RoadVitals

2013 Lincoln Mkz Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
108
Latest Mar 11, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Lincoln Mkz, 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

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

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11697244 · filed Nov 3, 2025

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

NHTSA ID 11694985 · filed Oct 22, 2025
All 17 reports naming electrical

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11717680 · filed Feb 12, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11630952 · filed Dec 16, 2024
All 16 reports naming steering

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11723699 · filed Mar 11, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11397342 · filed Feb 22, 2021
All 15 reports naming powertrain (other)

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The seat belts unlock at any given time

NHTSA ID 11533775 · filed Jul 22, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID 11500488 · filed Jan 6, 2023
All 12 reports naming seat belts

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11506206 · filed Feb 8, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID 11455589 · filed Mar 7, 2022
All 12 reports naming body & structure

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11425997 · filed Jul 22, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID 11340885 · filed Jul 22, 2020
All 12 reports naming interior & seats

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11624473 · filed Nov 11, 2024

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 ?

NHTSA ID 11453125 · filed Feb 20, 2022
All 11 reports naming engine

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11541241 · filed Aug 28, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID 11495511 · filed Nov 30, 2022
All 9 reports naming other / unspecified

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11664875 · filed Jun 4, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11495511 · filed Nov 30, 2022
All 8 reports naming fuel system

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11723699 · filed Mar 11, 2026

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!

NHTSA ID 11621749 · filed Oct 24, 2024
All 8 reports naming brakes

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11694985 · filed Oct 22, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11684577 · filed Sep 2, 2025
All 8 reports naming driver assistance

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11420458 · filed Jun 10, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 LINCOLN MKZ. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A MINOR FRONT END CRASH. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EXCHANGING INFORMATION WITH THE OCCUPANT OF THE OTHER VEHICLE, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED INTO A STONE WALL. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER DID NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V875000 (SEAT BELTS); HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000.

NHTSA ID 10959499 · filed Mar 8, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I PURCHASED A USED 2013 LINCOLN MKZ. AS OF OCTOBER 11,2014. IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP A TOTAL OF 11 TIMES DUE TO THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS... KEY FAB, RECALL 14S21 SENOR AIR BAG, RECALL 15S16, RECALL 15S14 REPLACE POWER STEERING BOLTS, REPLACE AIR CONDITIONER IN THE CAR, KEY FAB, REDO RECALL FOR DOOR LATCHES, PHONE & RADIO DEVICE, DRIVER FRONT SEAT MOVED UP & DOWN & BACK & FORTH ON IT'S OWN. CAR WAS PUTTING ITSELF IN PARK. RECALL 15S16, CENTER READ CHECK LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS ARE NOW NOT COMING ON AND I JUST PICKED UP TODAY. SO NOW A NEW PROBLEM. I WANT LINCOLN MOTOR COMPANY TO REPURCHASE THIS AUTO BACK. I FEEL VERY UNSAFE WITH DRIVING THIS CAR. MY FAMILY & I VALUE MY LIFE. ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS STARTED 9 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED. OCTOBER 20, 2017. THIS IS QUITE CONCERNING. THAT I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS AUTO

NHTSA ID 11035334 · filed Oct 20, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11723699 · filed Mar 11, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

MY HUSBAND WAS EXITING THE PASSENGER SIDE WITH THE DOOR OPEN AND HAD HIS RIGHT HAND ON THE DOOR FRAME, FINGERS ON THE EDGE OF THE ROOF. I HAD JUST SHUT THE CAR OFF AND PUSHED THE BUTTON TO CLOSE THE LARGE PANORAMA SUNROOF. THE SUNROOF IS ABOVE THE CAR AND OVER THE BACK WINDOW WHEN IT'S OPEN, SO IT WAS COMING FORWARD AND DOWN AND CLOSED ON TOP OF HIS FINGERS. HE WAS SCREAMING IN PAIN AND I HAD TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG, AND QUICKLY PUSH THE BUTTON TO GET THE SUNROOF BACK OPEN AND FREE HIS FINGERS. HIS FINGERS ARE SEVERELY BRUISED TODAY. IT SEEMS LIKE THERE SHOULD BE A SAFETY MECHANISM WHERE IF THE ROOF IS CLOSING ON SOMETHING IT REVERSES ITSELF. IF THAT HAD BEEN A CHILD'S FINGERS, I THINK IT'S LIKELY THEY COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10609680 · filed Jul 10, 2014

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

Data on this page last refreshed .