Home · 2015 Lincoln Mkz Hev · Complaints

What 76 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 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 (76)Crash / fire / injury (6)Electrical system (19)Brakes (16)Airbags (7)Body & structure (6)Engine (6)Seat belts (6)Transmission & drivetrain (6)Steering (4)Suspension (4)Fuel system (3)

Newest first · 76 complaints · page 1 of 4

Jul 1, 2026

Received Safety Recall Notice NHTSA 25V695 in October 2025. Lincoln has not been diligent in providing a timely remedy for replacing the rear view camera in my vehicle. Rear view cameras are not an item that should take 10 months to replace with a new component. NHTSA shouldn't allow car manufacturers to issue Safety related recalls that are not rectified with 120 days. An excuse of "parts are not available" is not acceptable when Lincoln is building new cars with this new rear view camera every day.

NHTSA ODI 11747826

Jun 25, 2026Backup camera & sensors

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); 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 made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera displayed black and white lines, and occasionally camera image was inverted or distorted. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11746452

Jul 7, 2025Visibility & wipers

Back up camera not working Glitch and black screen

NHTSA ODI 11671623

Jun 5, 2025

I noticed that Ford issued recalls for select 2015 vehicles in May for issues with the backup camera. I have a 2015 Lincoln MKZ that just started experiencing the same issues that were mentioned in the May 2025 Ford backup camera recall. My camera will work for the first few seconds while in reverse, then the screen will go black. It has happened all 4 times I have driven my car today and put it in reverse. I occasionally receive a message on my display screen to "contact my dealership." I have 3 children [XXX] , [XXX] and [XXX]) and it is extremely scary to back out of my driveway with the possibility that one of them could be back there and I would not be able to see them. I would be more than happy to provide my vehicle for inspection. I have not had time to take the vehicle into the dealership but I am hoping to do that within the next week. I did not receive any warning messages and no warning lights appeared. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11665153

Apr 14, 2025SuspensionTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

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.

NHTSA ODI 11654602

Mar 8, 2025Steering

Steering assist fault

NHTSA ODI 11647162

Oct 24, 2024Latches & locksElectrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's rear window power switch was enabled to lower window; however, the driver's side rear door opened instead. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times. The contact was concerned because there were small children seated in the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 187,445.

NHTSA ODI 11621724

Aug 21, 2024AirbagsElectrical system

In the middle of June 2024 (about [XXX]), my wife was driving her car, and pressed the horn button to warn a driver who had pulled out right in front of her. The horn failed to sound, and has not worked since then when pursuing the horn button. The horns themselves do sound when pressing the key fob to locate the car. Pressing the horn button has never worked since the time of this report, and several instances have occurred with other drivers needing to be forewarned of hazards. The problem has been verified by the husband, but not yet by the dealer, police or insurance representative. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11609996

Apr 9, 2024

Water is leaking in through my trunk due to a flaw manufacturing design

NHTSA ODI 11581847

Feb 27, 2024Brakes

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI 11574248

Jan 3, 2024Engine

The catalytic converters(2) failed and need replacement. My mechanic diagnosed the problem and agrees with the scan code that was reported, a P0430. The check engine light is constantly lit and cannot be turned off with this fault code, according to my mechanic erasing the code will just bring it back shortly, and I have witnessed this. I have a document from Ford Motor Co. that shows my car, Lincoln MKZ, the build date from 2013-2015(1/24/2015), the Assembly plant of Hermosillo, saying that the dealer should replace the cats at no charge to the customer. Yet the dealer and FoMoCo say my cars VIN is not in the range for this repair. Why?

NHTSA ODI 11563352

Oct 20, 2023Steering

The contact's husband owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, a message indicating power steering failure was displayed. The contact drove to the residence and parked and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated while restarting the vehicle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The Service Advancetrac warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence and informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V632000 (Steering). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,400.

NHTSA ODI 11551007

Oct 17, 2023BrakesBackup camera & sensors

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 notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

NHTSA ODI 11550349

Oct 11, 2023Brakes

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 - 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The brakes failed to stop the vehicle immediately. The vehicle coasted to the curb of the contact's mother's residence. At the mother's residence, an independent mechanic diagnosed that there was brake fluid underneath the vehicle, and the rear passenger's side brake hose was replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for the recall repair to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 99,200.

