2013 Lincoln Mkz Hybrid Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Lincoln Mkz Hybrid, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Steering318.8%
- Body & structure212.5%
- Interior & seats212.5%
- Powertrain (other)212.5%
- Engine16.3%
- Brakes16.3%
- Other / unspecified16.3%
- Tires & wheels16.3%
- Seat belts16.3%
- Driver assistance16.3%
- Electrical16.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE ADVANCETRAC SERVICE WARNING, HILL ASSIST AND ABS DISABLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEING HEAVIER THAN NORMAL PLUS THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING WHILE ACCELERATION AND BRAKING. THE PROBLEM USUALLY HAPPENS AT WET OR COLD WEATHER. IT STARTED ONCE A DAY BUT NOW AT LEAST 50 TIMES A DAY. MANY TIMES THAT HAPPENS WHEN I START THE CAR AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL BUT IT ALSO KEEP HAPPENING DURING DRIVING. I WENT TO THE LINCOLN DEALER AT FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE AND THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR 3 DAYS AND AFTER THAT THEY DID NOTHING AND TOOK $140 FOR DIAGNOSIS!!!!!!!! THEY GIVE ME THE CAR BACK AND TOLD WE CAN'T GET THE PROBLEM SO KEEP DRIVING AND RECORD YOUR NOTES FOR THE PROBLEM.
POWER STEERING ASSIST CONTROL MODULE CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE STEERING ABILITY WHILE IN MOTION; PRODUCING HIGH RISK OF ACCIDENT. WHILE TURNING VEHICLE STEERING GAVE OUT ALMOST CAUSING A ACCIDENT LUCKILY NO OTHER CAR WAS ONCOMING. FAULTY DESIGN RECALLS ON MOST LINCOLN THAT YEAR FOR SAME PROBLEM. THE 2013 MKZ HYBRID NEEDS TO BE ADDED TO THE RECALL. THIS SHOULD BE A HIGH PRIORITY BEFORE THERE IS A FATALITY. FEEL FREE TO CALL ME [XXX] OR EMAIL AT [XXX]. I'M AM VERY CONCERN AND WOULD LIKE UPDATE ON THIS ISSUE. THANK YOU. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF GLASS IS SEPARATING OR DELAMINATING. THE GLASS IS DEVELOPING AIR POCKETS BETWEEN THE LAYERS OF GLASS AND ITS COATINGS. LARGER AIR POCKETS DEVELOPED FIRST AROUND THE EDGES, AND NOW SMALLER BUBBLES HAVE DEVELOPED THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE SUNROOF. NEW BUBBLES CONTINUE TO DEVELOP. IN ADDITION, THE BLACK COLOR OF THE GLASS SURROUNDING THE SUNROOF AREA APPEARS TO BE A FILM LAYER INSIDE THE GLASS. THIS FILM IS PEELING OR SEPARATING INSIDE THE GLASS. THIS IS A 2013 MODEL CAR. THE BUBBLING OR DELAMINATING PROBLEM BEGAN IN LATE 2017 AND ADVANCED QUICKLY. THIS CAR IS GARAGED DURING EVENING HOURS AT HOME, AND GARAGED DURING WORK HOURS EVERYDAY AT THE OFFICE. I LIVE IN MILD NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WEATHER AND THE CAR IS RARELY EXPOSED TO ANY ADVERSE WEATHER.
THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF IS DELAMINATING. AND AREA ALONG THE LEFT EDGE OF THE SUNROOF, ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR JUST ABOVE THE DRIVERS HEAD, IS BEGINNING TO DELAMINATE ON THE INTERIOR SURFACE. THERE APPEARS TO BE A THICK FILM OF SOME SORT THAT IS BUBBLING FROM THE EDGE TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE ROOF GLASS. THE CAR GARAGED INDOORS DAY AND NIGHT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR BECAME AJAR. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO LATCH THE DOOR. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LATCH MECHANISM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
A FEW WEEKS AGO THE RIGHT REAR DOOR LATCH FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED (THE DOOR WOULD NOT STAY SHUT, WHILE PARKED OR DURING VEHICLE OPERATION). TODAY THE FRONT RIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) DOOR LATCH ALSO FAILED. SAME EXACT ISSUE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS SOMEONE COULD FALL OUT OF THE CAR DURING OPERATION. ***NOTE: WE ALSO HAD THIS EXACT ISSUE ON A FORD FIESTA OWNED BY ANOTHER FAMILY MEMBER, I'M GUESSING IT THE PART IS THE SAME PART OR HAS THE SAME MANUFACTURER*** EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED A USED 2013 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID ON NOV 28 2016. ON DEC 1 2016 I WAS DRIVING ON I 20 IN BIRMINGHAM AL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED ON THE FREEWAY AFTER I HAD ENGAGED IN A PANIC STOP AND VEERED THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT. MY VEHICLE FROZE IN A POSITION WITH THE LEFT REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN THE TRAFFIC LANE AND THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE ON THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS BLOCKING TRAFFIC. IT LOCKED UP IN SUCH A WAY THAT I COULD NOT GET IT UNLOCKED. THERE WERE SEVERAL ERROR MESSAGES DISPLAYING TO THE EFFECT OF ACTIVE HEADLAMPS FAULT TRANSMISSION FAULT SEVERAL OTHERS THAT I CANNOT RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS DISABLED IN SUCH A WAY THAT I COULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO GET RELIEF. WITH THE VEHICLE BLOCKING A LANE OF TRAFFIC I COULD NOT GET IT OUT OF THE WAY. SEVERAL VOLUNTEERS CAME TO MY AID AND OFFERED TO PUSH IT OFF THE ROAD BUT I COULD NOT PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL. I COULD NOT RESTART THE VEHICLE. I COULD NOT PUT IT IN PARK. I TRIED EVERYTHING. I COULD NOT FIND A MANUAL OVERRIDE. I CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK. A POLICEMAN SHOWED UP. AT THIS POINT IT HAD BEEN 45 MINUTES. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR, SPOKE TO THE POLICEMAN, AND THEN GOT BACK IN THE CAR. THEN SUDDENLY EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. IT STARTED AS THOUGH NOTHING HAPPENED. I IGNORED THE EVENT UNTIL IT HAPPENED AGAIN IN MY APARTMENT PARKING LOT ON 1/15/17. I TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP AT CARMAX. THEY NOTED SEVERAL HYBRID CODES. THEY SENT IT TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, TOWN AND COUNTRY FORD IN BESSEMER ALABAMA, AND NOW 1 MONTH LATER FORD HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. NOW I REALIZE I SHOULD HAVE REPORTED THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE BACK IN DECEMBER SINCE IT STALLED IN TRAFFIC WITH NO WAY TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO SAFELY MOVE IT OUT OF THE WAY. OF COURSE THIS WAS A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE
CAR JUST ONE YEAR OLD AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE ADVANCETRAC SERVICE WARNING, HILL ASSIST AND ABS DISABLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEING HEAVIER THAN NORMAL PLUS THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING WHILE ACCELERATION AND BRAKING. THE PROBLEM USUALLY HAPPENS AT WET OR COLD WEATHER. IT STARTED ONCE A DAY BUT NOW AT LEAST 50 TIMES A DAY. MANY TIMES THAT HAPPENS WHEN I START THE CAR AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL BUT IT ALSO KEEP HAPPENING DURING DRIVING. I WENT TO THE LINCOLN DEALER AT FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE AND THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR 3 DAYS AND AFTER THAT THEY DID NOTHING AND TOOK $140 FOR DIAGNOSIS!!!!!!!! THEY GIVE ME THE CAR BACK AND TOLD WE CAN'T GET THE PROBLEM SO KEEP DRIVING AND RECORD YOUR NOTES FOR THE PROBLEM.