Service brakes
Free remedy
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Research · Midsize Cars
2013 Lincoln MKZRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 13 safety recalls and 109 owner complaints for the 2013 Lincoln MKZ. Most complaints involve electrical system (17) and steering (16). The EPA rates it 21–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
21–26mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
13campaigns
Latest Mar 2023
Owner complaints
109
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,400est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
13 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Latches
Free remedy
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Exterior lighting: headlights
Free remedy
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Replacement Headlamps, part number DP5Z-13008-T and DP5Z-13008-V, sold for use with 2013-2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The headlamps may have an improper beam pattern and incorrect horizontal adjustment, the side markers may not illuminate and DOT markings may be missing. As such, these headlamps fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
109 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2013 – Sep 2026
- Electrical system17
- Steering16
- Power train15
- Seat belts12
- Structure12
- Engine10
- Latches/locks/linkages8
- Wheels7
- 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 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
17 reports
“Video camera in the back is almost unusable at times, get loss of vision completely or it's flipped image and distorted. Don't know if this counts but I had a issue where key batteries where fine and the car did not want to unlock or start. Also last winter the door would not unlock and if forced would not close.”
Steering
16 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.”
Power train
15 reports1 crash
“Vehicle: Lincoln MKZ 2013 Dealer: Auto Quest Inc. Description of the Safety Issue: I am submitting this report regarding a vehicle safety concern involving a 2013 Lincoln MKZ that I purchased from Auto Quest Inc. in Renton, Washington. Shortly after purchasing the vehicle, within the first few days of ownership, the vehicle began experiencing significant mechanical problems including transmission issues and persistent brake noise that required multiple repair attempts. These problems appeared almost immediately after the purchase, which raises concerns that the vehicle may have had pre-existing mechanical or safety-related defects that were not disclosed at the time of sale. Since purchasing the vehicle I have had to spend thousands of dollars on repairs in order to keep the vehicle operational. Despite these repairs, the brake system has continued to produce abnormal noise and the vehicle has experienced ongoing mechanical issues. These types of issues may represent potential safety risks to drivers and passengers if the braking system or transmission were to fail while the vehicle is in operation. I am reporting this issue so that the National Highway Traffic…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 3.7L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · All-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 10, 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 FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,400 | 343 |
| MKZ AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,500 | 358 |
| MKZ FWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,850 | 410 |
| MKZ AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.7 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,950 | 426 |
- 26mpg comb.
- 25mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD
- Frontal crash
- 5 of 5
- Side crash
- 4 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.9%
Overall
5 / 5
Lincoln MKZ 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%
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 questions
How many recalls does the 2013 Lincoln MKZ have?
13 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2013 Lincoln MKZ problems?
Owners filed 109 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (17), steering (16), power train (15). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2013 Lincoln MKZ get?
The EPA rates the 2013 Lincoln MKZ at 21–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
How safe is the 2013 Lincoln MKZ?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2013 Lincoln MKZ 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026