2015 Lincoln Mkz 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 2015 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
- Brakes1616.3%
- Electrical1616.3%
- Driver assistance1313.3%
- Airbags77.1%
- Steering77.1%
- Engine66.1%
- Visibility55.1%
- Body & structure55.1%
- Seat belts55.1%
- Powertrain (other)44.1%
- Suspension44.1%
- Fuel system33.1%
- Interior & seats33.1%
- Other / unspecified22.0%
- Exterior lighting22.0%
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The electronic parking brake engages on its own and locks causing the rear tire to lock while driving which then causes friction and the tire to smoke heavily which could cause fire or bad accident. I have replaced caliper, caliper actuator, rotor, brake pad, wheel speed sensor, wheel bearing and nothing has fixed the issue
See attached document for complaint
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
While in reverse of my vehicle, the back-up camera display either goes completely black, displays an error message or glitches turning itself on/off at random. Referencing recall “25v695“ this recall has been on notice with no follow up since I received the notification letter on October 2025. This is a very high safety risk when in reverse potentially causing a crash with other vehicles, striking nearby objects or worse.
After reading about the numerous complaints about this vehicles transmission issues I have decided to come here. The PCM and TCM need to be changed in the vehicle. Causing rough shifts from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th which essentially will cause you to replace the transmission because of the damage it causes. Also constantly having drive control malfunction, check headlamp system messages popping up. There is also horrendous noise from the rear suspension any time you go over any type of anomaly in the road.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
While in reverse of my vehicle, the back-up camera display either goes completely black, displays an error message or glitches turning itself on/off at random. Referencing recall “25v695“ this recall has been on notice with no follow up since I received the notification letter on October 2025. This is a very high safety risk when in reverse potentially causing a crash with other vehicles, striking nearby objects or worse.
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
In the middle of June 2024 (about [XXX]), my wife was driving her car, and pressed the horn button to warn a driver who had pulled out right in front of her. The horn failed to sound, and has not worked since then when pursuing the horn button. The horns themselves do sound when pressing the key fob to locate the car. Pressing the horn button has never worked since the time of this report, and several instances have occurred with other drivers needing to be forewarned of hazards. The problem has been verified by the husband, but not yet by the dealer, police or insurance representative. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
THE PROBLEM HAPPENING,AND AGAIN TODAY IS THAT THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT GOES ON AND THE AIR CONDITIONING STOPS WORKING AND THE POWER WINDOWS WON'T OPEN ON PASSENGER SIDE AND THE RADIO WON'T GO ON AND POWER DRIVERS SEAT MOVE BACK AND FORTH ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVING!!!! PROBLEMS HAPPEN BOTH WHILE DRIVING AND IN STATIONARY POSITION. THIS HAS HAPPENED OCT 25. 2020. I FOUND OUT LL THIS AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle experienced a sudden Electric Power Steering (EPS) failure resulting in loss of steering assist. The dealer confirmed the EPS rack failed and stated this issue has occurred on other Ford vehicles. My VIN is not included in the existing EPS recall, but the symptoms and failure match the recalled vehicles exactly. The repair cost is approximately $5,400. This is a safety‑critical failure that occurred without warning and created a hazardous driving situation. I am requesting NHTSA review this issue for potential recall expansion. Was at a restaurant with my parents and family when the steering failed and had to have it towed to my house about an hour away. Took me several months to try and figure out how to get this repair as the first estimate was $3500, my parents decided to help us get it fixed as we depend on 2 cars, the dealer said the entire rack had to be replaced and now the cost is $5400.00
My car was involved with an accident regarding a pothole and had an immediate loss of electronic power steering upon impact. Upon inspection by multiple certified technicians and adjusters, they noticed corrosion around the same bolts related to a recall for the same vehicle, but a different model/lot production: 15S14/19S26. This was a known corrosion defect, which is allegedly now causing the same issue with this model vehicle, causing extremely dangerous driving conditions which could lead to potential major incidents such as these. This now makes me question every vehicle from Ford Lincoln, or steering component related assembly recalls from corrosion when hitting any kind of potholes or larger contact areas.
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
While driving vehicle the engine shut down for no apparent reason. Light came on said do not attempt to drive, not safe. Was able to get car to a safe area. Was able to restart and get the car home. Brought the car to the dealer, said battery was dead, found water in the truck where the battery is located
The catalytic converters(2) failed and need replacement. My mechanic diagnosed the problem and agrees with the scan code that was reported, a P0430. The check engine light is constantly lit and cannot be turned off with this fault code, according to my mechanic erasing the code will just bring it back shortly, and I have witnessed this. I have a document from Ford Motor Co. that shows my car, Lincoln MKZ, the build date from 2013-2015(1/24/2015), the Assembly plant of Hermosillo, saying that the dealer should replace the cats at no charge to the customer. Yet the dealer and FoMoCo say my cars VIN is not in the range for this repair. Why?
