Research · Midsize Cars
2013 Lincoln MKZ HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 116 owner complaints for the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. Most complaints involve steering (18) and electrical system (17). The EPA rates it 38 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
38mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
116
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$1,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
116 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2013 – Oct 2026
- Steering18
- Electrical system17
- Power train16
- Structure14
- Seat belts13
- Engine11
- Latches/locks/linkages10
- Wheels8
- Fuel/propulsion system6
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Steering
18 reports
“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 failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 63,800.”
Electrical system
17 reports
“All dashboard warning lights come on simultaneously, randomly/without warning. This also affected the cruise control activation along with the vehicle lane change warning sensors becoming non-operational.”
Power train
16 reports1 crash
“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 PURCHASED THIS CAR USED 3 MONTHS AGO.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKZ Hybrid FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 37 | 38 | $1,600 | 242 |
- 38mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Lincoln MKZ HEV 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 4 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 7480
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2013 MKZ Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.
What are the most common 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 116 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (18), electrical system (17), power train (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid at 38 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026