Lincoln · Known Issues

2007-2020 Lincoln MKZ Problems: 10 Issues Every Owner Should Know

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

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, repair costs range from $200 to $15,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 10 Known Issues

On the 2011-2012 Lincoln MKZ 2.5L Atkinson Hybrid, 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 misalignment, leading to loss of motor position signal. Approximately 393,623 vehicles covered.

This issue also affects: Ford C-Max, Ford Escape, Ford Flex

Common Symptoms

power steering warning
sudden heavy steering
EPAS fault message

How to Fix

Check VIN at NHTSA recall lookup (15V-340). Remedy: dealer inspects the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for diagnostic trouble codes — if loss-of-assist DTCs are present, the entire steering gear is replaced free under recall; otherwise, the PSCM software is updated. Some owners also qualify for a Ford Customer Satisfaction Program (15S18) extending coverage on the steering gear.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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On the 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ, 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 and greatly increased steering effort, especially at low speed. This was recalled under NHTSA campaign 19V632000 for vehicles in northern salt-belt states. Earlier 2011-2012 models had a separate steering-motor-sensor loss-of-assist concern.

Common Symptoms

Sudden loss of power steering assist
Heavy or hard steering at low speed
Power steering warning light
Clunking/looseness in steering

How to Fix

Under recall 19V632000, dealers replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer free of charge; if bolts are already broken or missing the entire steering gear is replaced. Owners should verify recall status by VIN at nhtsa.gov.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,200

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On the 2013-2018 Lincoln MKZ, 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., 20S15/20S30) covering Fiesta, Fusion, and MKZ. Owners often notice early warning signs before failure.

Common Symptoms

Door difficult to latch/close
Door ajar warning when door is shut
Increased wind noise
Door unexpectedly opening or not staying latched

How to Fix

Under the recall, Ford dealers replace the faulty door latches on the affected doors free of charge. If doors are hard to close, show 'door ajar' warnings, or have increased wind noise, owners should check VIN recall status and have the latches inspected/replaced.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $400

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On the 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ, 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 creaking noises. A lawsuit also alleged the roof glass was too thin and prone to spontaneous shattering.

Common Symptoms

Water leaking into cabin / wet headliner or carpet
Sunshade stuck, won't open or close
Grinding noise from roof shade motor
Creaking/cracking noise over bumps
Roof glass spontaneously shattering

How to Fix

For leaks, clear and flush the sunroof drain tubes and replace worn seals. Sunshade problems often require motor or track repair/replacement of the shade assembly. Spontaneously shattered glass requires full roof glass replacement (often expensive and not covered unless under warranty/lawsuit terms).

Typical repair cost:$200 - $2,000

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On the 2007-2012 Lincoln MKZ 3.5L Duratec V6, 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 contamination. Symptoms: milky oil, white smoke, mysterious coolant loss, eventual bearing failure.

This issue also affects: Ford Edge, Ford Excursion, Ford Explorer

Common Symptoms

milky oil
white smoke
mysterious coolant loss
low coolant warning

How to Fix

Internal water pump replacement is a labor-intensive job (timing cover off) — $1,500-$2,500 at independent, $2,500-$3,500 at dealer. Check the coolant level monthly; check the oil for milky discoloration at every change. Some owners replace proactively at 100,000 miles to avoid engine damage.

Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $4,500

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On the 2007-2009 Lincoln MKZ, 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 that pointed to a faulty ABS hydraulic control unit (HCU) on these early cars, and a later service-brake recall (19V904000) was issued.

Common Symptoms

Brake pedal sinks toward floor / soft pedal
Reduced braking power / fade
Premature pad and rotor wear
ABS warning light

How to Fix

Premature wear is addressed with quality pads and rotors at service intervals; persistent low pedal or fade warrants inspection and replacement of the ABS hydraulic control unit (HCU) and a full brake-system bleed. Owners should check VIN against service-brake recall 19V904000.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $1,500

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On the 2007-2012 Lincoln MKZ, 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 serious injury or death. This is part of the industry-wide Takata recall and was addressed through multiple Ford/Lincoln recall campaigns (e.g., driver-side recall 21S12). Airbags were the single most-complained-about area for the MKZ in NHTSA data.

