2007-2020 Lincoln MKZ Problems: 10 Known Issues

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 first under NHTSA campaign 15V250000 (Ford 15S14, 2013-2015 MKZ) and again under 19V632000 (Ford 19S26, 2013-2016 MKZ) for vehicles in northern salt-belt states. Earlier 2011-2012 models had a separate steering-motor-sensor loss-of-assist concern.

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.

On 2013-2016 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 (15S16, 20S15 and 20S30) covering Fiesta, Fusion, and MKZ. Owners often notice early warning signs before failure.

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.

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.

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.

First-generation MKZ models (2007-2010) 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.

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. Left unchecked, the oil contamination can lead to engine bearing failure.

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.

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.