40 recalls across 16 model years
The Lincoln MKZ has 40 recalls spanning the 2006–2020 model years, with the most serious recent issue being a steering wheel retaining bolt on 2014–2018 models that can loosen and allow the steering wheel to detach while driving, causing complete loss of steering control.
The 2019–2020 model years have a software issue where the rearview camera can display a blank image while reversing, reducing visibility behind the vehicle. On 2017 models with the 2.0L engine and six-speed automatic transmission, the torque converter can separate from the engine, causing a sudden loss of drive power. The 2016 model year has a door latch defect, primarily affecting vehicles registered in warm, humid states, where the latch can fail and allow a door to open while driving. A separate 2016 issue involves fuel tanks with insufficient wall thickness that can crack and leak fuel, raising the risk of fire.
The 2013–2018 model years share a front brake hose recall where the hoses can rupture and leak brake fluid, increasing pedal travel and extending stopping distances. On 2013–2016 vehicles registered in northern salt-belt states, corrosion can cause the electric power steering gear motor bolts to fail, causing the motor to detach from the housing and requiring significantly more steering effort, especially at low speeds. Door latches on 2013–2016 models are covered by multiple recalls: a latch component can break and allow a door to appear closed when it is not, and prior repair attempts on 2013–2014 vehicles did not fully resolve the issue in all cases. The 2013–2015 model years have a seatbelt anchor cable that can fail when the pretensioner fires in a crash, potentially leaving a front occupant unrestrained. The 2015 model year also has a seatbelt pretensioner cable issue that can cause the belt to detach in a crash, and a rearview camera that can display a distorted or blank image while reversing.
The 2011–2012 model years have an electric power steering recall where the assist can cut out, requiring extra effort to steer at low speeds. Going back further, 2006–2012 models are covered by the Takata airbag recalls affecting both the driver and passenger inflators. Vehicles registered in high-humidity states are particularly affected, as prolonged heat and moisture exposure can cause the inflator to rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin. The 2010–2012 model years have an additional airbag concern where replacement passenger inflators installed under prior recall repairs may not inflate correctly in a crash. The 2006–2010 model years have an anti-lock brake hydraulic control unit where internal valves can react with certain brake fluid additives, fail to close properly, and require extra pedal travel to stop the vehicle. The 2006 model year has an aftermarket floor mat that can slide forward and trap the accelerator pedal.
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Latest: Mar 2023
Top 8 of 12 categories across LINCOLN MKZ
| Component | Recalls | Share | Critical | High | Medium | Low | Informational |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 7 | 18% | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 5 | 13% | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Body & Latches | 5 | 13% | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 4 | 10% | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 8% | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lighting | 3 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission | 3 | 8% | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 8% | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 7 | 18% | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Component categories are grouped from raw recall data and may not match manufacturer terminology exactly.