Problems · NHTSA complaints

2014 Lincoln MKZ problems

Owners filed 98 complaints about the 2014 Lincoln MKZ with NHTSA between Feb 2014 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is steering (26).

Complaints
98
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
7
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Steering26
  2. Electrical system17
  3. Engine10
  4. Power train9
  5. Fuel/propulsion system8
  6. Structure6
  7. Back over prevention5
  8. Wheels5
  9. Service brakes5
  10. Latches/locks/linkages4
  11. Air bags3
  12. Vehicle speed control3
  13. Service brakes, hydraulic3
  14. Seats3

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 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20148
20156
20162
20172
201813
201913
202012
20214
20229
202312
20244
20257
20266

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Steering

26 reports1 crash3 related recalls
“The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH in reverse, the steering wheel seized due to a loss of electric power steering assist. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where diagnostic testing determined that the steering rack and pinion assembly failed and required replacement. The dealer was contacted by the independent mechanic and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an active recall. The vehicle was repaired by the independent mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under a steering recall approximately two years prior at 198,000 miles. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under an open recall. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 4, 2026SteeringODI 11775593

Electrical system

17 reports
“The transmission is slipping my car is only has 53,000 miles on it, the radio doesn’t work I had to pay over $1000 to fix the trunk latch and my brakes are fine but not working properly”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 14, 2026Suspension, Electrical system, Vehicle speed controlODI 11717970

Engine

10 reports2 crashes
“I push my start button and it makes the starting nose and after a few minutes it starts and when I go to move it stalls out and then won't start again or starts and stalls again. But the next day drives fine. And it has been happening now for months even after we fixed the high rich codes it was giving out but now there's no codes appearing.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 15, 2023Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11538780

Power train

9 reports2 crashes1 related recall
“Unknown. I purchased the car like this from a car dealership. When turning the tires are rubbing against something that makes the car start shaking every time it turns. The seat started going sideways and won’t move anymore The tires make an ugly noise when you press on the brakes”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 18, 2022Power train, Wheels, SeatsODI 11485116

Fuel/propulsion system

8 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated while reversing out of his parking lot, the vehicle stalled and the contact felt the vehicle lose power and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact had to restart the vehicle several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they stated that the PCN had a failure and the PCN was replaced but the failure continued, the vehicle was taken to another dealer and the fuel pump was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and they stated the PCN had failed but, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and they stated that there was no recall under his VIN and advised him to contact the NHTSA Hotline and file a complaint. The failure mileage was 89,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 11, 2022Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11488797

Structure

6 reports
“THE LINCOLN MOTOR CO PO BOX 1904 DEARBORN, MI 48121-1904 RE: 2014 MKZ (VIN) [XXX] NHTSA RECALL 20S15/20V-177 TO WHOM IT CONCERN: I HAVE WRITTEN TO YOU ON 8/15/2020 CONCERNING THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE UNTIL END OF YEAR. GOT A 2ND NOTICE AND YOUR CONCIERGE STATING THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY CAR IT'S A MISTAKE. [XXX] BY HER STATEMENT SHOWS VERY CLEARLY THAT YOUR CONCIERGE DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING. ALSO SHOWS THE PUBLIC THAT YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO PURCHASE YOUR FAULTY EQUIPMENT. THE SAFETY OR YOUR CUSTOMERS DON'T MATER OTHER THAN GIVE A GOOD NAME TO YOUR CONCIERGE THAT DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT. FORD MOTOR COMPANY (FORD) IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2014-2015 FIESTA, 2014-2016 FUSION AND LINCOLN MKZ VEHICLES SOLD, OR EVER REGISTERED IN ALABAMA, ARKANSAS, ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEW MEXICO, NEVADA, OKLAHOMA, OREGON, SOUTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, UTAH, WASHINGTON, PUERTO RICO, AMERICAN SAMOA, GUAM, THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS (SAIPAN), AND THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS. 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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 8, 2020Structure, Unknown or otherODI 11363402
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026

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