The biggest second-generation MKZ recalls are 18V-167, a steering wheel bolt that can loosen on 2014–2018 cars, and 23V-162, front brake hoses that can rupture on 2013–2018 cars. 2013–2015 models also have door latch, seat belt cable and power steering recalls, and 2007–2012 cars have air bag inflator recalls.
CarWhere lists 8 documented MKZ issues, including 8 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
Second generation MKZ problems (2013–2020)
Steering wheel bolt can loosen (recall 18V-167) (2014–2018)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Second generation (2013–2020) – 2014–2018
- Years:
- 2014–2018
- Powertrain:
- All
Recall 18V-167 covers 2014–2018 MKZ and Fusion models, about 1,301,986 vehicles, because the steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen and, in the worst case, let the steering wheel come off while driving. Dealers install a longer bolt.
Symptoms
- Steering wheel that feels loose or clicks
- Steering wheel that shifts on the column
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 18V167 (2018-03) · 1,301,986 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1][2]
Front brake hoses can rupture (recall 23V-162) (2013–2018)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Second generation (2013–2020) – 2013–2018
- Years:
- 2013–2018
- Powertrain:
- All
Recall 23V-162 covers 2013–2018 MKZ and Fusion models, about 1,280,726 vehicles, because the front brake hoses may rupture and leak fluid, increasing pedal travel and stopping distance. Dealers replace the front brake hoses.
Symptoms
- Soft or sinking brake pedal
- Brake fluid leak near a front wheel
- Brake warning light
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 23V162 (2023-03) · 1,280,726 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [3][2]
Door latches can fail to latch (recalls 15V-246, 17V-210, 20V-331) (2013–2014)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Second generation (2013–2020) – 2013–2014
- Years:
- 2013–2014
- Powertrain:
- All
Several recalls cover door latch parts that can break on 2013–2014 MKZ and Fusion models, so a door may seem closed when it is not and could open while driving. Dealers replace all four door latches. 15V-246 covered 456,440 vehicles including the Fiesta, 17V-210 added 191,432 more, and 20V-331 rechecks vehicles whose earlier repair may not have been done properly.
Symptoms
- Door that will not latch or needs slamming
- Door-ajar warning with doors closed
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 15V246 (2015-04) · 456,440 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [4][5][6][2]
Front seat belt anchor cable can fail in a crash (recall 16V-875) (2013–2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Second generation (2013–2020) – 2013–2015
- Years:
- 2013–2015
- Powertrain:
- All
Recall 16V-875 covers 2013–2015 MKZ models built from November 2012 to July 2014, along with 2013–2016 Fusion models, about 603,392 vehicles, because heat from a deploying seat belt pretensioner may cause a front seat belt anchor cable to fail. Dealers apply a protective coating to the cable. 19V-590 later added 103,374 2015 Fusion and MKZ models.
Symptoms
- No warning signs before a crash; check the recall status
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 16V875 (2016-12) · 603,392 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [7][8][2]
Salt corrosion can cut power steering assist (recall 15V-250) (2013–2015)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Second generation (2013–2020) – 2013–2015
- Years:
- 2013–2015
- Powertrain:
- All
Recall 15V-250 covers 2013–2015 MKZ and Fusion models sold or registered in road-salt states, about 487,301 vehicles, because corrosion of the electric power steering gear motor bolts can let the motor separate and cut assist. Dealers seal and replace the bolts, or the steering gear if bolts are broken. A 2019 recall, 19V-632, covers more 2013–2016 models in salt states (116,160 vehicles with the Edge and MKX).
Symptoms
- Sudden heavy steering, especially at low speed
- Power steering warning message
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 15V250 (2015-04) · 487,301 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [9][10][2]
Air bag control module can short in humid conditions (recall 14V-597) (2013–2014)
Safety recall- Generation:
- Second generation (2013–2020) – 2013–2014
- Years:
- 2013–2014
- Powertrain:
- All
Recall 14V-597 covers MKZ models built April 2012 to September 2013, along with Fusion, C-Max and Escape models, about 746,842 vehicles, because the coating on the restraint control module can crack and let humidity short its circuits. Frontal and curtain air bags and pretensioners might then not work. Dealers replace the module.
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 14V597 (2014-09) · 746,842 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [11][2]
First generation MKZ problems (2007–2012)
Driver air bag inflator can explode (recall 21V-158) (2006–2012)
Safety recall- Generation:
- First generation (2007–2012) – Zephyr and MKZ
- Years:
- 2006–2012
- Powertrain:
- All
Recall 21V-158 covers Lincoln Zephyr and MKZ models listed with the 2006–2012 Fusion, plus Milan, Ranger, Edge and MKX models, about 2,602,668 vehicles, because the driver air bag inflator can explode after long exposure to heat and humidity, throwing metal fragments. Dealers replace the inflator or module. A separate recall, 17V-024, replaces passenger inflators on certain 2006–2009 and 2012 Zephyr and MKZ models, depending on where they were sold or registered.
Symptoms
- No warning signs; check the recall status before driving
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before driving the car
- Ask for the repair order showing the inflator replacement
NHTSA recall: 21V158 (2021-03) · 2,602,668 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [12][13][2]
ABS valves can stick open (recall 19V-904) (2006–2010)
Safety recall- Generation:
- First generation (2007–2012) – 2006–2010
- Years:
- 2006–2010
- Powertrain:
- All
Recall 19V-904 covers 2006–2010 Zephyr, MKZ, Fusion and Milan models, about 600,166 vehicles, because valves in the ABS hydraulic control unit can react with some brake fluid additives and fail to close, adding pedal travel. Dealers flush the system with DOT 4 fluid, fit a new reservoir cap and test the unit, replacing it if needed.
Symptoms
- Longer brake pedal travel after an ABS stop
- ABS warning light
Check before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
- Ask for the dealer repair order showing the recall work
NHTSA recall: 19V904 (2019-12) · 600,166 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [14][2]