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Lincoln MKZModel year report

2015 Lincoln MKZ Problems

Compared with other Lincoln MKZ years

Typical for this model

43/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2018

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
84filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
59,000miles, 47 complaints with mileage
Recalls
10campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
5 / 5stars overall, 3 rated versions
EPA fuel economy
26 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 33 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2015 Lincoln MKZ (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this 2015 Lincoln MKZ most often report a distorted or blank rearview camera image tied to an open recall, a brake pedal that sinks to the floor because of a leaking brake hose, and sudden loss of power steering assist. A smaller number describe repeated 12-volt battery drain with no-start symptoms and an intermittent fault that disables the airbag light, air conditioning, windows and radio at the same time. These issues appear across a wide mileage range, with camera and brake problems more common on higher-mileage cars.

  1. Back-over prevention (rear camera)

    Rearview camera distorted, blank, or inoperative

    • 12 complaints (14%)
    • median 84,500 mi at 11.0 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2023–2026

    Owners describe the rearview camera image as distorted, foggy, intermittently blank, or showing a camera unavailable message when reversing. Most contacted the dealer after receiving a recall notice but were told parts were not yet available, so the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Reported across a wide mileage range, roughly 59,000 to 134,000 miles, and generally tied to the open recall rather than new wear.

    Recall 25V695000

    What to check: Check whether the VIN is included in recall 25V695000 and whether the camera repair has been completed; if not, ask the dealer about parts availability.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While in reverse of my vehicle, the back-up camera display either goes completely black, displays an error message or glitches turning itself on/off at random. Referencing recall “25v695“ this recall has been on notice with no follow up since I received the notification letter on October 2025. This is a very high safety risk when in reverse potentially causing a crash with other vehicles, striking nearby objects or worse.”

    NHTSA complaint #11755618, filed 2026-08

    “The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera intermittently displayed a distorted image and the message Camera Unavailable - Please Contact the Dealer was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11758219, filed 2026-08, 59,000 miles
  2. Brakes

    Brake fluid leak and brake pedal sinking to the floor

    • 13 complaints (15%)
    • median 84,600 mi at 8.3 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2018–2023

    Owners describe the brake pedal going soft or sinking to the floorboard, sometimes with a brake fluid warning light or fluid visible under the car. Several complaints link the symptom to a ruptured front brake hose, and some were told the hose had to be replaced. Others mention the brake light staying on and the pedal not returning to normal. Mostly reported between roughly 66,000 and 117,000 miles, with some at lower mileage; several owners had already received a recall notice before the failure.

    Recall 23V162000Recall 22V0110003 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether recalls 23V162000 and 22V011000 have been completed, have the front brake hoses inspected for cracks or fluid residue, and check the brake pedal feel and fluid level before purchase.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I just had my state inspection in jan. On 3.28.20, I got into the car, started it. I placed the car in reverse, pushed on the brake pedal as I park on a slight incline. I felt a resistance and the pedal went to the floor. The vehicle did stop. Unsure of what happened, I put it in park and I applied the emergency brake. As I was partially in traffic put it in drive to go forward and used the emergency brake again, put it in park. Tried brake pedal again, it pumped to nor malfunctioned position. Thinking it was a system glitch, I tried again. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11319596, filed 2020-03, 66,500 miles

    “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. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11544803, filed 2023-09
  3. Steering

    Loss of power steering assist

    • 6 complaints (7%)
    • median 72,200 mi at 7.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2018–2026

    Owners describe the steering becoming very hard to turn or locking up while driving, often accompanied by a power steering warning message and several dash lights. Some had the steering assist module or rack replaced; others were told their VIN was not included in the existing steering recall even though the symptoms matched. Typically reported between roughly 29,000 and 115,000 miles, with several failures occurring at highway speed or during low-speed turns.

