Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 13, 2026 · 180 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 180 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls on file for the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, across 10 model years (2011–2020). The 2012 model year has the most complaints (59). The most reported problem area overall is steering.

Peak: 2012, with 59 complaints
2011: 402011402012: 592012592013: 122013122014: 282014282015: 122015122016: 7201672017: 172017172018: 2201822019: 2201922020: 120201

n = 180 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical MKZ Hybrid year: 2011, 2012, 2014. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2012 MKZ Hybrid: 59 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 2011 MKZ Hybrid: 40 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2014 MKZ Hybrid: 28 complaints, 0 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2020 MKZ Hybrid: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
  2. 2018 MKZ Hybrid: 2 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2019 MKZ Hybrid: 2 complaints, 0 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Steering4051
Air Bags3630
Electrical System1970
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1960
Structure1270
Engine1140
Power Train1150
Service Brakes1154
Wheels951
Latches/locks/linkages750
Seat Belts742
Fuel/propulsion System531
Vehicle Speed Control532
Electronic Stability Control (esc)420
Seats440
Back Over Prevention320
Engine and Engine Cooling320
Exterior Lighting220
Forward Collision Avoidance220
Fuel System, Gasoline210
Suspension210
Equipment Adaptive/mobility110
Service Brakes, Air110
Tires110

All Lincoln MKZ Hybrid model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2020 MKZ Hybrid10—Electrical System
2019 MKZ Hybrid20—Seats
2018 MKZ Hybrid20—Service Brakes
2017 MKZ Hybrid170—Power TrainMore complaints than other years
2016 MKZ Hybrid70—Back Over Prevention
2015 MKZ Hybrid120—Electrical SystemAbout as many complaints as other years
2014 MKZ Hybrid280—Service Brakes, HydraulicFar more complaints than other years
2013 MKZ Hybrid120—SteeringAbout as many complaints as other years
2012 MKZ Hybrid590—SteeringFar more complaints than other years
2011 MKZ Hybrid400—Air BagsFar more complaints than other years

More from Lincoln: all Lincoln models · Lincoln VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Lincoln MKZ Hybrid years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2011 (40), 2012 (59), 2014 (28) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical MKZ Hybrid year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?

Steering, with 40 complaints across 5 model years.

How many recalls does the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have?

0 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.