Home · 2014 Lincoln Mkz Hev · Complaints

What 113 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Lincoln Mkz Hev

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (113)Crash / fire / injury (12)Steering (22)Brakes (21)Electrical system (17)Fuel system (13)Engine (10)Transmission & drivetrain (10)Wheels (8)Body & structure (7)Latches & locks (6)Backup camera & sensors (4)

21 of 113 complaints match · Brakes · clear filters

Nov 4, 2024SteeringBrakes

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.

NHTSA ODI 11623428

Jul 14, 2023Brakes

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH and making a lane change, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact pumped the brake pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic between neutral(N) and drive(D) because the brakes failed to work as designed. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the brake lines needed to be replaced and that the brake fluid reservoir needed to be refilled. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact stated that she had recently received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and related the failure to the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11532359

Jul 11, 2023Brakes

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and pressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal extended to the floor causing the stopping distance to be extended, almost causing the vehicle to crash into the rear of another vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that brake fluid had leak from the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11531541

May 31, 2023Brakes

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving downhill at 10 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to slow or come to a complete stop. The contact stated she was able to pull over onto a grassy area, avoiding a collision, and the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the brake failure was caused by a leak in the brake hose related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). In addition, the dealer advised the contact that the tie rod, sway bar, control arm, and wheel bearing needed to be repaired before the brakes could be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired, pending an inspection by the manufacturer. A case was opened. The failure mileage was 123,000.

NHTSA ODI 11524723

May 25, 2023Brakes

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that he was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed the failure as a ruptured front driver’s side brake hose. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that 2-months later while driving 70 MPH, the brake warning light illuminated again, and the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard again. The vehicle was driven to a Firestone repair center and diagnosed with a ruptured front passenger’s side brake hose. The brake hose was replaced. The contact stated that he received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) in April of 2023. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified due to the recall notification stating that the remedy parts were not available. The contact stated that the letter stated parts would be available in the third quarter of 2023. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair since the vehicle had already experienced the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11523788

May 24, 2023Brakes

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11523710

May 22, 2023Brakes

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the braking distance was extended. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was expected September 2023. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11523179

May 17, 2023BrakesLatches & locks

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on two occasions and was diagnosed that the brake pads and brake fluid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired both times; however, the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door was failing to close as needed; the transmission not in park(P) message was illuminated when the gear shifter was shifted into park(P). The VIN was included in Campaign Number: 20V177000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages), 22V011000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the front brake hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11522538

May 15, 2023Brakes

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the braking system malfunctioned, and the brake pedal was depressed and extended to the floorboard, causing the vehicle to drive out into the intersection. Upon inspection, it was discovered that brake fluid had leaked from the vehicle and the brake fluid warning light was illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that parts for NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic) were not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.

NHTSA ODI 11521981

May 9, 2023Brakes

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 20 -30 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to respond and went down to the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's husband pumped the brake pedal until the brakes responded. The contact's husband was able to continue driving. The contact's husband purchased brake fluid and added to the reservoir however, the fluid started leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact later received recall notice of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11521177

Apr 18, 2023BrakesEngineCrash1 injury

The contact's friend owned a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while she was driving at approximately 43 MPH, a loud bang was heard coming from near the front passenger area, and then the tires and brakes seized, causing the vehicle to swerve and the contact then crashed into a guard rail. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that only the front passenger air bag had deployed. The contact stated that she required medical attention and had sustained a concussion. A police report was available. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was totaled. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

NHTSA ODI 11517657

Apr 6, 2023SteeringBrakesTransmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 MPH, the power steering failed. The contact stated that the ABS and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she stopped the vehicle and turn off and restarted several times and the vehicle regained normal functionality. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake pedal had become firm while driving at various speeds. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal to the floorboard and heard an abnormal snapping sound and the brake functionality returned. The contact stated that the ABS and traction control lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact noted that when she placed the vehicle into park(P) with the engine running, the shift indicator would jump out of park(P) into drive(D) or into reverse(R). The contact stated that the vehicle would move in the direction of the gear that was inadvertently stated. The contact stated that the failures were intermittent but recurred several times. The contact researched online and related the failures to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V250000 (Steering), 22V011000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and 13V594000 (Power Train). The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 161,280.

NHTSA ODI 11515869

Aug 14, 2022Brakes

Front left brake line split open and lost brake fluid. This was not caused by any damage from outside items ...there was a failure of the tubing right near the end crimp.

NHTSA ODI 11479187

Jul 8, 2022Brakes

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but went to the floorboard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 22V011000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics) for which the VIN was included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.

NHTSA ODI 11472893

Jun 15, 2021Brakes

On 7/5/2020, I experienced a sudden brake loss on my vehicle. To stop the vehicle I had push the brake pedal down to the floor board. On 7/6/2020 I had the vehicle towed to David McDavid dealership in Plano, TX to have the brake problem fixed and it was returned to me on 7/10/2020. On 6/14/2021 I had the same brake problem again and I called the same dealer and I just took in this date 6/15/2021. After reviewing the brake recalls involving other Ford/Lincoln models, I believe the 2014 MKZ should be included in the brake recall.