    Recall 19V632000Recall 15V250000Recall 18V167000

    What to check: Confirm whether the steering assist recalls (19V632000 and 15V250000) and the steering wheel bolt recall (18V167000) were performed, and ask whether the steering assist module has ever been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Driving at highway speed in the middle lane during heavy rain. Suddenly the steering became almost rigid. Fortunately we were able to get to the side of the road without incident. The car had recently been recalled and repaired regarding the bolts on the power steering assist module. Obviously there remains an inherent design flaw in the steering assist function, disabling steering capability that could have proven fatal. The steering module has been replaced but we have lost confidence in the vehicle.”

    NHTSA complaint #11306498, filed 2020-02, 56,000 miles

    “On june 20th 2018 while turning onto a city street at about 15 miles per hour the power steering suddenly failed locking the steering wheel. It took tremendous effort to turn the steering wheel to control the car. Because of the slow speed I was able to stop the car just before going off the road. At the same time several lights on the dash board lit up or were flashing. Once I stopped the car I turned the engine off. I waited a few minutes and restarted the car. When I started the car the steering worked fine and no lights were illuminated. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11144603, filed 2018-11, 28,967 miles
  4. Electrical system

    Repeated battery drain and no-start

    • 6 complaints (7%)
    • median 48,989 mi at 4.1 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2016–2025

    Owners describe the vehicle failing to start and needing a jump, followed by rough running, with the battery replaced several times in a short period. Some dealers attributed the drain to a module or electrical issue and repaired it, while others told owners the battery itself was at fault; a few said the problem was common. Reported from roughly 21,000 to 65,000 miles, often within the first few years of ownership and more noticeable after the car sits unused.

    4 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask how many times the battery has been replaced and whether any module or software update for battery drain was applied; check the battery age and consider a parasitic draw test.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “In 20k miles entire car stopped working after in garage over weekend and no lights were on, no issue was found initially but battery was changed once in a new car in less than 2 years. Can can shut off in the middle of driving?”

    NHTSA complaint #10894843, filed 2016-08, 20,978 miles

    “In under 4 years/50k miles battery has been changed 4 times. Every time the cause is a bad battery and not a draw. There is an underlying issue with the MKZ electrical architecture. Dealer says this is a common problem.”

    NHTSA complaint #11153611, filed 2018-11, 48,989 miles
  5. Electrical system

    Intermittent electrical fault: airbag light, A/C, windows

    Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints

    Owners describe the airbag warning light coming on at the same time the air conditioning stops, the passenger windows and radio quit, and the power driver seat moves on its own. The events occur both while driving and while stationary, and owners report repeated dealer visits without a lasting fix. Reported from near-new to roughly 20,000 miles, with the same fault recurring multiple times over several years.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the airbag warning light has ever come on and whether any wiring harness or module repairs were done; scan for stored body and airbag codes during a pre-purchase inspection.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “While car is in motion the airbag warning light suddenly goes on at the same time the air conditioning goes off and will not go back on. Simultaneously the radio and power window and power seats and power mirror stop working. To date this has happen approximately eight times.”

    NHTSA complaint #11021291, filed 2017-09, 20,000 miles

    “4 times since car was brand new I have had to contact dealer and corporate Lincoln about the same very dangerous reoccurring problem. They continue to not be able to fix. The problem happening,and again today is that the airbag warning light goes on and the air conditioning stops working and the power windows won't open on passenger side and the radio won't go on and power drivers seat move back and forth on its own while driving!!!! Problems happen both while driving and in stationary position. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11020631, filed 2017-08, 4,000 miles

Buying note. Ask for proof that the camera and brake hose recalls were completed, check the brake pedal feel and front hoses, and confirm the steering assist module's history. A battery drain test and a scan for stored electrical codes are worth doing before purchase.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 84 consumer complaints for the 2015 Lincoln MKZ. 47 of the complaints include a mileage, and 47% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 59,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns and 139 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 10 Lincoln MKZ model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 43 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Suspension (4), Transmission and drivetrain (4), Fuel system (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Exterior lighting (2), Forward collision avoidance (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Wheels (2), Seats (1).

Example complaints

Brakes: “This car becomes uncontrollable on a snow road. It can't make a turn when you need it. It goes very unstable on a straight road. I wasn't able to stop on a red light , and I wasn't able to make a left turn, twice on one 12 miles trip. First I drove with little speed no more than 25 miles an hour, after, on second intersection I stayed on a red light and started my turning from 0 speed.”

