What is the 2007-2012 Lincoln MKZ MKZ 3.5L Duratec V6 Internal Water Pump Leak?

The 3.5L Duratec V6 in 2007-2012 MKZ (and shared Edge, Taurus, Flex, Explorer) uses a water pump driven internally by the timing chain. When the pump shaft seal fails, coolant leaks into the oil pan rather than externally — owners often see no leak before catastrophic oil contami… Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2012 Lincoln MKZ MKZ EPS Loss of Assist (NHTSA Recall 15V-340 / Ford 15S18)?

Ford issued NHTSA recall 15V-340 (Ford reference 15S18) for 2011-2012 Fusion and MKZ to address sudden loss of electric power steering assist. Root cause: intermittent electrical connections in the steering gear motor due to conformal coat contamination and ribbon-cable pin misal… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2009 Lincoln MKZ Premature Brake Wear and ABS/Brake Fade (First Generation)?

First-generation MKZ models (2007-2009) generated heavy NHTSA brake complaints. Owners report premature brake pad/rotor wear requiring repeated replacement, and some describe brake fade where the pedal sinks toward the floor before the car slows. NHTSA opened an investigation tha… Repairs typically run $300-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ Electric Power Steering Loss of Assist (Corroded Gear Motor Bolts)?

On 2013-2016 MKZ (and platform-mate Fusion) models, road salt and contaminants can corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts. If the bolts corrode and fail, the steering gear motor can detach from the housing, causing a sudden loss of power steering assist a… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2018 Lincoln MKZ Door Latch Failure - Doors Can Open While Driving?

On 2013-2018 MKZ models, the door latch pawl spring tab can fracture, particularly after exposure to high ambient temperatures. A weakened latch may not securely hold the door closed, so a door can open while the vehicle is in motion. Ford issued door-latch recalls (e.g., 20S15/2… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2012 Lincoln MKZ Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture (Driver and Passenger)?

First-generation MKZ models (2007-2012, plus the Zephyr) use Takata ammonium-nitrate airbag inflators that can degrade after prolonged exposure to heat and humidity. A degraded inflator can rupture during deployment in a crash, sending metal fragments toward occupants and causing… Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2020 Lincoln MKZ 2.0L EcoBoost Internal Coolant Leak / Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders?

Second-generation MKZ models equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost turbo engine can develop an internal coolant leak where coolant seeps from the cooling jacket into a combustion chamber, commonly cylinder 2. This is attributed to a cylinder head/block design and sealing defect. Burned… Repairs typically run $5,000-$15,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2010-2016 Lincoln MKZ Harsh / Delayed Automatic Transmission Shifting (6F35)?

MKZ models with the 6F35 6-speed automatic commonly exhibit harsh or delayed engagement, a bump or slip on takeoff, and sluggish acceleration from 0-5 mph. A known cause is a 6F35 valve body design flaw addressed by a Ford TSB that modifies the valve body separator plate (deletin… Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ Panoramic Retractable Glass Roof - Leaks, Stuck Sunshade, and Shattering?

The MKZ's signature retractable panoramic glass roof is a recurring trouble spot on 2013-2016 models. Worn seals and clogged drainage channels let water leak into the cabin, the power sunshade can jam, fail to retract/extend, or grind due to motor/track failure, and owners report… Repairs typically run $200-$2,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ MyLincoln Touch / SYNC Infotainment Failures (APIM Module)?

Second-generation MKZ models with MyLincoln Touch / SYNC 2 frequently suffer infotainment failures rooted in the APIM module: black or frozen screen, random reboots, system staying frozen even after shutdown, and loss of functions like the rearview camera and defroster controls. Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.

Lincoln · Known Issues

2007-2020 Lincoln MKZ Problems: 10 Known Issues

2007-2020 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated June 2026

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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2007-2020 Lincoln MKZ has 10 documented known issues, with 7 rated critical. The most serious are MKZ 3.5L Duratec V6 Internal Water Pump Leak ($1,500-$4,500 repair), MKZ EPS Loss of Assist (NHTSA Recall 15V-340 / Ford 15S18) ($0-$0 repair), Premature Brake Wear and ABS/Brake Fade (First Generation) ($300-$1,500 repair), Electric Power Steering Loss of Assist (Corroded Gear Motor Bolts) ($0-$1,200 repair), Door Latch Failure - Doors Can Open While Driving ($0-$400 repair), Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture (Driver and Passenger) and 2.0L EcoBoost Internal Coolant Leak / Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders ($5,000-$15,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $15,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 10 Known Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Lincoln MKZ problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2007-2020 Lincoln MKZ has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: MKZ 3.5L Duratec V6 Internal Water Pump Leak, MKZ EPS Loss of Assist (NHTSA Recall 15V-340 / Ford 15S18), Premature Brake Wear and ABS/Brake Fade (First Generation). Of these, 7 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Lincoln MKZ reliable?

The 2007-2020 Lincoln MKZ has 10 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 7 issues are rated critical: MKZ 3.5L Duratec V6 Internal Water Pump Leak and MKZ EPS Loss of Assist (NHTSA Recall 15V-340 / Ford 15S18) and Premature Brake Wear and ABS/Brake Fade (First Generation) and Electric Power Steering Loss of Assist (Corroded Gear Motor Bolts) and Door Latch Failure - Doors Can Open While Driving and Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture (Driver and Passenger) and 2.0L EcoBoost Internal Coolant Leak / Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Lincoln MKZ problems?

Repair costs for known Lincoln MKZ issues range from $0 to $15,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, MKZ 3.5L Duratec V6 Internal Water Pump Leak, typically costs $1,500-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Lincoln MKZ is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Lincoln MKZ. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2007-2020 Lincoln MKZ with 10 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.

All 10 Known Issues

MKZ EPS Loss of Assist (NHTSA Recall 15V-340 / Ford 15S18)#

Electric Power Steering Loss of Assist (Corroded Gear Motor Bolts)#

Door Latch Failure - Doors Can Open While Driving#

Panoramic Retractable Glass Roof - Leaks, Stuck Sunshade, and Shattering#

MKZ 3.5L Duratec V6 Internal Water Pump Leak#

Premature Brake Wear and ABS/Brake Fade (First Generation)#

Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture (Driver and Passenger)#

2.0L EcoBoost Internal Coolant Leak / Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders#

Harsh / Delayed Automatic Transmission Shifting (6F35)#

MyLincoln Touch / SYNC Infotainment Failures (APIM Module)#

Other Lincoln Models