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 2013 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID WITH 27,400 MILES. IT HAS MICHELIN PRIMACY MXM4 245/45R18 TIRES. ONE IS COMPLETELY WORN OUT (BALD) AND 3 ARE WORN AND UNSAFE. I AM HAVING TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES DUE TO THEM BEING UNSAFE AND WORN. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE A 2013 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID WITH 27,400 MILES. IT HAS MICHELIN PRIMACY MXM4 245/45R18 TIRES. ONE IS COMPLETELY WORN OUT (BALD) AND 3 ARE WORN AND UNSAFE. I AM HAVING TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES DUE TO THEM BEING UNSAFE AND WORN. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 16V875000 REMEDY IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE. I WAS ORIGINALLY NOTIFIED ON JAN 2017. IT HAS BEEN ALMOST 2 YEARS NOW WITH NO SOLUTION. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SEAT BELTS NOT PROPERLY RESTRAINING PASSENGERS IN A CRASH.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE ADVANCETRAC SERVICE WARNING, HILL ASSIST AND ABS DISABLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEING HEAVIER THAN NORMAL PLUS THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING WHILE ACCELERATION AND BRAKING. THE PROBLEM USUALLY HAPPENS AT WET OR COLD WEATHER. IT STARTED ONCE A DAY BUT NOW AT LEAST 50 TIMES A DAY. MANY TIMES THAT HAPPENS WHEN I START THE CAR AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL BUT IT ALSO KEEP HAPPENING DURING DRIVING. I WENT TO THE LINCOLN DEALER AT FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE AND THEY KEPT THE CAR FOR 3 DAYS AND AFTER THAT THEY DID NOTHING AND TOOK $140 FOR DIAGNOSIS!!!!!!!! THEY GIVE ME THE CAR BACK AND TOLD WE CAN'T GET THE PROBLEM SO KEEP DRIVING AND RECORD YOUR NOTES FOR THE PROBLEM.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED A USED 2013 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID ON NOV 28 2016. ON DEC 1 2016 I WAS DRIVING ON I 20 IN BIRMINGHAM AL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED ON THE FREEWAY AFTER I HAD ENGAGED IN A PANIC STOP AND VEERED THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT. MY VEHICLE FROZE IN A POSITION WITH THE LEFT REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN THE TRAFFIC LANE AND THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE VEHICLE ON THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS BLOCKING TRAFFIC. IT LOCKED UP IN SUCH A WAY THAT I COULD NOT GET IT UNLOCKED. THERE WERE SEVERAL ERROR MESSAGES DISPLAYING TO THE EFFECT OF ACTIVE HEADLAMPS FAULT TRANSMISSION FAULT SEVERAL OTHERS THAT I CANNOT RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS DISABLED IN SUCH A WAY THAT I COULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO GET RELIEF. WITH THE VEHICLE BLOCKING A LANE OF TRAFFIC I COULD NOT GET IT OUT OF THE WAY. SEVERAL VOLUNTEERS CAME TO MY AID AND OFFERED TO PUSH IT OFF THE ROAD BUT I COULD NOT PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL. I COULD NOT RESTART THE VEHICLE. I COULD NOT PUT IT IN PARK. I TRIED EVERYTHING. I COULD NOT FIND A MANUAL OVERRIDE. I CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK. A POLICEMAN SHOWED UP. AT THIS POINT IT HAD BEEN 45 MINUTES. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR, SPOKE TO THE POLICEMAN, AND THEN GOT BACK IN THE CAR. THEN SUDDENLY EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL. IT STARTED AS THOUGH NOTHING HAPPENED. I IGNORED THE EVENT UNTIL IT HAPPENED AGAIN IN MY APARTMENT PARKING LOT ON 1/15/17. I TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP AT CARMAX. THEY NOTED SEVERAL HYBRID CODES. THEY SENT IT TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, TOWN AND COUNTRY FORD IN BESSEMER ALABAMA, AND NOW 1 MONTH LATER FORD HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. NOW I REALIZE I SHOULD HAVE REPORTED THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE BACK IN DECEMBER SINCE IT STALLED IN TRAFFIC WITH NO WAY TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO SAFELY MOVE IT OUT OF THE WAY. OF COURSE THIS WAS A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .