Research · Midsize Cars

2014 Lincoln MKZ HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 115 owner complaints for the 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. Most complaints involve steering (22) and electrical system (18). 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
115
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$1,650est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

115 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2014 – Oct 2026
  1. Steering22
  2. Electrical system18
  3. Service brakes, hydraulic12
  4. Engine10
  5. Power train10
  6. Fuel/propulsion system9
  7. Service brakes9
  8. Structure8
  9. Wheels8

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each MKZ Hybrid model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2011183
2012204
2013116
2014115
201577
201656
2017115
20182
201911
20201
Crashes reported
12
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
7
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Steering

22 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 10, 2025Steering, Electrical system, Lane departureODI 11635313

Electrical system

18 reports
“My 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has experienced significant water intrusion and intermittent electrical malfunctions. During heavy rain, water saturated the passenger-side floor areas, including the rear passenger floor. The source of the water intrusion has not been identified despite professional inspection and water testing. After the water-intrusion events, the vehicle experienced intermittent electrical problems including the passenger-side window not operating, HVAC/air-conditioning controls becoming inoperative, radio/front controls not responding, and at times multiple electrical functions becoming inoperative together. I also observed that moving the passenger seat sometimes appeared to coincide with the affected functions beginning to work again. I do not know whether the seat movement is causally related. An independent automotive electrical facility performed a diagnostic scan. Multiple communication-related DTCs were recorded across vehicle systems. Several were identified as current faults, including lost communication or invalid-data faults involving the Front Controls Interface Module, Door Control Module B, Gateway A and HVAC Control Module. Other…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026Electrical system, Structure, Unknown or otherODI 11769491

Service brakes, hydraulic

12 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 4, 2024Steering, Service brakes, hydraulicODI 11623428
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
04 —Key specs

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 11, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
MKZ Hybrid FWD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
383738$1,650242
  • MKZ Hybrid FWD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    38 city · 37 hwy · $1,650/yr
    38
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Lincoln 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 11, 2026Vehicle 8276
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2014 MKZ Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.

What are the most common 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 115 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (22), electrical system (18), service brakes, hydraulic (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid get?

The EPA rates the 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid at 38 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026