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NHTSA vehicle safety data

2013 Lincoln MKZ Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ has 13 NHTSA recall campaigns and 109 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Lincoln dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2013 Lincoln MKZ owner complaints

Owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, describing incidents dated May 20, 2013 to April 25, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Electrical System 17 complaints
  • Steering 16 complaints
  • Power Train 15 complaints
  • Seat Belts 12 complaints
  • Structure 12 complaints
  • Engine 11 complaints

Of the 109 complaints on file, 4 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 109 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11764334 · Filed

    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…

  • ODI #11723699 · Filed

    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…

  • ODI #11717680 · Filed

    I was slowing down to take a turn and I see an error message saying “power steering assist failure”. And steering went stiff..

Read all 109 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, or a version of it filed under another name, in 5 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Front Brake Hoses May Rupture

NHTSA #23V162000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported March 10, 2023 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 1,280,726 vehicles

Repair completion: 44.67% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 23S12 · Owners notified June 27, 2023 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Doors May Open While Driving

NHTSA #20V331000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported June 8, 2020 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 2,147,323 vehicles

Repair completion: 58.39% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 20S30 · Owners notified July 27, 2020 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Headlamps May Not Function Properly/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #20E025000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice

Reported April 24, 2020 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 130 vehicles

Repair completion: 23.08% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 20C10 · Owners notified June 3, 2020

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

The incorrect headlamps may reduce the driver's visibility or make the vehicle less visible, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Steering Gear Motor May Detach

NHTSA #19V632000 · Steering — Electric Power Assist System · NHTSA notice

Reported August 29, 2019 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 116,160 vehicles

Repair completion: 63.7% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 19S26 · Owners notified October 18, 2019 · Vehicles built October 10, 2012 – June 28, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Doors may Unexpectedly Open

NHTSA #17V210000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported March 27, 2017 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 191,432 vehicles

Repair completion: 62.56% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 15S16 · Owners notified May 1, 2017 · Vehicles built June 1, 2013 – October 31, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Front Seat Belts May Not Restrain Occupants

NHTSA #16V875000 · Seat Belts — Front · NHTSA notice

Reported December 5, 2016 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 603,392 vehicles

Repair completion: 61.53% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 16S42 · Owners notified May 16, 2017 · Vehicles built November 14, 2012 – July 31, 2014 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Loss of Power Steering Assist From Salt Corrosion

NHTSA #15V250000 · Steering — Electric Power Assist System · NHTSA notice

Reported April 28, 2015 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 487,301 vehicles

Repair completion: 90.88% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 15S14 · Owners notified June 24, 2015 · Vehicles built February 3, 2012 – March 20, 2015 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Doors may Unexpectedly Open

NHTSA #15V246000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages — Doors — Latch · NHTSA notice

Reported April 24, 2015 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 456,440 vehicles

Repair completion: 70.44% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 15S16 · Owners notified December 18, 2015 · Vehicles built February 1, 2012 – May 31, 2013 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Air Bags may not Deploy as Intended

NHTSA #14V597000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice

Reported September 26, 2014 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 746,842 vehicles

Repair completion: 54.27% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14S21 · Owners notified May 26, 2015 · Vehicles built April 25, 2012 – September 30, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Welds on Seat Assemblies may Fail/FMVSS 207

NHTSA #14V164000 · Seats — Front Assembly — Recliner · NHTSA notice

Reported April 2, 2014 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 43,135 vehicles

Repair completion: 77.19% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14C03 · Owners notified May 30, 2014 · Vehicles built August 15, 2012 – September 10, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Transmission can be Shifted out of Park/FMVSS 114

NHTSA #13V594000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission · NHTSA notice

Reported November 25, 2013 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 7,153 vehicles

Repair completion: 96.56% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 13C09 · Owners notified January 9, 2014 · Vehicles built April 26, 2012 – September 24, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Electrical Insulation Cracking on Engine Heater

NHTSA #13V230000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice

Reported May 31, 2013 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 107 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 13S05 · Owners notified June 28, 2013 · Vehicles built May 25, 2012 – March 15, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Exposed electrical wires increase the risk of electric shock.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Fuel Delivery Module may Crack And Leak

NHTSA #13V227000 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA notice

Reported May 31, 2013 · Ford Motor Company

Potentially affected: 390,783 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 13S04 · Owners notified July 20, 2013 · Vehicles built March 3, 2012 – March 22, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Other Lincoln MKZ model years

Check your 2013 Lincoln MKZ VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Lincoln MKZ at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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