Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 14% | 0 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 6% | 45,000 miles |
| 2017 | 10 | 7% | 51,000 miles |
| 2016 | 11 | 17% | 60,000 miles |
| 2015 | 16 | 19% | 29,000 miles |
| 2014 | 17 | 18% | 63,000 miles |
| 2013 | 17 | 16% | 9,000 miles |
| 2012 | 9 | 6% | 60,000 miles |
| 2011 | 8 | 6% | 38,000 miles |
| 2010 | 10 | 6% | 56,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 3% | 31,000 miles |
| 2008 | 8 | 3% | 78,000 miles |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% | 84,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
i put the car in park and it accelerated and hit the corner of my garage. when it was towed to the dealer for repair - i was told the message on the car was shift malfunction there was damage to the front grill, hood and passenger side quarter panel the vehicle is at Southgate Lincoln for repair and available for inspection i've asked the insurance company to investigate. there were no warning messages prior to impact someone could have been seriously injured and i could have had serious property damage
The 2019 Lincoln MKZ electrical system is faulty in my vehicle. Despite having all doors locked with car on and running someone was still able to open my door from the outside and essentially was carjacked, robbed, and severely beaten by 6 men. I did file a police report so it's all documented along with photographs of my injuries sustained.
Failed Components: Sunroof Drains become clogged and overflow into trunk well, causing electrical shortage, mold/mildew, and water damage along headliner and side airbags. Safety Risk: Electrical shortage causes fire risk, and mold mildew build up in car for asthmatic makes it damaging for air intake myself and others inside vehicle. Side airbags at risk as over flooding runs down pillars along side wiring. Reproduced: This has occurred twice, in my 2013 & 2017 Lincoln MKZ. No documentation is listed in either manual for maintenance around drains or possible flooding risk. Symptoms: Shorted electrical components for audio systems, check engine light, putrid foul odor lingering in vehicle, soaked rear carpet in trunk (closest to back seat) headliner show signs of water damage near curtain airbags. …
2017 Lincoln MKZ was taken to Community Ford Lincoln of Bloomington (Auto Vest II LLC), Bloomington, IN for service on 05/01/2026. No ABS, Traction Control, or AdvanceTrac warning lights were present at drop-off. After the vehicle was returned, all three warning lights were illuminated. The ABS/stability control system had been damaged during the service visit. Diagnostic codes C0031:07 and C0031:15 (left front wheel speed sensor circuit fault) were confirmed in writing by the dealership service manager on 06/09/2026. The dealership denied responsibility. An independent Ford/Lincoln dealer (Tom Roush Lincoln) estimated repair at $310. The servicing dealer offered only partial reimbursement of $169.45. The ABS and stability control systems are safety-critical. Their failure compromises emergency braking performance and vehicle stability, putting driver and other road users at risk. …
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost automotive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Prior to the failure, the vehicle had been taken to a local dealer on several occasions for a START/STOP repair, and other unknown repairs; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the results were unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
I was driving on the freeway when the steering on my car became very difficult and "wobbly". It was hard to keep it going straight. I knew something was wrong and when I got home, I told my husband to check my tires. The next morning I was told that my tires were fine but when we got into the car, this time I got 4 errors regarding the drive control and steering assist fault. The steering wheel was locked and the car was unable to be driven.
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.
In the middle of June 2024 (about [redacted]), 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, [redacted]
Related recalls (1)
Electrical system
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, through March 15, 2013 and equipped with an engine block heater. During use, the engine block heater cords may be bent and in certain temperatures, the wire insulation may crack, exposing the electrical wires.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S05.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lincoln MKZ years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (17), 2014 (17), 2015 (16), 2016 (11) and 2010 (10) model years. Electrical complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Lincoln MKZ electrical problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 13V-230 (electrical system, May 31, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Lincoln MKZ electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles; 53% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition (3 mentions), followed by the 12v/24v/48v battery (2).
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.