repaired · 2025 Q1
Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk. A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
2013 Lincoln MKZProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 109 owner complaints about the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 12 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-162 the manufacturer reports only 39% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 15, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Lincoln MKZ has problems
109 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
17Electrical system
16Steering
15Power train1 crash/fire/injury
12Structure1 crash/fire/injury
12Seat belts1 crash/fire/injury
10Engine1 crash/fire/injury
8Latches/locks/linkages
7Wheels
6Fuel/propulsion system
3417 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 17 | 0 |
| Steering | 16 | 0 |
| Power train | 15 | 1 |
| Structure | 12 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 12 | 1 |
| Engine | 10 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 8 | 0 |
| Wheels | 7 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 1 |
| 17 other systems | 34 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
12 recalls
2013 Lincoln MKZ recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2022 Q2
Doors: latch
Risk. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Steering: electric power assist system
Risk. If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering…
repaired · 2018 Q3
Doors: latch
Risk. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Show 8 more recalls
repaired · 2018 Q3
Seat belts: front
Risk. If the driver or front passenger seatbelt cables cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, they would be at an increased risk of injury.
repaired · 2016 Q3
Steering: electric power assist system
Risk. If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist.
repaired · 2017 Q1
Doors: latch
Risk. A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
repaired · 2015 Q4
Air bags
Risk. The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing…
repaired · 2015 Q3
Front assembly: recliner
Risk. The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.
repaired · 2015 Q2
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll which may result in a crash.
no report yet
Fuel system, gasoline
Risk. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. Exposed electrical wires increase the risk of electric shock.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lincoln.
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other MKZ year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the MKZ median. How we score
'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 Lincoln MKZ safety ratings
2013 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, and the recalls they led to.
- Door Latch FailureLed to recall 20E-010
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
- Door Latch FailuresLed to recall 20V-177
- Front Brake Jounce Hose FailuresLed to recall 23V-162
In owners' words
What MKZ owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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
The contact owned a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while adjusting the driver's side motorized seat, the contact felt an electric shock through her left hand, prompting the contact to cease the action and immediately turn off the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle…
Own a 2013 MKZ?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.