CSR

Lincoln · NHTSA safety record

2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

12

Complaints

2

Crashes

0

Fires

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have filed 12 safety complaints with NHTSA between August 2015 and July 2026. The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 4 of them (33%). The typical failure was reported at 15,400 miles, the median across the 8 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

No recall campaign was matched to this year, make and model. That is not the same as a clean vehicle: recalls are issued against production ranges, and the only reliable check is your own VIN.

Defect investigations (4)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Pedestrian alert sounds

DP22005

Closed defect petition · opened January 27, 2023 · closed August 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V063000

the electrical system

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures

RQ22004

Closed recall query · opened August 8, 2022 · closed March 24, 2023 · led to recall 23V162000

the hydraulic brakes

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 fluid leak, lengthening the distance needing to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.On March 10, 2023, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted to NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-162 (Ford Recall 23S12) to address front brake jounce hoses that may rupture. Ford found the rupture occurs from a localized failure of the internal reinforcement braid due to cyclic fatigue through tensile/bending and torsional inputs during suspension and steering articulations. The supplier for the front brake jounce hoses is Hitachi. This recall affects the subject vehicles equipped with non-hybrid engines and the suspect front brake jounce hoses (a total of 1,280,726 vehicles). The recall covers subject vehicles built from February 3, 2012 to July 19, 2017 when the suspect hoses were used in vehicle production. The remedy is for dealerships to replace both front brake jounce hoses with new hoses that have a revised braid material at no cost. The vehicles equipped with hybrid engines are excluded from the recall because the internal hose pressure is much lower due to the regenerative braking provided by the hybrid brake system. No failures of brake hoses on hybrid vehicles have been reported to ODI or Ford.Ford's actions address ODIs concerns at this time. Hybrid vehicles will be monitored for related failures. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by new circumstances.The 103 ODI numbers cited above can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ID numbers:11511014, 11510867, 11510318, 11509030, 11505993, 11504989, 11504400, 11502147, 11502082, 11501820, 11501283, 11498439, 11498296, 11496842, 11496335, 11494931, 11494851, 11494252, 11493001, 11492084, 11492070, 11491444, 11491274, 11488858, 11488027, 11487627, 11487416, 11487233, 11486150, 11484924, 11484526, 11484080, 11483948, 11483926, 11483739, 11483723, 11482773, 11482690, 11481077, 11480788, 11480294, 11480052, 11479338, 11479334, 11479252, 11479247, 11479187, 11479094, 11479048, 11478985, 11478953, 11478729, 11478216, 11476892, 11476282, 11470558, 11468994, 11467109, 11466294, 11462746, 11461217, 11456065, 11455367, 11444848, 11436419, 11436376, 11430685, 11428329, 11425083, 11421026, 11420738, 11420735, 11420298, 11418197, 11403926, 11397549, 11366991, 11366757, 11361016, 11359968, 11354569, 11352165, 11350344, 11348799, 11343929, 11343205, 11331947, 11329020, 11319596, 11310529, 11292271, 11288455, 11254787, 11253479, 11253244, 11234622, 11230669, 11230050, 11228240, 11221111, 11143630, 11129392 and 11120228.

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

EA21002

Still open engineering analysis · opened September 17, 2021

the air bags

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 substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Door Latch Failures

RQ19005

Closed recall query · opened December 19, 2019 · closed February 7, 2022 · led to recall 20V177000

the latches, locks and linkages, the body structure

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 circumstances, may result in the door coming open while driving. In response to ODI?s investigation, Ford has announced three field actions, as discussed below.On March 23, 2020, Ford submitted Safety Recall 20V-177 (Ford 20S15), a regional recall campaign to address door latch failures in vehicles not previously recalled under Safety Recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 and 17V-210. The recall affects vehicles currently or ever registered in certain high ambient temperature states (see 20V-177 for affected states). As a remedy, Ford will replace all four door latches free of charge.On August 24, 2020, Ford issued a non-safety regional field action (Ford 20R01) to address door latch failures on the same model/MY vehicles not covered under 20V-177 (i.e., not currently/ever registered in affected states). According to Ford, spring tab failure rates for vehicles covered by this action are about half that of the 20V-177 vehicles. Under this action, dealers will replace all door latches, free of charge, if either; a) the vehicle exhibits a related latch concern, or b) if the vehicle owner expresses a concern about the latches in their vehicles. Details can be found under NHTSA TSB No. 10190990, a copy of which is available in this investigative file available at NHTSA.gov.On June 8, 2020, Ford submitted Safety Recall 20V-331 (Ford 20S30) addressing vehicles previously remedied under NHTSA Recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 and 17V-210, where the repair may not have been properly completed, specifically not all of the door latches were replaced, or replaced correctly. This recall involves an inspection of the latches, with the option for a consumer self-inspection; owners could view the date codes on their latches (and confirm child safety locks are present on the rear doors) and then submit the information to Ford?s mobile app or website. A dealership inspection option was also available. Any vehicle found to have unreplaced defective latches requires the replacement of all door latches as directed by Ford.Regarding the 4,494 reports cited above, 1,485 involve scope-related failures (with 13% alleging door opening), and the remaining 3,009 reports involving remedy concerns (with 18% alleging door opening - note ODI was unable to verify the allegations of door opening). The three ODI injuries were all relatively minor. Ford?s reported injury incidences include one (unconfirmed) report of an ejection, three minor injuries with the others involving undisclosed injuries. Ford?s crashes involved two (unconfirmed) crashes alleging the incident door contacted another vehicle and three involving doors striking other property.The recalled vehicles include MY 2011-2015 Ford Fiesta, 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015 Ford Mustang and Lincoln MKC, 2013-2015 Ford Escape and Ford C-MAX, 2012-2015 Ford Focus and 2014-2016 Ford Transit Connect.Ford's actions address ODI's concerns at this time. ODI will take further action if warranted by new information. The reference (OD

