2014 Lincoln Mkz

Routine

Owners filed 97 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 14 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

60 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 61,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering22
102
Electrical System14
000
Engine7
100
Unknown or Other6
000
Power Train6
100
Structure › Body5
000
Service Brakes5
100
Fuel/Propulsion System4
000
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs3
000
Air Bags3
101

14 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages22V011000
Filed Jan 13, 2022199,085 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 Mustang vehicles originally sold or ever registered, in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Hawaii. Exposure to certain environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, high humidity, and salt air can cause the brake pedal bumper to corrode and separate from the brake pedal.

Risk. A separated brake pedal bumper can cause the brake lights to illuminate continuously, causing confusion to other drivers and increasing the risk of a crash. On automatic transmission vehicles, a missing brake pedal bumper can allow the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, allowing the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the brake pedal bumpers and clutch pedal bumpers, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on March 4, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 13, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S02.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch20V331000
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.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights20E025000
Filed Apr 24, 2020130 vehiclesFord Motor Company

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.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch20V177000
Filed Mar 23, 2020288,110 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fiesta, 2014-2016 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 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 Ford or Lincoln dealers will replace the side door latches, free of charge. The recall began September 21, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S15.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System19V632000
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.

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar18V167000
Filed Mar 12, 20181,301,986 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.

Risk. A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch17V210000
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.

Seat Belts › Front16V875000
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.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System15V250000
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.

Showing 10 of 14 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 28, 2026124,000 milesOH

The contact owned a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while idle at a stop sign, a nearby aggressive driver had lost control attempting to pass another nearby vehicle; however, lost control and T-boned the front Driver-side door. No warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the impact of the crash was approximately 40 MPH; however, the air bags did not deploy, but had deployed for the vehicle that caused the crash. Medical attention was sought for hip and neck pain. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a local Tow yard via the local Police Department, where it remains for further investigation. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 28, 2026NJ

Back up camera freezes or goes blacks in the middle of use. In the middle of backing up, it goes out or does not even turn on when put in reverse. When it doesnt come on, it has an error message or just goes black.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 14, 2026OH

The transmission is slipping my car is only has 53,000 miles on it, the radio doesn’t work I had to pay over $1000 to fix the trunk latch and my brakes are fine but not working properly

Steering
Filed Jan 26, 2026NY

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.

Steering
Filed Jan 3, 2026NY

Steering wheel lock up

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 27, 2025MI

Rear backup camera works intermittently. Can be backing up and viewing screen goes dark. Original equipment, no damage to automobile. Has been malfunctioning for several months now.

Back Over Prevention
Filed Oct 24, 2025AZ

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a flipped image while reversing. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 30, 2025FL

Rear view camera failure. When the vehicle is put in reverse, the rear view camera does not come on creating a safety hazard while backing up since you don't always have a line of sight due to other vehicles parked next to you. A warning message eventually pops up that says "Camera is unavailable. Please contact your dealership." The dealership diagnosed the problem on July 2, 2024 shortly after the problem started and advised that the camera needs to be replaced. The cost at that time would have been $1,230 plus tax to replace it and I have already spent $166.60 for the diagnotics. The car is available for inspection. A recall has been issued by Ford for rear view camera failures. My car is not included in the recall but I feel the recall should be extended to include my car and VIN as this is a safety hazard due to equipment failure. I have attached a copy of the invoice and quote from the Ford dealership. I am also attaching photos of the camera failure taken while the vehicle is in reverse.

Steering
Filed Aug 9, 2025MI

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)

Steering
Filed Aug 8, 2025121,000 milesSC

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.

Electrical System
Filed May 14, 2025MN

-Rear view camera will only work 20% of the time at best. -The outside trunk button does not work at all, but the trunk button on the remote and inside the vehicle work. -The heated and cooling seats seldomly work. - The vehicle has randomly shut down, followed by trouble starting while in park on a few occasions in the last few years. -

Electrical System
Filed Jan 10, 2025GA

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.

Steering
Filed Nov 4, 202480,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2024 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal play in the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact later noticed fluid on the ground underneath the front driver’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the leak was close to the brake line. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Oct 15, 2024100,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while her husband was inspecting the vehicle, he was unable to remove the lug nuts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a tire center, where they cut the lug nuts off. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was concerned that in the event of a blowout, the tire would not be able to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Jun 3, 2024113,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the panoramic sunroof shattered with no impact. The contact mentioned that glass flew inside the vehicle. The contact also had glass in her hair. No injuries were sustained. 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 113,000.

Back Over Prevention › Warnings
Filed Apr 25, 2024CA

The problem with this car is that the backup camera stopped working on my car. The line are gone and the image is reversed. The dealing told me it was the camera and it was almost $1,000 to replace it. I did notdo it, but now I am finding many othes with the same broplem. The safety issue is that when I back up and I am not sure if what I am seeing is accurate.

Steering
Filed Dec 15, 2023122,537 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the steering wheel moves up and down. No warning lights were illuminated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent where the contact was provided with information regarding NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering). The owner also contacted an unknown Ford dealer. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer has not been notified. The failure mileage was 123,000.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 15, 2023PA

I push my start button and it makes the starting nose and after a few minutes it starts and when I go to move it stalls out and then won't start again or starts and stalls again. But the next day drives fine. And it has been happening now for months even after we fixed the high rich codes it was giving out but now there's no codes appearing.

Steering
Filed Aug 14, 2023MI

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel became significantly loosened. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 9, 2023MI

User interface for HVAC, entertainment system, and everything through the Ford Sync screen is unusable. Had this repaired 11 months prior. Issue returned. Dealer says , “There are several things going on with it. 1 The front inter face control module 2. Display screen and 3. APIM. Parts labor and tax it would run $2,670.00.” There are many instances of reports of these issues with not only the MKZ models, but with many of Ford’s lineup including Ford and Lincoln vehicles. Safety implications are uncontrollable heat (unsafe temperature levels and fatigue inducing), uncontrollable sound levels (distracting and can’t hear environment), loss of hands free, loss of backup camera.

20 of 97 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2008
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20202100Routine
201920100Routine
201833200Routine
2017138440Routine
201663700Routine
2015821100Routine
2014 — this page971400Routine
20131091320Routine
2012146620Do not drive
2011145730Do not drive
2010169900Do not drive
2009114700Do not drive
2008281500Do not drive
2007259532Do not drive
20060400Do not drive

Compare every Mkz 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.

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.