close to her residence. 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: 19V632000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,491.
Wheels
Filed Mar 12, 2022NC
We have swollen lug nuts on our vehicle. We are unable to rotate our tires and our service technician states they all need to be replaced. They state the "outer shell is swelling". The vehicle is available for inspection. This is a safety concern since the lug nuts can break. No warning lamps or messages are shown. These were professional inspected by a trained technician at Chapel Hill Tire located at 502 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill NC 27516. 919-967-7092
Structure › Body
Filed Mar 7, 2022TX
I took my Lincoln to a Ford dealership regarding water in my trunk. The technician said it was the factory wields off the assembly line that have failed. Lincoln said they would not cover the repair due to not enough complaints on model and car was over any warranties. I returned the vehicle to the same dealership to get the repair. I was told it was not the wields, but the trunk lid. I paid for a new trunk lid and new gaskets. The car continues to leak. I took it to an ASE certified mechanic, and it was indeed the factory wields. The car has mold and mildew growing. The other dangers are the wields between the body and back pillars are failing.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 3, 2022GA
FCIM failure causes AC unit to activate randomly. Windows can fog without warning causing an unsafe driving condition. Also, from YouTube videos - this defect can also cause rear windows to lock/unlock unexpectedly (I have not yet experienced this).
Engine
Filed Feb 20, 2022FL
Lincoln MK/Z Vehicle 3.7 liter engine has repeatedly stopped running while driving at speeds between forty and seventy miles per hour. On one occasion this occurred on Florida rte 84 in heavy traffic requiring an emergency response to avoid a life threatening collision. While there are numerous reports of similar problems with Ford 3.7 liter V6 engines Ford dealers, including mine, have repeatedly stated they are unaware of any such problems. I guess Ford and the NHTSA are waiting for the death toll to reach some pre-determined level before taking action. How about a class action law suit ?
Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 16, 2022FL
Car stopped without warning, then "check engine" came on. After waiting several minutes, it started again. We were in a very heavy traffic area and turned right to get to where we staying when the car stopped without warning. Fortunately, no car turned behind us or we could have been killed or injured. We were staying at a timeshare in Weston.Fl. and tried to find a Lincoln dealer but to no avail. We decided to leave for our home in Fort Myers on February 16, 2022 (staying off I75) taking back roads and the car stopped again without warning , then, "check engine" , we proceeded as did previously and made it to Gallaway Ford/Lincoln in Fort Myers,Fl. where it is now being inspected. We own a 2012 and a 2015 Lincoln and have never had a problem. We purchased this 2013 MKZ last February 2021 from Gallaway Lincoln.
Steering
Filed Oct 13, 2021FL
Intermittent power steering failures at low speeds - appears to be random. No warning lights or indicators of problem.
Structure › Body › Trunk Lid
Filed Aug 31, 202187,000 milesTX
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that he noticed that there was water leaking into the trunk of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the weld off the assembly line had failed and was letting water inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there were not enough complaints related to the failure and they would not cover the repair of the vehicle as the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.
Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Jul 22, 202171,000 milesTX
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V331000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact stated that when he attempted to close the front driver’s side door, the door latch would not secure the lock. The contact used a dog leash to secure the door to the door frame to prevent the door from opening while driving. The dealer and 3 other unknown dealers were made aware of the failure however, the contact was informed that repair parts were not readily available and had to be ordered from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle had to be taken to a Lincoln dealer, not a Ford dealer for the recall repair. The failure mileage was 71,000.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 10, 2021UT
The rear seatbelt buckle isn't functioning correctly and is causing a seatbelt light. We are now told we have to spend close to $1,000 to get the buckle replaced OR there's a chance my airbags will malfunction across the entire car should I get in an accident.
Engine
Filed Feb 22, 202138,000 milesMO
NOTED A NATURAL GAS SMELL IN MY CAR ONLY WHEN HEAT ON IN CAR AND NOT CONSTENT, JUST IN SPIRTS I WOULD GET A STRONG SMELL. THEN LAST WEEK MY CAR STARTED MAKING A WEIRD WHINNING NOISE THAT HAS GOTTEN LOUDER AND MORE CONSISTENT OVER THE PAST WEEK. I NOTED THE 2013 MKZ HAD RECALLS FOR ISSUES LIKE THIS BEFORE. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR USED 3 MONTHS AGO.
Steering
Filed Feb 18, 2021109,500 milesPA
STEERING STOPPED WORKING WHEN WE WERE LEAVING THE DRIVEWAY
Structure › Body
Filed Feb 17, 2021FL
HOOD ON MY 2013 LINCOLN MKZ IS STARTING TO RUST AND THIS IS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING ON A CAR THAT IS LESS THAN 10 YEARS OLD. I FEEL LIKE IT'S A QUALITY CONTROL ISSUE BECAUSE THIS CAR IS NEVER DRIVEN ON BEACHES AND WE DON'T HAVE SALTY ROADS IN FLORIDA. THE RUST IS OCCURRING ON THE EDGE OF THE HOOD NEAR THE GRILL AND THE PAINT IS BEGINNING TO CHIP.
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 27, 2020134,000 milesGA
WAS BACKING DOWN A SLOPED PAVED DRIVEWAY WHEN THE BREAK PEDAL WENT ALMOST TO THE FLOOR AND COULD BARELY STOP. INSPECTED AND FOUND THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE HOSE SPLIT/RUPTURED AND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE RUPTURE WAS ON THE TOP SIDE OF THE HOSE WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE METAL BRAKE LINE.