Common Symptoms

Airbag warning light
Open recall notice for airbag inflator
Risk of inflator rupture / shrapnel on deployment

How to Fix

Ford dealers replace the affected driver-side and/or passenger-side airbag inflator or module free of charge under the recall. Owners should check their VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and schedule the free repair; some older units carried do-not-drive warnings until repaired.

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On the 2013-2020 Lincoln MKZ, 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 coolant causes misfires, white exhaust smoke, chronically low coolant with no external leak, and in severe cases overheating and complete engine failure. The defect is the subject of a Ford EcoBoost coolant-intrusion class action.

This issue also affects: Ford Aerostar, Ford Bronco, Ford Bronco Sport

Common Symptoms

Check engine light with misfire code
Coolant level dropping with no visible external leak
White smoke from exhaust
Rough idle / hesitation
Engine overheating
Sweet coolant smell

How to Fix

Mild cases may be addressed with a head gasket or cylinder head replacement, but many vehicles require a long block or full engine replacement (commonly $5,000-$15,000). Affected owners should check for any applicable Ford coolant-intrusion warranty extension/class-action reimbursement and document low-coolant and misfire history.

Typical repair cost:$5,000 - $15,000

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On the 2010-2016 Lincoln MKZ, 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 (deleting a hole) and removing a check ball. Owners also report harsh Drive/Reverse engagement on cold starts and overdrive shudder around 40 mph.

Common Symptoms

Harsh bump or clunk when shifting into Drive or Reverse
Hesitation/sluggishness from a stop then sudden engagement
Shudder while accelerating into overdrive around 40 mph
Delayed shifts

How to Fix

First verify transmission fluid level/condition, since low fluid mimics the symptoms. The TSB remedy modifies or replaces the valve body separator plate and removes the affected check ball; severe cases need valve body or transmission rebuild. A fluid service can help shudder in milder cases.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $2,500

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On the 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ, 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. The unreliability prompted a class-action settlement, since loss of the backup camera and defroster has safety implications.

Common Symptoms

Frozen or black infotainment screen
System reboots randomly or stays frozen after key off
Backup camera turns off or goes black while reversing
Unresponsive touchscreen / climate and defroster controls

How to Fix

A master/factory reset can clear minor glitches, but persistent failures require APIM module replacement or repair. Ford issued Customer Satisfaction Program 12M02 extending APIM warranty to 5 years regardless of mileage for many affected vehicles; aftermarket APIM rebuild services are also common.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $900

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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

2011-2012 Lincoln MKZ: MKZ EPS Loss of Assist (NHTSA Recall 15V-340 / Ford 15S18)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ: Electric Power Steering Loss of Assist (Corroded Gear Motor Bolts)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2013-2018 Lincoln MKZ: Door Latch Failure - Doors Can Open While Driving#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ: Panoramic Retractable Glass Roof - Leaks, Stuck Sunshade, and Shattering#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2007-2012 Lincoln MKZ: MKZ 3.5L Duratec V6 Internal Water Pump Leak#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2007-2009 Lincoln MKZ: Premature Brake Wear and ABS/Brake Fade (First Generation)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2007-2012 Lincoln MKZ: Takata Airbag Inflator Rupture (Driver and Passenger)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2013-2020 Lincoln MKZ: 2.0L EcoBoost Internal Coolant Leak / Coolant Intrusion into Cylinders#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2010-2016 Lincoln MKZ: Harsh / Delayed Automatic Transmission Shifting (6F35)#

Common Symptoms

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2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ: MyLincoln Touch / SYNC Infotainment Failures (APIM Module)#

Common Symptoms

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Lincoln MKZ problems?

Is the Lincoln MKZ reliable?

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

What year Lincoln MKZ is the most reliable?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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