NHTSA ODI 11549458

Sep 15, 2023BrakesDriver assistance

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?

NHTSA ODI 11544803

Sep 12, 2023Brakes

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. 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 the “Service Brakes” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11544022

Jul 26, 2023SuspensionBody & structure

I have previously filed complaint on this vehicle with no satisfaction. I have a Lincoln 2015 MKZ. This vehicle has a low front end clearance which I believe to be a serious safety concern. The front bumper is only 7 1/2 inches off the ground. Most cars are at least 9 plus inches off the ground. This car can not traverse any type of graded driveway or access road. The front bumper constantly hits the ground which inevitably can and has caused damage to the vehicle. I.E. damage to wheels, radiator, lights, engine not to mention the bumper itself. I have contacted Lincoln and they are indifferent to my complaint. This should have been rectified years ago but was ignored by Lincoln. The company probably should have provided all owners of record of a Lincoln MKZ with a factory authorized lift kit which could have raised the bumper at least 1 1/2 inches. I have contacted Lincoln several times but they ignore my complaints. I believe there should be a recall to rectify this problem. This is certainly a potentially dangerous situation. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

NHTSA ODI 11534541

Jun 28, 2023Body & structure

I drove my 2015 Lincoln MKZ in to my driveway which is not steep grade and the front bumper hit the drive way and ripped the bumper. This car has very low front end. I called Lincoln up and complained about this low bumper problem. Lincoln customer service just blew me off. They acted like I was first person ever to complain. When I told them that You Tube Video has this problem listed they ignored me. This would not be a big deal if the bumper was 2 piece and all that had to be replaced was a bumper guard but the replacemrnt bumper covers the whole front end. Replacement bumper runs between $500 - $700. Labor to replace bumper runs from $500 - $1000 depending on shop. This is outrageous. Lincoln knew of this problem for years and did nothing to fix the problem. The least Lincoln should do is replace the bumper at no charge and provide me with discounted installation charge. What can I do? I covered the crack with tape so it would not spread but this looks terrible!

NHTSA ODI 11529283

Jun 20, 2023Latches & locks

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, the driver’s side door failed to close securely. The contact held the door closed while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The contact called the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact to follow the instructions from the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11527857

Apr 21, 2023BrakesFuel system

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contract stated that on several occasions, while the brake pedal was depressed, the brake pedal remained on the floorboard. The brake pedal was pumped while coming to a stop. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started jerking. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor detected. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ODI 11518345

Jan 14, 2023Brakes

brake line is leaking, brakes became almost completely unresponsive while driving and was nearly in a serious accident because of it

NHTSA ODI 11501820

Dec 5, 2022Speed controlCrash

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic signal with her foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated to approximately 10 MPH and crashed into the rear of the vehicle in front of her. The contact's vehicle crashed two times into the rear of the other vehicle. The contact said she was able to place the vehicle in park (P) and turned it off. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the front bumper had nearly detached, the front grill was fractured, and the headlights were not broken. The vehicle the contact crashed into had dents and scratches on the rear bumper, all rear lights were intact. The contact stated that both vehicles were drivable and drove away from the scene of the crash. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11496150

Oct 28, 2022Brakes

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The brake fluid light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA ODI 11491274

Oct 24, 2022Seat belts

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side seat belt failed to unlatch from the buckle. The contact stated that he cut the seat belt with a pair of scissors he had nearby to release his son. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the rear passenger’s side seat belt to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the parts were on back order. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11490657

Oct 17, 2022Electrical system

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that over the past year, she had replaced the battery on three separate occasions. The contact stated that on each occurrence, the vehicle failed to start up after multiple attempts and the vehicle had to be jumpstarted. The vehicle was started and driven to the dealer for the battery to be replaced. Recently, the contact was informed that the SSM rear gate trunk module may intermittently remain operational causing battery drainage. The dealer repaired the failure but could not guarantee that the repair would fix the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred her to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 29,236.

NHTSA ODI 11489594

Older →

Working with the data? Download all 76 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 2015 Lincoln Mkz Hev verdict →