Engine
Filed Oct 15, 202033,416 milesPA
DRIVING TIME 11:00AM TO 11:45AM, ROUND TRIP 3.5 MILES, SIDE ROAD, IN MOTION, SUNNY 66. 3 TIMES THE MOTOR DROPPED POWER, CAR COULD NOT MOVE. MOTOR WAS STILL RUNNING, SHAKING AND LIKE IT WAS NOT GETTING AIR. HAD TO STOP IN TRAFFIC AND TURN OFF VEHICLE AND RESTART. THIS THING IS A DEATH TRAP. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME I REPORTED THIS PROBLEM.
Engine
Filed Oct 7, 2020PA
ON 9/28/20 TRAVELING AT 40 MPH ON A 2 LANE SIDE ROAD THE MOTOR CUT OUT OR SHUT DOWN AND LOST ALL POWER. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME. THE LAST TIME WAS ON 2/7/20. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY FORD DEALER AND THEY FOUND NOTHING. I DID NOT TAKE IT THIS TIME.
Power Train
Filed Sep 2, 2020103,270 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE TRANSMISSION FLUID ADDED TO THE TRANSMISSION AND HAVE THE VEHICLE EXAMINED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS CLEARED HOWEVER, THE NEXT DAY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON AND ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO THE DRIVE. A WARNING LIGHT STATED THAT A SHIFTER SYSTEM FAILURE HAD OCCURRED AND TO CHECK THE OWNERS MANUAL. THE CONTACT CONTACTED WEST HERR FORD LINCOLN SERVICE (10 CAMPBELL BLVD, GETZVILLE, NY 14068, (716) 688-5464) WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 103,270.
Power Train
Filed Aug 27, 2020CT
MKZ 2013 LINCOLN WITH SAME SYMPTOMS AND REQUIRED COMPONENT (BUSHING) CHANGE AS SAFETY RECALL 18S20. PLEASE INCLUDE THE MKZ 2013 LINCOLN SERIES IN THE RECALL 18S20 (VIEW ATTACHED)
Wheels
Filed Aug 27, 2020CT
DURING A SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP I WAS INFORMED THAT ALL MY WHEEL LUG NUTS NEEDED TO BE CHANGED BECAUSE OF SWELLING. PER THE MECHANIC, THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH THIS LUG NUTS ON THIS MODEL OF LINCOLN.
Seats
Filed Jul 22, 2020118,000 milesKS
I'VE OWNED THE CAR 4 YEARS, DECIDED TO HAUL SOMETHING, PUT THE BACK SEAT DOWN AND IT WON'T GO BACK UP. SEEMS THE MIDDLE SEAT BELT IS STUCK.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Jun 17, 202035,000 milesDE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT DOOR LATCH FAILED TO SECURELY CLOSE. THE CONTACT USED A BUNGEE CORD TO SECURE THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WILLIS FORD (15 N. DUPONT BLVD, SMYRNA, DE 19977), AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V331000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 3, 202026,000 milesDE
STRONG ODOR COMING FROM PASSENGER VENT WHEN CAR IS RUNNING. DOESN'T HAVE TO BE MOVING BUT MORE PREVALENT WHEN IT IS IN MOTION. OUTSIDE WEATHER DOESN'T MATTER. *TR
Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 3, 202063,063 milesDE
THERE IS A THUMP WHEN THE CAR MOVES FORWARD OR BACK FROM A STOP. SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHINGS LOSE AND IS SHIFTING BACK AND FORTH. *TR
Structure › Body
Filed Apr 9, 2020120,620 milesMI
ON APRIL 4TH, 2020. AFTER LEAVING THE FREEWAY AND MAKING A BRIEF STOPPED, A PASSENGER EXITED THE FRONT LEFT PASSENGER SIDES DOOR, AND ONCE THE PASSENGER REENTERED THE VEHICLE, THE DOOR WOULDN'T CLOSE, LATCH, OR LOCK. THE PASSENGER DOOR WILL BOUNCE BACK OPEN AFTER ATTEMPTING TO SHUT THE DOOR, THE DOOR REMAINED UNLOCKED AND THE LATCH WOULDN'T SWITCH TO THE LOCKED POSITION WHICH WOULD LOCK THE DOOR IN PLACE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY AND PRIVACY RISK, AS WE WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE HOLDING MANUALLY HOLDING THE DOOR SHUT, INCLUDING WHILE MAKING TURNS, DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY, AND WHILE DRIVING IN VARIOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IN LIMITED VISIBILITY, OR DURING DANGEROUS CONDITIONS SUCH AS SNOW, STORMS, AND ETC... THIS ALSO POSED A HUGE PRIVACY RISK, SINCE THE DOOR REMAINS OPEN AND UNLOCKED WITHOUT ANY WAY TO SECURELY CLOSE AND LOCK THE DOOR, ANY INDIVIDUAL CAN EASILY STEAL YOUR VEHICLE BY ENTERING THE UNLOCKED AND OPEN PASSENGER DOOR SIDE AND HOTWIRE THE CAR. THIS ALSO DRAINS THE BATTERY SINCE THE CAR IS TRYING TO ALERT THE OWNER THAT THE PASSENGER DOOR REMAINS OPEN. TO MY DISMAY, THIS VEHICLE AND YEAR (2013 LINCOLN MKZ) WAS INVOLVED IN A RECALL IN 2015 FOR THE SAME EXACT REASON, THE DEALERSHIP SEARCHED MY VIN, AND DIDN'T FIND A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. FORD AND LINCOLN REFUSED TO WORK WITH ME ON THE PRICE OR ANYTHING, DESPITE LITERALLY THIS SAME MODEL HAVING A RECALL FOR THE SAME EXACT ISSUE THAT THE RECALLED 2013 LINCOLN MKZ MODELS HAD. THE ISSUE FOR
Complaints 1-50 of 109, newest first, reproduced as filed.
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.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Mar 10, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.