LINCOLN MKZ · model year

2014 LINCOLN MKZ

128 NHTSA complaints, 9 crash reports, and 14 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2014LINCOLNMKZ carries 128 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 9 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 4/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2014 MKZ is steering with 25 filings, followed by electrical system (16) and engine (10). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 14 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 15 investigation files overlapping the 2014 MKZ, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

128
Complaints
9
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
2014 LINCOLN MKZ — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2014 LINCOLN MKZ. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 4.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

128 filings

Crashes Reported

9 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 4/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
STEERING25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16
ENGINE10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
POWER TRAIN8
SERVICE BRAKES5
STRUCTURE:BODY5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
SEATS3
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE2
TIRES2
AIR BAGS2

Recalls (14)

19V63200029/08/2019

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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, Min

15V25000028/04/2015

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

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, D

17V21000027/03/2017

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

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, i

14V59700026/09/2014

AIR BAGS

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

13V59400025/11/2013

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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

20E02500024/04/2020

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Replacement Headlamps, part number DP5Z-13008-T and DP5Z-13008-V, sold for use with 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The headlamps may have an improper beam pattern and incorrect horizontal adjustment, the side markers may not illuminate and DOT marking

15V24600024/04/2015

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

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, For

20V17700023/03/2020

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fiesta, 2014-2016 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washingt

22V01100013/01/2022

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 Mustang vehicles originally sold or ever registered, in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Hawaii. Exposure to certain environmental conditions,

18V16700012/03/2018

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.

23V16200010/03/2023

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

20V33100008/06/2020

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

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

16V87500005/12/2016

SEAT BELTS:FRONT

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 pretensione

14V16400002/04/2014

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

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 Ju

Recent Complaints

20260214ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The transmission is slipping my car is only has 53,000 miles on it, the radio doesn’t work I had to pay over $1000 to fix the trunk latch and my brakes are fine but not working properly

20260214VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The transmission is slipping my car is only has 53,000 miles on it, the radio doesn’t work I had to pay over $1000 to fix the trunk latch and my brakes are fine but not working properly

20260214SUSPENSION

The transmission is slipping my car is only has 53,000 miles on it, the radio doesn’t work I had to pay over $1000 to fix the trunk latch and my brakes are fine but not working properly

20260126STEERING

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.

20260103STEERING

Steering wheel lock up

20260103UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Steering wheel lock up

20251027UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Rear backup camera works intermittently. Can be backing up and viewing screen goes dark. Original equipment, no damage to automobile. Has been malfunctioning for several months now.

20251024BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a flipped image while reversing. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

20250930UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Rear view camera failure. When the vehicle is put in reverse, the rear view camera does not come on creating a safety hazard while backing up since you don't always have a line of sight due to other vehicles parked next to you. A warning message eventually pops up that says "Camera is unavailable. Please contact your dealership." The dealership diagnosed the problem on July 2, 2024 shortly after the problem started and advised that the camera needs to be replaced. The cost at that time would have been $1,230 plus tax to replace it and I have already spent $166.60 for the diagnotics. The car is available for inspection. A recall has been issued by Ford for rear view camera failures. My car is not included in the recall but I feel the recall should be extended to include my car and VIN as this is a safety hazard due to equipment failure. I have attached a copy of the invoice and quote from the Ford dealership. I am also attaching photos of the camera failure taken while the vehicle is

20250809STEERING

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 car has been disabled. I looked up our Vin number [XXX] , and it was not included on this recall. However we believe it should be. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250808STEERING

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn in either direction. The messages "Steering Assist Unavailable" and "Hill Assist" were displayed on the instrument cluster. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 121,000.

Mileage: 121,000

20250514ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

-Rear view camera will only work 20% of the time at best. -The outside trunk button does not work at all, but the trunk button on the remote and inside the vehicle work. -The heated and cooling seats seldomly work. - The vehicle has randomly shut down, followed by trouble starting while in park on a few occasions in the last few years. -

20250110ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was sitting in idle staying warm in car. When I decided to leave, I noticed I couldn't turn the steering wheel or that it was very difficult to steer. I have not had this issue inspected. The warning lights that was on before was "service advancedtrac", "collision warning not available" "drive control malfunction service required". I called Sons Ford Auburn where they stayed there was no recall for this issue. I also called Lincoln customer service where they told me the recall doesn't fall under my vehicle due to it being a hybrid and that I don't have the bolts associated with the recall.

20250110STEERING

I was sitting in idle staying warm in car. When I decided to leave, I noticed I couldn't turn the steering wheel or that it was very difficult to steer. I have not had this issue inspected. The warning lights that was on before was "service advancedtrac", "collision warning not available" "drive control malfunction service required". I called Sons Ford Auburn where they stayed there was no recall for this issue. I also called Lincoln customer service where they told me the recall doesn't fall under my vehicle due to it being a hybrid and that I don't have the bolts associated with the recall.

20250110LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

I was sitting in idle staying warm in car. When I decided to leave, I noticed I couldn't turn the steering wheel or that it was very difficult to steer. I have not had this issue inspected. The warning lights that was on before was "service advancedtrac", "collision warning not available" "drive control malfunction service required". I called Sons Ford Auburn where they stayed there was no recall for this issue. I also called Lincoln customer service where they told me the recall doesn't fall under my vehicle due to it being a hybrid and that I don't have the bolts associated with the recall.

20241104STEERING

The contact owns a 2024 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal play in the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact later noticed fluid on the ground underneath the front driver’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the leak was close to the brake line. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

20241104SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2024 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to function as intended. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal play in the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact later noticed fluid on the ground underneath the front driver’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the leak was close to the brake line. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

20241015WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while her husband was inspecting the vehicle, he was unable to remove the lug nuts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a tire center, where they cut the lug nuts off. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was concerned that in the event of a blowout, the tire would not be able to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20240603VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the panoramic sunroof shattered with no impact. The contact mentioned that glass flew inside the vehicle. The contact also had glass in her hair. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

Mileage: 113,000

20240425BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

The problem with this car is that the backup camera stopped working on my car. The line are gone and the image is reversed. The dealing told me it was the camera and it was almost $1,000 to replace it. I did notdo it, but now I am finding many othes with the same broplem. The safety issue is that when I back up and I am not sure if what I am seeing is accurate.

Compare 2014LINCOLNMKZ to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2014 LINCOLN MKZ have?
The 2014 LINCOLN MKZ has 128 NHTSA complaints, 9 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2014 LINCOLN MKZ?
The 2014 LINCOLN MKZ received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 4/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2014 LINCOLN MKZ?
Yes, the 2014 LINCOLN MKZ has 14 recall(s). The most common affected component is STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 LINCOLN MKZ?
The most-complained component for the 2014 LINCOLN MKZ is STEERING with 25 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ENGINE.
Is the 2014 LINCOLN MKZ safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2014 LINCOLN MKZ has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.