NHTSA ODI 11421026

Dec 16, 2020Brakes

I WAS HEADING TO WORK AND I DIDN'T SEE ANY ISSUE ON MY DASHBOARD THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I DROVE THE CAR THREE BLOCKS AND THE CAR STOPPED ALL OF SUDDEN WHILE I WAS IN DRIVING MODE. I CALL THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME TO TOW THE CAR TO THEM. THE DEALER CALLS ME THE NEXT DAY AND SAID YOUR BRAKE SYSTEM WIRES WERE CHEWED BY AN ANIMAL. I ASKED WHY MY BREKE ALERT DIDN'T SHOW UP ON THE DASHBOARD, THEY COULDN'T EXPLAIN AND KEEP ASKING ME TO PAY FOR IT. I TOLD THEM I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF I WAS GOING IN HIGH SPEED AND THE CAR BRAKE SYSTEM STOP ANY TIME. I FEEL LIKE THERE IS A FAULT THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. THIS IS REALLY NOT SAFE WHEN YOUR MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE CAR SYSTEM WIRES IS CHEWED BY AN ANIMAL AND I DON'T SEE ANY INDICATOR SHOWING ME ANY ISSUE RELATED TO IT. I NORMALLY SEE WHEN AN OIL CHANGE IS A NEED, LOW TIRE AIR, THE DOOR IS OPEN, ALL THOSE SIGNS SHOW ON THE DASHBOARD, BUT THE BRAKE SYSTEM DIDN'T WARN ME THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG. I HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WITH LINCOLN WITH BRAKES AND ELECTRIC ISSUES. THEY DENIED THAT THEY DON'T COVER SUCH ISSUES. I DON'T EVEN FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR EVEN IF THEY FIX, BECAUSE THEY CAN'T PROVE HOW LONG THE WIRES WERE CHEWED AND WHY THE BRAKE INDICATOR DIDN'T SHOW UP. I HAVE REPORTED THIS CASE TO THE LINCOLN HEADQUARTERS, BUT NO HELP FROM THEM. THEY KEEP SAYING YOU HAVE TO WORK WITH YOUR LOCAL DEALERS. SEE ATTACHED PICTURES. IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE I WAS IN 50MILES ON THE HIGHWAY, I WOULD HAVE CAUSE HUGE DAMAGE. CONTACT ME ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS.

NHTSA ODI 11383682

Mar 1, 2019BrakesCrash1 injury

TRIED TO STOP AT INTERSECTION AND BRAKES DID NOT WORK. KEPT PUSHING DOWN ON BRAKE WITH BOTH FEET STILL COULD NOT STOP. I SLAMMED INTO BACK OF A TRUCK AT INTERSECTIONCAUSING BAD DAMAGE TO MY CAR. I WANT FORD LINCOLN MOTOR CO. TO PAYFOR DAMAGES AND REPAIR MY CAR. IT WAS NOT MY FAULT AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR CAR TO BE FIXED WHAT ABOUT LIABILITY INSURANCE? IT WILL ALSO RAISE MY INSURANCE NOW BECAUSE EVERYONE THINKS IT WAS MY FAULT. I WAS TOOK TO HOSPITAL AND DID NOT GET TO TELL MY SIDE OF WHAT HAPPENED. I WAS ON INTERSTATE COMING UP TO RED LIGHT. STARTED TRYING TO STOP BECAUSE LIGHT WAS RED I COULD NOT STOP NO MATTER WHAT I DID AND ENDED UP SLAMMING INTO BACK OF TRUCK PRACTICALLY DESTROYING MY CAR IN THE PROCESS. I WANT MY CAR FIXED.

NHTSA ODI 11183344

Feb 28, 2019BrakesCrash1 injury

BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK KEPT TRYING USING BOTH FEET AND WOULD NOT STOP CAR. ENDED UP HITTING TRUCK IN REAR CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO MY CAR. I DO NOT WANT MONEY I WANT MY DAMAGES TO BE PAID SO MYCAR WILL BE BACK LIKE IT WAS BEFORE. WHAT CAN I DO WHEN MY BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND TO ME FRANTICALLY TRYING TO STOP?I WAS GOING DOWN AN INTERSTATE COMING UP TO INTERSECTION TRUCK WAS IN FRONT AND I SLAMMED INTO THE REAR WITH THE FRONT OF MY MKZ.

NHTSA ODI 11183055

Feb 28, 2019BrakesCrash1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. WHILE APPROACHING A RED LIGHT, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH FULL FORCE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE AND WAS ALSO REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. CAVENAUGH FORD LINCOLN, LLC (2000 E HIGHLAND DR, JONESBORO, AR 72401) WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,000.

NHTSA ODI 11183243

Sep 13, 2018Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 LINCOLN MKZ. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL NEEDED TO BE PUMPED IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING UNDER THE VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO FOX FORD LINCOLN (2501 N ELSTON AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60647, (773) 687-7800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LINE WAS RUPTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11129392

Jan 9, 2015BrakesCrash

I WAS TRAVELING IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS TRAVELING AT ABOUT 10 MPH WHEN I WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND THE CAR WOULD NOT REACT I THEN APPLIED BOTH FEET STANDING ON THE PEDAL ANNOUNCING I WASN'T STOPPING AND NUDGED INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. IT LEFT ONLY MINOR DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE AND NONE TO THE ONE I HIT. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON AND THE BRAKES SEEMS TO WORK AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT MORNING AND THEY REVIEWED THE ISSUE FOR A FEW DAYS AND COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG AND SAID EVERYTHING TESTED FINE. I FRANKLY DO NOT TRUST THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND WILL NOW ONLY DRIVE IT MYSELF. I AM A RETIRED POLICE OFFICER AND FORMER EMPLOYEE OF NHTSA REGION 8 WITH 20 YEARS OF CRASH RECONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE AND I HAVE NEVER PERSONALLY HAD A BRAKE FAILURE SO IT IS CONCERNING. I WANTED TO SUBMIT THE REPORT FOR TRACKING PURPOSES IN CASE OTHERS ENCOUNTER THE PROBLEM OR THEIR IS A FUTURE PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10671234

Working with the data? Download all 113 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 21, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2014 Lincoln Mkz Hev verdict →