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
While in reverse of my vehicle, the back-up camera display either goes completely black, displays an error message or glitches turning itself on/off at random. Referencing recall “25v695“ this recall has been on notice with no follow up since I received the notification letter on October 2025. This is a very high safety risk when in reverse potentially causing a crash with other vehicles, striking nearby objects or worse.
Rearview camera is displaying a distorted image and is sometimes black, with no image, when reversing. This happened for about a month until I paid for replacing the rearview camera. I want to be reimbursed but no parts are available for over 9 months and I can’t get a refund unless parts are available. This is way beyond a reasonable amount of time.
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
I have previously filed complaint on this vehicle with no satisfaction. I have a Lincoln 2015 MKZ. This vehicle has a low front end clearance which I believe to be a serious safety concern. The front bumper is only 7 1/2 inches off the ground. Most cars are at least 9 plus inches off the ground. This car can not traverse any type of graded driveway or access road. The front bumper constantly hits the ground which inevitably can and has caused damage to the vehicle. I.E. damage to wheels, radiator, lights, engine not to mention the bumper itself. I have contacted Lincoln and they are indifferent to my complaint. This should have been rectified years ago but was ignored by Lincoln. The company probably should have provided all owners of record of a Lincoln MKZ with a factory authorized lift kit which could have raised the bumper at least 1 1/2 inches. I have contacted Lincoln several times but they ignore my complaints. I believe there should be a recall to rectify this problem. This is certainly a potentially dangerous situation. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
I drove my 2015 Lincoln MKZ in to my driveway which is not steep grade and the front bumper hit the drive way and ripped the bumper. This car has very low front end. I called Lincoln up and complained about this low bumper problem. Lincoln customer service just blew me off. They acted like I was first person ever to complain. When I told them that You Tube Video has this problem listed they ignored me. This would not be a big deal if the bumper was 2 piece and all that had to be replaced was a bumper guard but the replacemrnt bumper covers the whole front end. Replacement bumper runs between $500 - $700. Labor to replace bumper runs from $500 - $1000 depending on shop. This is outrageous. Lincoln knew of this problem for years and did nothing to fix the problem. The least Lincoln should do is replace the bumper at no charge and provide me with discounted installation charge. What can I do? I covered the crack with tape so it would not spread but this looks terrible!
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
Rear buckle incompatible with child booster seat, pressure has broken the buckle for the inflatable safety belts. Buckle housing has cracked open. This is a common complaint and should be a safety recall
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side seat belt failed to unlatch from the buckle. The contact stated that he cut the seat belt with a pair of scissors he had nearby to release his son. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear passenger’s side seat belt to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the parts were on back order. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
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
After reading about the numerous complaints about this vehicles transmission issues I have decided to come here. The PCM and TCM need to be changed in the vehicle. Causing rough shifts from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th which essentially will cause you to replace the transmission because of the damage it causes. Also constantly having drive control malfunction, check headlamp system messages popping up. There is also horrendous noise from the rear suspension any time you go over any type of anomaly in the road.
TRANSMISSION MAKES UNUSUALLY LOUD REVVING NOISE WHEN THE GAS ENGINE TAKES OVER FOR THE ELECTRIC MOTOR. IF YOU ARE ON AN ENTRANCE RAMP TO A FREEWAY AND APPLY 1/2 PEDDLE OR MORE TO MERGE ONTO FREEWAY, IT HAS A VERY NOISY REV (TRANS) NOISE. I HAVE BEEN APPRAISING CARS FOR 25YRS IN THE RETAIL AUTO BUSINESS AND I HAVE DRIVEN OTHER MKZ HYBRIDS AND THEY DON'T MAKE AS MUCH NOISE AS THIS CAR MAKES
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
After reading about the numerous complaints about this vehicles transmission issues I have decided to come here. The PCM and TCM need to be changed in the vehicle. Causing rough shifts from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th which essentially will cause you to replace the transmission because of the damage it causes. Also constantly having drive control malfunction, check headlamp system messages popping up. There is also horrendous noise from the rear suspension any time you go over any type of anomaly in the road.
