Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 3% | 21,000 miles |
| 2017 | 16 | 11% | 80,000 miles |
| 2016 | 14 | 22% | 68,000 miles |
| 2015 | 16 | 19% | 99,000 miles |
| 2014 | 9 | 9% | 44,000 miles |
| 2013 | 8 | 7% | 134,000 miles |
| 2012 | 20 | 14% | 60,000 miles |
| 2011 | 20 | 14% | 99,000 miles |
| 2010 | 39 | 23% | 104,000 miles |
| 2009 | 25 | 22% | 88,000 miles |
| 2008 | 73 | 26% | 100,000 miles |
| 2007 | 42 | 16% | 85,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 30-40 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond immediately. The contact stated that the vehicle responded when the brake pedal was depressed down to the floorboard. The contact stated that as she continued driving, the message "Brake Fluid" was displayed. The contact drove to the residence, where she noticed that brake fluid was leaking onto the ground. The contact later became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and a second dealer Ford of Latham (637 Columbia St Ext, Latham, NY 12110) were contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. …
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. The contact stated the braking distance was extended due to the failure. The contact stated that no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who stated that the failure was caused by the front driver's side brake rubber hydraulic line that needed to be replaced due to damage. The contact stated that the vehicle was currently at the dealer for the repair. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V469000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, another vehicle intercepted his lane from the left, and when depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle independently shifted to the right causing the vehicle to hit a curb and damaging the front passenger side tire. No air bags deployed. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
Sunday, Sept 11, 2022, 2:55 pm. Was stopped at light at 16/Mound in Warren, MI. My car lurched forward while I had my foot firmly on Brake, the brakes had failed, but no warning lamps were activated till after the crash. I bumped the vehicle in front of me, an older model Jeep. No one was injured. My hood was pushed in, front bumper and lighted were damaged. Little damage to back bumper of Jeep. Warren Police came and issued an Incident Report. I DID NOT receive a traffic ticket Insurance damage to my car was $7,000 I had received a Notice from Lincoln(attached) in early Sept, 2022 (Customer Satisfaction Program 22N02) warning that "brake fluid may leak from one or both front brake flexible hoses." I had noticed some drops of either oil or brake fluid and was going to schedule an appointment with Lincoln, but the crash happened. …
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 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.
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.
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.
Related recalls (3)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 Mustang vehicles originally sold or ever registered, in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Hawaii.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake pedal bumpers and clutch pedal bumpers, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on March 4, 2022.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ vehicles. The valves within the ABS Hydraulic Control Units (HCU) may react with brake fluids containing specific corrosion preventative additives. This reaction may cause the valves to not close properly.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will flush the brake system with DOT 4 fluid and install a new brake fluid reservoir cap.
NHTSA investigations
Extended Braking Distance
On April 18, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) 18-002 to investigate reports of braking concerns in model year (MY) 2006-12 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, and MY 2006-11 Mercury Milan vehicles manufactured with Continental Automotive System?s ABS hydraulic control units (HCUs).
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lincoln MKZ years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (73), 2007 (42), 2010 (39), 2009 (25) and 2011 (20) model years. Brake complaints make up 26% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Lincoln MKZ brake problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 23V-162 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Mar 10, 2023); 22V-011 (pedals and linkages, Jan 13, 2022); 19V-904 (control unit/module, Dec 18, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Lincoln MKZ brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (3 mentions), followed by the foundation components › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (3).
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.