Most common 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems
Share of the 13 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lincoln MKZ Hybrid complaints by model year
Best MKZ Hybrid years: 2016, 2015, 2013. Years to avoid: 2012, 2011, 2014. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 5 possible defects involving the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid:
Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures
On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 50 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging front brake jounce hose ruptures on model year (MY) 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A ruptured front brake hose results in a brake fluid leak.
Door Latch Failures
In December 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 235 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging doors failed to latch when closed, and/or inadvertently opened while driving, on model year (MY) 2012-2014 Ford Fiesta, and 2013-2014 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
Door Latch Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation based on consumer allegations of doors failing to latch and/or inadvertently opening on model year (MY) 2011-2013 Ford Fiesta, MY 2013 Ford Fusion and MY 2013 Lincoln MKZ vehicles.
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid owners say
Steering
Power steering assist control module causing vehicle to lose steering ability while in motion; producing high risk of accident. While turning vehicle steering gave out almost causing a accident luckily no other car was oncoming. Faulty design recalls on most Lincoln that year for same problem. The 2013 MKZ Hybrid needs to be added to the recall. This should be a high priority before there is a fatality. Feel free to call me [redacted] or email at [redacted]. I'm am very concern and would like update on this issue. Thank you. [redacted]
I purchased a used 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid on nov 28 2016. On dec 1 2016 I was driving on I 20 in birmingham al and the vehicle stalled on the freeway after I had engaged in a panic stop and veered the vehicle to the right. My vehicle froze in a position with the left rear of the vehicle in the traffic lane and the right front of the vehicle on the emergency lane. The vehicle was blocking traffic. It locked up in such a way that I could not get it unlocked. There were several error messages displaying to the effect of active headlamps fault transmission fault several others that I cannot recall. The vehicle was disabled in such a way that I could not do anything to get relief. With the vehicle blocking a lane of traffic I could not get it out of the way. Several volunteers came to my aid and offered to push it off the road but I could not put the vehicle in neutral. …
2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 38 / 37 / 38 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid a good car?
Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 MKZ Hybrid rates average: 38% fewer complaints than a typical year of the MKZ Hybrid at the same age. It is one of the best MKZ Hybrid years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?
The steering — 3 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the locks & latches (2) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2015 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012, 2011 and 2014. See the full Lincoln MKZ Hybrid years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 50,000 miles; 44% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.