NHTSA complaint #11067142, filed 2018-02, 36,000 miles

Electrical system: “It started months ago with a strange humming noise coming from the back of the car on the right side ,where the gas tank is. It would come and go very couple of weeks. My mechanic checked it out and found nothing. One day, with the humming sound very loud , the car lost power while driving, almost crashed. Had it towed back to the mechanic ,who I trust and again could find nothing. I called a Lincoln dealer and they knew nothing of a gas pump recall. My mechanic looked up on edmonds and noticed their was a recall on fuel pumps for the mkc but my car missed the inclusion date by a month. …”

NHTSA complaint #11154455, filed 2018-11, 65,000 miles

Back-over prevention (rear camera): “The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a black screen. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable to repair the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.”

NHTSA complaint #11768009, filed 2026-09, 62,000 miles

Steering: “My vehicle experienced a sudden Electric Power Steering (EPS) failure resulting in loss of steering assist. The dealer confirmed the EPS rack failed and stated this issue has occurred on other Ford vehicles. My VIN is not included in the existing EPS recall, but the symptoms and failure match the recalled vehicles exactly. The repair cost is approximately $5,400. This is a safety‑critical failure that occurred without warning and created a hazardous driving situation. I am requesting NHTSA review this issue for potential recall expansion. …”

NHTSA complaint #11735164, filed 2026-05

Mileage when problems were reported

47% of the 47 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 28,000 and 88,400 miles.

11%0–1013%10–2523%25–5023%50–7511%75–10017%100–1502%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (47 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 59,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

20162018202020222024202617
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2015 Lincoln MKZ. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
MKZ · sedan AWD★★★★★5 / 4454 · 10.9% risk
MKZ · sedan FWD★★★★★5 / 4454 · 10.9% risk
MKZ HEV · sedan FWD★★★★★5 / 4454 · 10.9% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2015 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.

Neighbouring years: 2014: same overall rating; 2016: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2015 Lincoln MKZ version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
MKZ AWD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed automatic223125$2,700
MKZ AWD3.7L 6-cyl6-speed automatic182521$3,200
MKZ FWD2.0L 4-cyl6-speed automatic223326$2,600
MKZ FWD3.7L 6-cyl6-speed automatic182721$3,200

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

See all 10 recalls for the 2015 Lincoln MKZ → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 139 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 139 bulletins →

Other model years of the Lincoln MKZ

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20192158,1381524—Rising
20183633,00025240 · FewerRising
201714174,000452446 · TypicalRising
20166456,500652639 · TypicalRising
20158459,0001052643 · TypicalStable
20149760,5001352651 · TypicalStable
201310944,5001252660 · TypicalStable
201214653,750542150 · TypicalFalling
201114568,500542153 · TypicalFalling
201017072,6167—2175 · MoreFalling
200911468,0006—2153 · TypicalFalling
200828180,4004—2250 · TypicalFalling
200725977,4564—20Not compared (before 2008)Falling

All Lincoln MKZ model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Lincoln MKZ?

Owners of this 2015 Lincoln MKZ most often report a distorted or blank rearview camera image tied to an open recall, a brake pedal that sinks to the floor because of a leaking brake hose, and sudden loss of power steering assist. The issues reported most often: Rearview camera distorted, blank, or inoperative; Brake fluid leak and brake pedal sinking to the floor; Loss of power steering assist.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2015 Lincoln MKZ have?

NHTSA recorded 84 consumer complaints for the 2015 Lincoln MKZ as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2015 Lincoln MKZ is reported most often?

Brakes is named most often, in 16 complaints (19% of the total), followed by electrical system with 16.

Has the 2015 Lincoln MKZ been recalled?

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2015 Lincoln MKZ do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2015 Lincoln MKZ 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 3 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2015 Lincoln MKZ get?

The EPA rates the 2015 Lincoln MKZ (MKZ FWD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 22 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2015 Lincoln MKZ reported?

Among the 47 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 59,000 miles and the middle half falls between 28,000 and 88,400 miles; 47% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.