I have previously filed complaint on this vehicle with no satisfaction. I have a Lincoln 2015 MKZ. This vehicle has a low front end clearance which I believe to be a serious safety concern. The front bumper is only 7 1/2 inches off the ground. Most cars are at least 9 plus inches off the ground. This car can not traverse any type of graded driveway or access road. The front bumper constantly hits the ground which inevitably can and has caused damage to the vehicle. I.E. damage to wheels, radiator, lights, engine not to mention the bumper itself. I have contacted Lincoln and they are indifferent to my complaint. This should have been rectified years ago but was ignored by Lincoln. The company probably should have provided all owners of record of a Lincoln MKZ with a factory authorized lift kit which could have raised the bumper at least 1 1/2 inches. I have contacted Lincoln several times but they ignore my complaints. I believe there should be a recall to rectify this problem. This is certainly a potentially dangerous situation. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contract stated that on several occasions, while the brake pedal was depressed, the brake pedal remained on the floorboard. The brake pedal was pumped while coming to a stop. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started jerking. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor detected. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
IT STARTED MONTHS AGO WITH A STRANGE HUMMING NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR ON THE RIGHT SIDE ,WHERE THE GAS TANK IS. IT WOULD COME AND GO VERY COUPLE OF WEEKS. MY MECHANIC CHECKED IT OUT AND FOUND NOTHING. ONE DAY, WITH THE HUMMING SOUND VERY LOUD , THE CAR LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING, ALMOST CRASHED. HAD IT TOWED BACK TO THE MECHANIC ,WHO I TRUST AND AGAIN COULD FIND NOTHING. I CALLED A LINCOLN DEALER AND THEY KNEW NOTHING OF A GAS PUMP RECALL. MY MECHANIC LOOKED UP ON EDMONDS AND NOTICED THEIR WAS A RECALL ON FUEL PUMPS FOR THE MKC BUT MY CAR MISSED THE INCLUSION DATE BY A MONTH. SO WE REPLACED THE PUMP.$700. SEEMED TO WORK UNTIL 2 DAYS AGO WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR BUT COULDN'T DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAUSE IT WAS DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND THE DASH BOARD SCREEN HAD ALL CRAZY LIGHTS FLASHING WITH STRANGE CLICKING NOISES COMING FROM THE DASH. THE LIGHTS AND RADIO WORKED FINE.ONE DAY LATER, NOW THE LIGHTS DON'T WORK AT ALL. MAYBE A SEPARATE ISSUE? THERE SEEMS TO BE MANY OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPLAINTS ON WEBSITES ABOUT THE MKC. I'M GOING TO REPLACE THE BATTERY AND IF THAT DOESN'T WORK, HAVE IT TOWED TO A LINCOLN DEALER.
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
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, the driver’s side door failed to close securely. The contact held the door closed while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The contact called the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact to follow the instructions from the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 LINCOLN MKZ. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH MAKING A TURN, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND THE DRIVER HEARD A POPPING NOISE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND CRASHED INTO A CURB. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND TOWED TO A DEALER (DANA FORD LINCOLN, STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK, 718-983-8700) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE A-FRAME WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO RECOMMENDED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V643000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
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
Lincoln dealer advised during an unrelated servicing of my 2015 MKZ that the lug nuts were swollen and presented a danger and major problem with the definite hazard of not bring able to remove a flat tire on the roadside with the standard tire wrench. I see that my situation is not unique and repeated many times over based on reported cases. I believe that a Ford/Lincoln recall is the proper outcome to reimburse yhose already impacted and s replacement for those owners unknowing of the dangers involved.
CARVANA STATES "THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO EMAIL US ABOUT YOUR RECENT VEHICLE PURCHASE! CARVANA TAKES PRIDE IN THE VEHICLES THAT WE PROVIDE AND SELL TO EVERY CUSTOMER. PER OUR STANDARDS, WE COMPLETE A 150 POINT INSPECTION OF EVERY VEHICLE HOWEVER THIS WAS NOT THE CASE. I HAD SO MANY ISSUES FROM TRANSMISSION FAILURE, SPEAKERS NOT WORKING, SPEED ISSUES WITH CAR NOT ACCELERATING TO TIRES NOT BEING THE CORRECT ONES SO I WOULD SLIDE ON RAINING DAYS AND ALMOST CRASH ON 3 OCCASIONS.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
IN UNDER 4 YEARS/50K MILES BATTERY HAS BEEN CHANGED 4 TIMES. EVERY TIME THE CAUSE IS A BAD BATTERY AND NOT A DRAW. THERE IS AN UNDERLYING ISSUE WITH THE MKZ ELECTRICAL ARCHITECTURE. DEALER SAYS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM.
I BOUGHT A NEW 2015 LINCOLN MKZ. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALER FOR SOME ROUTINE SERVICE AND MENTIONED THAT THE SINGLE BACK UP LIGHT IS WAY TOO DIM. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT TO IT. NO ACCIDENT JUST SOMETHING THAT I NOTICED WHEN BACKING UP IN THE DARK.
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 .