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 12.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 4 33%
POWER TRAIN 2 17%
SEAT BELTS 2 17%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2 17%
BACK OVER PREVENTION 1 8%
ENGINE 1 8%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 1 8%
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 1 8%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 1 8%
STRUCTURE 1 8%
WHEELS 1 8%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2017 at 2.

2015 2017 2026
2015 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

SEAT BELTS

2 injured · crash · towed · 15,000 miles

I HAD A FRONT END COLLISION. MY HEAD WENT THROUGH 3 AIR BAGS AT THE CORNERS. THE SEAT BELT STOPPED ME AND FOR WHATEVER REASON, THE RIGHT LOWER BUCKLE DAMAGED MY HIP JOINT TO THE POINT WHERE I CAN NO LONGER WALK BECAUSE OF PAIN WHEN APPLYING DOWNWARD AND SOMETIMES UPWARD MOVEMENT. THIS WAS ALL BECAUSE OF 1 ACCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint 11119286. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEAT BELTS

1 injured · crash · 15,000 miles

I WAS IN ABOUT A 25MPH FRONTAL COLLISION. I WENT THROUGH 3 AIR BAGS WHICH LEFT ONLY THE SEAT BELTS TO STOP ME. THE UPPER LEFT (DRIVER'S SIDE) OF THE BELT SNAPPED OFF BONE FROM MY CERVICALSPINE AND ALSO NARROWED A PLACE WHERE A MAJOR LEFT SIDE NERVE COMES OUT, LEAVING ME NEARLY PARALIED ON MY LEFT SIDE. ALL I HAVE IS A COPY OF AN MRI TAKEN IN A HOSPITAL.

NHTSA complaint 11119284. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

towed · 30,600 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. THE WRENCH ICON AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ISLAND LINCOLN MERCURY (1850 EAST MERRITT ISLAND CAUSEWAY, MERRITT ISLAND, FL, 32952, (321) 233-2636) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE AND POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE FAILED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL, THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE, AND ACCELERATOR PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE

NHTSA complaint 11193419, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Received Safety Recall Notice NHTSA 25V695 in October 2025. Lincoln has not been diligent in providing a timely remedy for replacing the rear view camera in my vehicle. Rear view cameras are not an item that should take 10 months to replace with a new component. NHTSA shouldn't allow car manufacturers to issue Safety related recalls that are not rectified with 120 days. An excuse of "parts are not available" is not acceptable when Lincoln is building new cars with this new rear view camera every day.

NHTSA complaint 11747826. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed black and white lines, and occasionally camera image was inverted or distorted. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint 11746452. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

187,445 miles

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's rear window power switch was enabled to lower window; however, the driver's side rear door opened instead. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times. The contact was concerned because there were small children seated in the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 187,445.

NHTSA complaint 11621724. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact's wife owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V011000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified about the recall and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. VIN tool showed no open recall on the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint 11455668. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
ALUMINUM HOOD AND WHEELS ARE CORRODING AND MILEAGE IS BEYOND ORIGINAL FACTORY WARRANTY AND NOT COVERED UNDER THE CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED WARRANTY. ON THE HOOD THERE ARE SEVERAL SPOTS WHERE THE PAINT IS BUBBLING. THIS IS A WELL-DOCUMENT ISSUE WITH FORD PRODUCTS SINCE THEY STARTED PUTTING ALUMINUM PARTS ON THEIR VEHICLES. ON THE WHEELS, CORROSION IS APPEARING UNDER THE TOP COAT. THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 66,000 MILES ON IT. THESE MANY NOT BE SAFETY ISSUES, BUT IT IS A BIG PROBLEM THAT FORD/LINCOLN SHOULD BE HELPING THEIR CUSTOMERS WITH.

NHTSA complaint 11384563. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2017 17 0
2014 26 0
2013 12 0
2012 59 0
2011 40 0

Other 2015 Lincoln models

Every Lincoln on this site — 84 vehicles, 269 recall campaigns and 2 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst