Since the launch of the second generation of MKZ back in 2013, Lincoln has not been having a great time with the so-called “premium midsize sedan”. Never known to be as reliable as some of its competitors, the MKZ’s history of registering close to 16 recalls has never done any favor to this sedan in improving this shaky status. The 2015 model year does see the number fall down to just 9, but that still questions why the automaker has failed to address the issues the car came with initially, two years down the line now. 41 user complaints might seem pretty low initially, but that’s just a direct reflection of the decreasing popularity and sales number against this car's name. So should you be even spending over $35,190 on a sedan with such a questionable maintenance history over competition like the Acura TLX, the Cadillac ATS, and the Infiniti Q50? We have rounded up all the common problems on the 2015 Lincoln MKZ to make that decision easier for you.
2015 Lincoln MKZ Sedan User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine Problems- The 2.0L Eco Boost on the 2015 Lincoln MKZ is known for turbo controller issues, low-pressure fuel pump fail, and exhaust manifold cracks. Most of these issues could show up at an average reported mileage of around 50k to 60k miles on the dash. Loss of power, sputtering while accelerating, and intermittent stalling are the most prominent precursors of the onset of these problems. The excessive carbon build-up is also one issue that this engine inherits as a direct injection unit.
- Transmission Problems- Hard shifts, grinding, and whining noises are some issues the 2015 Lincoln MKZ’s transmission is known for. Although not as common as the engine issue here, a few owners have reported requiring a transmission rebuilt at mileages as low as 24,000-miles as recorded by the NHTSA. Failing solenoid inside the unit is the reason for failure. No transmission replacement has been reported officially though.
Electric System complaints
- Drive control malfunction- ‘Drive control malfunction, Service required’ warning is quite a common occurrence on the 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The issue is usually traced to faulty dampers in the suspension unit or erroneous body control module firmware, both of which need to be replaced is diagnosed. Owners do complain about the issue reappearing due to calibration issues from the dealer end.
- Brake light switch issue- The brake pedal bumper switch can cause the brake light to remain illuminated. This could also cause the shifter lever to be moved out of ‘Park’ mode without pressing the brake. The issues have been recently traced to be a corroded brake pedal element and has is being replaced under a recall (ID-22V011000) as per the latest update.
Structural complaints
- Steering issues- The Lincoln MKZ is no stranger to steering issues. Multiple owners have complained about the unit losing power or completely getting stuck while driving. The automaker has been made aware of these problems and the issue finds its roots in a damaged or loosened power steering motor. This problem has been inspected and replaced under the recalls (IDs-19V632000 and 15V250000) at two separate instances.
2015 Lincoln MKZ Sedan Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
13th January 2022 |
22V011000 |
Brake light malfunction and possible rollaway risk |
Exposure to certain environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, high humidity, and salt air can cause the brake pedal bumper to corrode and separate from the brake pedal, increasing the risk of a crash. |
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. |
|
2 |
24th April 2020 |
20E025000 |
The headlamps may not function properly |
The headlamps may have an improper beam pattern and incorrect horizontal adjustment, reducing the river’s visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will inspect the headlamps, and replace the headlamps, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2020. |
|
3 |
23rd march 2020 |
20V177000 |
The door may open while driving |
A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not, increasing the risk of injury to occupants. |
Ford or Lincoln dealers will replace the side door latches, free of charge. The recall began on September 21, 2020. |
|
4 |
29th August 2019 |
19V632000 |
The steering gear motor may detach |
Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts, causing a loss of assistance and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2019. |
|
5 |
12th August 2019 |
19V590000 |
The front seatbelt may not restrain occupants |
The heat from the deployment of a seat belt pre-tensioner may cause a front seat belt anchor cable to fail, increasing the risk of injury. |
The dealers will apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2019. |
|
6 |
12th March 2018 |
18V167000 |
The steering wheel may detach. |
The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving, causing a loss of vehicle control and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge |
|
7 |
5th December 2016 |
16V875000 |
The front seatbelt may not restrain occupants |
The heat from the deployment of a seat belt pre-tensioner may cause a front seat belt anchor cable to fail, increasing the risk of injury. |
The dealers will apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable, free of charge. The recall began on May 16, 2017. |
|
8 |
28th April 2015 |
15V250000 |
Loss of power steering assist from salt corrosion. |
Snow or water containing road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts, causing a loss of steering assist and possibly increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will apply sealer and replace the steering gearbox/ motor bolts as required. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2015. |
|
9 |
27th April 2015 |
15V248000 |
Park lamps are too bright with the headlamp on. |
In the affected vehicles, the parking lights do not reduce their light output from a DRL level when used in conjunction with the headlights, reducing visibility to oncoming drivers and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will update the lighting control software, free of charge. The recall began on May 8, 2015. |
Should you buy a used 2015 Lincoln MKZ Sedan?
The Lincoln MKZ does not place itself in the best of circumstances to be recommended as a pick for this model year. The automaker is still in a frenzy of detecting and fixing new issues with the vehicle that might end up as a hinder the overall usability, especially if you are planning to buy a used one. Also, considering the fact that most of its rivals including the ATS and the Q50, come in better reliability statuses this year, we find the MKZ’s packaging, a tough pill to swallow. Although the 2015 Lincoln MKZ does come in as the best model year (talking about the second generation here) to date, we would advise you to approach with caution as repairs have been tagged expensive on high mileage cars.
