The Used Car Index

2015 Lincoln MKZ problems

NHTSA lists 83 complaints for the 2015 Lincoln MKZ, 4 of them mention a crash and 0 mention a fire. 0 complaints mention an injury, with 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-09.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as LINCOLN MKZ.

At a glance

Complaints
83
With crash
4
With fire
0
With injury (complaints)
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0
Recalls
10
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
1,448,655
Investigations
3
Open investigations
1
Manufacturer communications
139

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1619.3%
BACK OVER PREVENTION1214.5%
SERVICE BRAKES910.8%
STEERING89.6%
AIR BAGS78.4%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC78.4%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER78.4%
ENGINE67.2%
SEAT BELTS56.0%
STRUCTURE56.0%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
STRUCTUREBODY5
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCEAUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFOUNDATION COMPONENTS2
BACK OVER PREVENTIONWARNINGS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMHORN1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESDOORS1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLACCELERATOR PEDAL1
VISIBILITYSUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
loss of control1922.9%0.81
electrical electronic1821.7%0.83
mechanical failure1518.1%0.78
visibility or lighting1518.1%0.96
structural or corrosion67.2%0.73
restraint or airbag44.8%0.90
fluid or fuel leak33.6%0.70
unclear22.4%0.98
noise or comfort11.2%0.99
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
moderate5566.3%0.87
low2024.1%0.71
high67.2%0.78
none22.4%0.97

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 83 tagged complaints of 83 complaints (100.0%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

10 recalls.

25V695000

Date: 2025-10-13. Systems: BACK OVER PREVENTION.

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, intermittent, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse. (excerpt)

Consequence: A rearview camera that fails to properly display an image can reduce the drivera s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. (excerpt)

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on October 25, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Mustang owner notification le (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

23V162000

Date: 2023-03-10. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.

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.

Consequence: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V011000

Date: 2022-01-13. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.

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 (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

20V177000

Date: 2020-03-23. Systems: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES.

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 Is (excerpt)

Consequence: A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant. (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

19V632000

Date: 2019-08-29. Systems: STEERING.

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, We (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

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 thi (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

19V590000

Date: 2019-08-12. Systems: SEAT BELTS.

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. 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.

Consequence: A failed seat belt anchor cable cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, increasing their 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 September 9, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S25. Note: This recall is an expansion of a recall 16V-875.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

18V167000

Date: 2018-03-12. Systems: STEERING.

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.

Consequence: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

16V875000

Date: 2016-12-05. Systems: SEAT BELTS.

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.

Consequence: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

15V250000

Date: 2015-04-28. Systems: STEERING.

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 (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

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 (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

15V248000

Date: 2015-04-27. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured February 17, 2014, to March 19, 2015, and equipped with daytime running lights (DRL). In the affected vehicles, the parking lights do not reduce their light output from a DRL level when used in conjunction with the headlights. As such, the light output may exceed the the permissable amount allowed by (excerpt)

Consequence: If the light output is excessive, oncoming traffic may be temporarily blinded, increasing the risk of a crash. (excerpt)

Remedy: Ford has notified owners, and dealers will update the lighting control software, free of charge. The recall began on May 8, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 15C02. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

3 investigations; 1 open.

RQ22004

Opened: 2022-08-08. Closed: 2023-03-24.

Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures

On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 50 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging front brake jounce hose ruptures on model year (MY) 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A ruptured front brake hose results in a brake fluid leak. As a result, the driver may experience an increase in pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of

Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.

Linked campaign numbers: 23V162000.

EA21002

Opened: 2021-09-17. Closed: Not listed.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupt

Systems: AIR BAGS.

Linked campaign numbers: None listed.

RQ19005

Opened: 2019-12-19. Closed: 2022-02-07.

Door Latch Failures

In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. Some VOQs reported the failure occurred after the latch had been remedied under a prior recall whi

Systems: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, STRUCTURE.

Linked campaign numbers: 20V177000, 20V331000.

Manufacturer communications

139 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM42
POWER TRAIN29
EQUIPMENT27
ENGINE13
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING11
STEERING11
VISIBILITY8
SEATS7

11025611

Date: 2025-11-12. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN.

Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of th

11008948

Date: 2024-10-10. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.

11006953

Date: 2024-08-08. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Certain 2014-2015 Model Year Fiesta, 2014-2016 Model Year Fusion, MKZ and 2014-2016 Model Year Transit Connect Vehicles Not Covered in Safety Recall: 20S15 or 23S36 Door Latch Replacement and Inspection

10251952

Date: 2024-03-06. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford has evaluated turbochargers replaced for oil leak symptoms and although oil may coll

10251934

Date: 2024-03-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to loosen resulting in the timing gear breaking and engine damage. Replacement of the bolt

10235323

Date: 2023-04-12. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Certain 2014-2020 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines 3G Telematics Control Unit to 4G Upgrade Kit REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Program Terms & Urgency / Expiration Date: Program extension until July 31, 2023. Service Action: o IDS level 128 or higher is now required to address various programmin

10235153

Date: 2023-04-04. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. Most modules on these affe

10228876

Date: 2022-12-16. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES.

Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more o

10226752

Date: 2022-11-04. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES.

Some 2013-2016 Escape/Fusion/MKZ vehicles may display an error message when updating the All Wheel Drive-ATC Barcode using the IDS service function after installing a new rear drive unit assembly (RDU) or active torque coupling (ATC) clutch assembly. To prevent this error from occurring, enter the u

10225458

Date: 2022-10-25. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Some 2013-2020 Fusion, MKZ and 2013-2018 C-Max vehicles equipped with an HF35 transmission may exhibit a thumping/rubbing or grinding noise coming from the transmission. The noise may be present in all gear ranges including neutral when the vehicle is moving but will not be present when the vehicle

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
MKZ83

Same model, other years

All model years | All Lincoln models

Other Lincoln models, 2015

Sources

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