KnownCarProblems2013 Lincoln Mkz Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 109 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Lincoln Mkz, most often about the electrical (16% of complaints, typically around 6,500 miles). It is 8th of 14 Mkz model years by number of complaints and has 12 recalls.
Most common 2013 Lincoln Mkz problems
Electrical
17 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 6,500 miles.
Came to a stop at stop sign. Made a left hand turn at approx. 7 MPH. While the car was moving at went from drive to neutral and then into park. This is the 3rd time it has happened. Car was taken back to dealer on 4/14 for repairs. This is also the 3rd electrical system malfunction.
Tl-the owns a 2013 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the collision warning indicator intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was…
Steering
16 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 67,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the power steering became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who informed her about the steering recalls for the…
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering was vibrating and jiggling. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loosened near the gear housing. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the…
Transmission
15 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 30,000 miles.
When driving the car it will shift from drive to s1, s2, s3, s4, it will decrease in speed, like a hesitation and slowing down. I am afraid if this constantly happens some one will hit me in the rear., causing a serious accident. We have taken this car in twice for repairs, still isn't fixed. First, oh its need to be…
Noted a natural gas smell in my car only when heat on in car and not constent, just in spirts I would get a strong smell. Then last week my car started making a weird whinning noise that has gotten louder and more consistent over the past week. I noted the 2013 Mkz had recalls for issues like this before. I just…
Body and structure
12 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 46,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.
Interior driver door handle no longer sits flush with body. Periodically the door does not shut properly . I noticed a recall on that part. When asked gridley ford service (dwayne) he emphasized on your web posting it says certain vehicles and is not one of 'those' . I asked that since it is displaying same problem…
My husband was exiting the passenger side with the door open and had his right hand on the door frame, fingers on the edge of the roof. I had just shut the car off and pushed the button to close the large panorama sunroof. The sunroof is above the car and over the back window when it's open, so it was coming forward…
Seat belts
12 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles.
The contact owned a 2013 Lincoln Mkz. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle was involved in a minor front end crash. While the contact was exchanging information with the occupant of the other vehicle, the contact's vehicle unintentionally accelerated into a stone wall. A police report was not filed. The seat…
I have only owned this car for 32 months. And yet it has been in for service approx. 9 times from recalls notice that I have received notices on 14s21,15s16,15s14key fab problems 2 times, air conditioner, side mirror was broken, the has put inself into park when the seat belt is taken off. Driver seat started moving…
Engine
11 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 51,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated that while driving, the check engine and the fuel firing inlet warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13v227000 (fuel…
Car complete stalls and says "run power active". Very unsafe situation. Car was not able to be moved. Was not able to be started again for over a minute
Brakes
8 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components.
Was backing down a sloped paved driveway when the break pedal went almost to the floor and could barely stop. Inspected and found the left front brake hose split/ruptured and leaking brake fluid. The rupture was on the top side of the hose where it connects to the metal brake line.
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to slow the vehicle however, the brake pedal went to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to stop within a reasonable distance. The contact allowed the vehicle to independently slow down before pulling over to…
Fuel system
8 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 72,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated that while driving, the check engine and the fuel firing inlet warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13v227000 (fuel…
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire the check engine and the fuel firing inlet warning lights illuminated. While driving the car two different times the system completely shut down causing me to pull over in the middle of driving. While car is idle system shuts down. A number of times
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2013 Lincoln Mkz recalls
Brakes: 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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed june 27, 2023. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23s12.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 fusion and lincoln mkz vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Doors and locks: 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.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on july 27, 2020. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20s30.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 fiesta, 2013-2014 fusion, 2015 mustang, 2013-2015 escape and c-max, 2012-2015 focus, 2014-2016 transit connect, 2013-2014 lincoln mkz, and 2015 mkc vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15v-246, 16v-643 or 17v-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
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 effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer. If any of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began october 18, 2019. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19s26.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 ford fusion and lincoln mkz, 2015-2016 ford edge, and 2016 lincoln mkx vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, the district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
Doors and locks: 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.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began may 1, 2017. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15s16.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2014 ford fiesta, 2013-2014 ford fusion and 2013-2014 lincoln mkz vehicles. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
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.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable, free of charge. The recall began may 16, 2017. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16s42.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 ford fusion vehicles manufactured november 2, 2012, to july 31, 2014, and 2013-2015 lincoln mkz vehicles manufactured november 14, 2012, to july 31, 2014. In the event of a crash, heat from the deployment of a seat belt pretensioner may cause a front seat belt anchor cable to fail.
