NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 12 recalls, 122 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Lincoln Mkz.
21–38 mpg combined
6.2–11.2 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Steering complaints dominate the 2014 Lincoln MKZ owner reports, with many describing sudden power steering loss accompanied by a warning light telling them to stop safely. Several owners report the steering became progressively harder to turn before the system shut down entirely, leaving the vehicle effectively undrivable. Hydraulic and standard service brake complaints round out the next-most-reported systems, where owners describe inconsistent pedal feel and braking response. The backup camera is a recurring secondary theme, owners frequently report the display going black or failing to activate when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, sometimes showing an error message directing them to a dealer, and at least one owner reports the image appearing flipped during use.
122
Total Complaints
12
Crash-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Lincoln MKZ has 12 recalls, the most serious being a steering wheel that can detach while driving, causing complete loss of steering control, along with a separate steering shaft bolt that can loosen and make the wheel feel unstable.
Front brake hoses can rupture and leak fluid, lengthening the stopping distance needed to avoid a crash. On hybrid models, a transmission range sensor fault can allow the vehicle to shift out of Park without the brake pedal being pressed, letting it roll freely. The front seatbelt anchor cable can fail during a crash when the pretensioner fires, leaving front occupants without full restraint at the moment they need it most. In states with higher road salt use, corrosion can cause the electric power steering motor to separate from the gear housing, making the wheel significantly harder to turn, particularly at low speeds.
Door latches are a recurring issue across several recalls, with a latch component that can break and leave doors appearing closed when they are not, allowing them to swing open while moving. Prior repair attempts on this latch defect were not always completed properly, and some vehicles in warmer, more humid states face an additional latch concern tied to corrosion. There is also a brake pedal bumper that can separate and cause the brake lights to stay on continuously, which can confuse drivers behind the vehicle.
At a glance
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front brake hoses at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In certain high-temperature, high-humidity, or salt-air environments, the brake pedal bumper can corrode and separate from the brake pedal.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake pedal bumpers and clutch pedal bumpers at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A door latch component may break, making doors hard to close or allowing doors to appear closed when they're actually unsecured.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect door latches and replace them if needed at no cost. Owners can also check latch date codes online to verify if repair was done correctly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A component inside the door latches can break, making doors hard to close or appearing closed when they actually aren't.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the side door latches at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Road salt and contaminants can corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts, potentially causing them to break or loosen.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts, apply wax sealer to protect them, and install a new steering gear if bolts are broken or missing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering wheel bolt may not grip the steering shaft properly. If it loosens, the steering wheel could become detached, causing loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a longer steering wheel bolt that properly secures the steering wheel to the shaft.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The steering wheel retaining bolt can loosen, potentially allowing the steering wheel to detach while you're driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer one at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A part inside the door latches can break, making doors hard to close or letting you think a door is shut when it actually isn't.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace all four door latches at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During a crash, heat from the seat belt pretensioner deploying may cause the front seat belt anchor cable to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Snow and water containing road salt may corrode the bolts that attach the electric power steering motor, potentially causing them to break or loosen.
What the fix does
Dealers will apply sealer and replace the steering motor bolts. If bolts are broken or missing, the entire steering gear will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A component in the door latches may break, making doors hard to close or causing them to appear securely closed when they are not.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace all four door latches with improved parts at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission range sensor may malfunction, allowing the vehicle to shift out of Park without pressing the brake pedal.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module software at no charge to restore proper sensor function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
