Research · Midsize Cars
2015 Lincoln MKZ HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 77 owner complaints for the 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. Most complaints involve electrical system (19) and service brakes (8). The EPA rates it 40 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
40mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
77
Top: electrical system
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 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
77 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2015 – Oct 2026
- Electrical system19
- Service brakes8
- Service brakes, hydraulic8
- Air bags7
- Power train6
- Engine6
- Structure6
- Seat belts6
- Suspension4
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 Oct 27, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
19 reports
“After reading about the numerous complaints about this vehicles transmission issues I have decided to come here. The PCM and TCM need to be changed in the vehicle. Causing rough shifts from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th which essentially will cause you to replace the transmission because of the damage it causes. Also constantly having drive control malfunction, check headlamp system messages popping up. There is also horrendous noise from the rear suspension any time you go over any type of anomaly in the road.”
Service brakes
8 reports1 crash
“I tried to start my car this morning. It would not start. There was a loud popping noise, the headlights started flashing and a red box popped up on the control panel with the words brake failure. It was fine yesterday. There is a recall on the brake hoses. I called the dealership I bought the car from, Oxmoor Ford, Louisville, Ky and they said they don’t service Lincoln products anymore and referred me to Bill Collins Ford. I called them this morning and they haven’t called me back. I do have AAA, so I can have the car towed to the dealership. I need my car, what do I do?”
Service brakes, hydraulic
8 reports
“The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 22V011000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear. Additionally, the contact stated that while shifted into reverse, the rear-view camera became distorted and failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it remained. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the front brake hose had ruptured. The contact was informed that the front brake hose, the brake pedal bumper, and clutch the pedal bumper needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was awaiting additional diagnostic tests. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 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 Oct 27, 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 | 41 | 39 | 40 | $1,600 | 227 |
- 40mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 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 Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 9284
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.
2015 MKZ Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 27, 2026.
What are the most common 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 77 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (19), service brakes (8), service brakes, hydraulic (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid at 40 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026