2014 Lincoln MKZProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 98 owner complaints about the 2014 Lincoln MKZ, most often about the steering. It is covered by 13 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-162 the manufacturer reports only 39% of affected cars repaired.

2014 Lincoln MKZ

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 4, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2014 Lincoln MKZ has problems

98 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Steering261
Electrical system170
Engine102
Power train92
Fuel/propulsion system81
Structure60
Back over prevention50
Wheels50
Service brakes51
13 other systems283

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

13 recalls

2014 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.

39%repaired · 2025 Q1

Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 23V-162 · Mar 10, 2023 · 1,280,726 vehicles · 501,872 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

51%repaired · 2024 Q1

Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages

Recall 22V-011 · Jan 13, 2022 · 199,085 vehicles · 101,956 repaired

Risk. A separated brake pedal bumper can cause the brake lights to illuminate continuously, causing confusion to other drivers and increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

44%repaired · 2022 Q2

Doors: latch

Recall 20V-331 · Jun 8, 2020 · 2,147,323 vehicles · 945,968 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

48%repaired · 2022 Q2

Doors: latch

Recall 20V-177 · Mar 23, 2020 · 288,110 vehicles · 138,941 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 9 more recalls
64%repaired · 2021 Q1

Steering: electric power assist system

Recall 19V-632 · Aug 29, 2019 · 116,160 vehicles · 73,924 repaired

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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

77%repaired · 2019 Q3

Steering: steering wheel/handle bar

Recall 18V-167 · Mar 12, 2018 · 1,301,986 vehicles · 999,464 repaired

Risk. A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

62%repaired · 2018 Q3

Doors: latch

Recall 17V-210 · Mar 27, 2017 · 191,432 vehicles · 119,594 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

62%repaired · 2018 Q3

Seat belts: front

Recall 16V-875 · Dec 5, 2016 · 603,392 vehicles · 371,259 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

91%repaired · 2016 Q3

Steering: electric power assist system

Recall 15V-250 · Apr 28, 2015 · 487,301 vehicles · 442,273 repaired

Risk. If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

70%repaired · 2017 Q1

Doors: latch

Recall 15V-246 · Apr 24, 2015 · 456,440 vehicles · 320,666 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

54%repaired · 2015 Q4

Air bags

Recall 14V-597 · Sep 26, 2014 · 746,842 vehicles · 403,913 repaired

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…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

77%repaired · 2015 Q3

Front assembly: recliner

Recall 14V-164 · Apr 2, 2014 · 43,135 vehicles · 33,291 repaired

Risk. The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

97%repaired · 2015 Q2

Power train: automatic transmission

Recall 13V-594 · Nov 25, 2013 · 7,153 vehicles · 6,907 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

2014 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

2014 Lincoln MKZ safety ratings

2014 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
  • Rollover: 4 stars (10.9% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: Optional
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2014 Lincoln MKZ, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureEA21002 · still open
    Open
  2. Door Latch FailuresRQ19005 · closed Feb 7, 2022
    Led to recall 20V-177
  3. Front Brake Jounce Hose FailuresRQ22004 · closed Mar 24, 2023
    Led to recall 23V-162
In owners' words

What MKZ owners report

Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH in reverse, the steering wheel seized due to a loss of electric power steering assist. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where diagnostic testing determined that the steering rack and…
Complaint 11775593 · Nov 4, 2026 · 206,000 miles
STEERING GEAR STOPPED WORKING, CAUSED THE CAR TO LOCK UP STEERING WHILE DRIVING SIMALAR AS RECALL 19S26. WE FEEL THIS CAR SHOULD ADDED TO THE CURRENT RECALLS FOR THIS SAME MATTER.
Complaint 11713321 · Jan 26, 2026
A light came on for steering loss, stop safely and lock down my car. We are unable to drive it. The issue is the same to the recall number 19526 and possibly number 18508. Which my car is listed. The steering becsme difficult to turn and then eventually the light came on for steering loss and the…
Complaint 11679561 · Aug 9, 2025

Own a 2014 MKZ?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.