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. Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply sealer and replace the steering gear motor bolts as required. If one or more of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on june 24, 2015. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15s14.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 ford fusion and lincoln mkz vehicles manufactured february 3, 2012, to march 20, 2015, and 2015 ford edge vehicles manufactured february 26, 2015, to february 28, 2015, and originally sold, or currently registered in, connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia. In the affected vehicles, snow or water containing road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
Doors and locks: 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.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches with an improved part, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed to owners on june 5, 2015. The recall began on december 18, 2015. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15s16.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) notified the agency on april 23, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2013-2014 ford fusion and lincoln mkz vehicles manufactured july 1, 2012, to may 31, 2013, and 2012-2014 fiesta vehicles manufactured february 1, 2012, to may 31, 2013. On april 30, 2015, ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 119,567 vehicles, including certain model year 2011 ford fiestas manufactured from november 11, 2009, to may 31, 2013 and certain model year 2013 ford fusion and lincoln mkz vehicles manufactured from february 1, 2012, to june 30, 2012. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Seat belts
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 the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rcm, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on may 26,2015. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14s21.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 ford c-max vehicles manufactured january 19, 2012, to november 21, 2013; ford fusion vehicles manufactured february 3, 2012, to august 24, 2013; ford escape vehicles manufactured october 5, 2011, to november 1, 2013; and lincoln mkz vehicles manufactured april 25, 2012, to september 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the restraint control module (rcm) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.
Seats: 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.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on may 30, 2014. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14c03.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 ford fusion and lincoln mkz vehicles manufactured august 15, 2012, through september 10, 2013, 2013-2014 ford escape vehicles manufactured june 5, 2012, through august 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 ford c-max vehicles manufactured from july 23, 2012, through may 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 207, "seating systems."
Transmission: 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.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module (PCM) with new software, free of charge. The recall began on january 2014. Customers may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13c09.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 lincoln mkz hybrid vehicles manufactured april 26, 2012, through september 24, 2013. Due to a manufacturing error, the transmission range sensor may not function properly allowing the affected vehicles to be shifted out of the park position without first applying the brake pedal. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) no. 114, "theft protection."
Electrical: electrical system
Risk: Exposed electrical wires increase the risk of electric shock.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began on june 28, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13s05. Owners may contact the ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Full defect summary
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 lincoln mkz vehicles manufactured april 25, 2012, through march 15, 2013 and equipped with an engine block heater. During use, the engine block heater cords may be bent and in certain temperatures, the wire insulation may crack, exposing the electrical wires.
Fuel system: fuel system, gasoline
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on july 20, 2013. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13s04.
Full defect summary
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 explorer, taurus, flex, fusion, police interceptor sedan and police interceptor utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 lincoln mks, mkt, and mkz vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Front brake jounce hose failures
Summary
On august 8, 2022, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation based on 50 vehicle owner questionnaires (voqs) alleging front brake jounce hose ruptures on model year (my) 2013-2018 ford fusion and lincoln mkz vehicles. A ruptured front brake hose results in a brake fluid leak. As a result, the driver may experience an increase in pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration, increasing the risk of a crash. It should be noted that the subject vehicles identified fell outside the scope of NHTSA safety recall 20v-469, which addressed front brake hoses rupturing on certain my 2015-2018 ford edge and 2016-2018 lincoln mkx vehicles. The result causes a brake fl
Desiccated air bag inflator rupture
Summary
From 2000 through 2017, takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("psan") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004l. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 blomquist report at www.NHTSA.gov/sites/NHTSA.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substa
Door latch failures
Summary
In december 2019, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation based on 235 vehicle owner questionnaires (voqs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (my) 2012-2014 ford fiesta, and 2013-2014 fusion and lincoln mkz. Some voqs reported the failure occurred after the latch had been remedied under a prior recall which involved fracture of the latch pawl spring tab due to thermally induced cyclic fatigue. Other voqs alleged a similar failure in vehicles not previously recalled. A latch with a fractured pawl spring tab typically results in a ?door will not close? Condition, however in certain somewhat rare circu
Door latch failure
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (my) 2011-2013 ford fiesta, my 2013 ford fusion and my 2013 lincoln mkz vehicles. All of the affected vehicles share the same door latch design.odi has received 281 unique reports related to the alleged problem, with over 100 claiming that the door(s) opened inadvertently while the vehicle was in motion. There were no crashes reported however three separate injuries were indicated, all caused by a rebounding door striking a consumer after they attempted to close it. In response to odi's information request (ir) letter, ford motor
Questions about the 2013 Lincoln Mkz
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Lincoln Mkz?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (17 complaints, typically around 6,500 miles); steering (16 complaints, typically around 67,000 miles); transmission (15 complaints, typically around 30,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2013 Lincoln Mkz have?
- 12 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 10, 2023 (brakes). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2013 a bad year for the Lincoln Mkz?
- It is 8th of 14 Mkz model years by number of complaints, with 109 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.