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moderate Owners of the 2013 Lincoln MKZ have filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 MKZ | 3 |
| 2010 MKZ | 7 |
| 2011 MKZ | 9 |
| 2012 MKZ | 7 |
| 2013 MKZ (this page) | 14 |
| 2014 MKZ | 14 |
| 2015 MKZ | 13 |
| 2016 MKZ | 9 |
| 2017 MKZ | 10 |
Among the 12 model years of Lincoln MKZ in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Exposed electrical wires increase the risk of electric shock.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Some 2013-2020 MKZ vehicles may need the exterior rear view mirror replaced. The replacement exterior mirror will have different wiring than the originally equipped mirror. Follow the Service Procedure steps below to modify the vehicle-side wiring harness to accept the replacement mirror wiring.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2012-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a TCU may exhibit an inoperative remote start with a 'Vehicle Failed To Start' message when using MyFord Mobile/Ford Pass/Lincoln Way mobile applications. The cellular cloud systems will only allow two remote start requests from the MyFord Mobile/Ford Pass/Lincoln Way apps without a vehicle drive event occurring. If a third remote start request is received, a Vehicle Failed To Start message will be displayed quickly in the mobile app. Once the vehicle is driven, the remote start counter is reset and will allow remote start commands to be sent from the mobile app. If the remote start system is not functioning using the key fob, refer to W
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2019 F-150, 2015-2020 Explorer, 2017-2019 F-Super Duty, 2017-2020 Continental, 2018-2020 Expedition/Navigator, 2016-2018 MKX, 2019-2020 Nautilus, 2020 Aviator/Corsair and 2013-2020 MKZ vehicles equipped with multi-contour seats may exhibit intermittent multi-contour seat operation and/or massage and lumbar adjust inoperative from the seat switch or SYNC screen with or without diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1471, U024B, and/or U024C. This may be due to terminal fretting at the connector for the driver multi-contour seat module (SCMG) and passenger multi-contour seat module (SCMH). To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to replace the connectors and reroute the
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2016 MKZ vehicles equipped with adaptive headlamps may exhibit a Check Headlamp System fault message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) after installation of a new right headlamp. Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1D65 may also be stored in the headlamp control module (HCM). This may be due to a quality issue with the right headlamp service part, which was corrected on headlamps built on and after 17-Oct-2019. In addition, some headlamps with Earlier build dates were reworked with corrective actions and may be installed. Reworked headlamp assemblies are identified by having a green dot on the box and/or a green paint mark on the headlamp near the part number label. For claiming, us
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2016 MKZs vehicles with Adaptive Headlamps may exhibit a Check Headlamp System fault message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) after one or both headlamps were replaced. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B1D64 and/or B1D65 may also be stored in the headlamp control module (HCM). Confirm the headlamps illuminate normally, but do not attempt additional repairs at this time. Engineering is investigating, monitor OASIS for updates. The swivel function will remain inoperative until a corrective action becomes available. The headlamps will continue to function to fully meet all applicable lighting requirements.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
Owners describe a pattern of electrical faults across critical systems. The push-to-start button fails to respond or cuts the engine at highway speed on light contact. The integrated control module (FCIM) misfires, causing the AC blower to blast on and off, radio volume to jump around, and windows to fog without command—one owner linked this to a burned ground pin in the heated-seat module. Advanced driver-assistance systems throw false collision warnings and power-steering shutdowns lasting minutes or longer, though one dealer couldn't diagnose the fault. The rear seatbelt locks up when the seat folds, requiring manual belt removal to raise it again. Backup camera image flips, distorts, or blacks out. Door locks freeze in cold and refuse to close when forced. One owner felt an electric shock adjusting the driver's seat. Another car stalls after the power line to the battery junction came loose. Loud false "door open" beeping occurs with no corresponding warning lights. One owner had the control panel replaced twice and the start button replaced after 32 months and nine service visits. Multiple owners cite dealer service bulletins and recall notices (14S21, 15S16, 15S14) specific to these gremlins.
Same Lincoln MKZ electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015
Button fails to respond to normal pressure or stalls vehicle when inadvertently brushed. Owners report pressing the start button produces nothing but an error message to keep trying, while accessory systems (lights, radio, AC) remain live. One rental car stalled at highway speed from unintended button contact.
When: Various; one incident at 8,865 miles, another at 1 year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: No engine start response despite button press; Persistent 'press start button' message on display; Vehicle stalls when hand brushes button at speed; Accessories function (lights, radio, AC) but engine does not crank
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed battery junction power line loose; service bulletin issued for start-button related faults. One owner paid $99 for repair; another owner reports button replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical service bulletin issued covering this problem; recalls TSB 14S21, 15S16, 15S14 referenced by owners
Module failures trigger unintended activation of climate and window systems, fog-over conditions, and random door lock/unlock cycles. Owners report AC blower and windows activate on their own without occupant input. Related to potential ground-pin burnout in heated/cooled seat modules.
When: Occurs intermittently and repeatedly during ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Air blower turns on and off randomly, cycles between low and full blast; Radio volume adjusts itself up and down; Windows fog unexpectedly without warning; Rear windows lock/unlock without input; Heated/AC seat module ground pin burned; AC activates randomly
Repairs/costs cited: Control panel replaced twice on one vehicle; heated seat/AC seat module became unusable after ground pin burned. One owner noted YouTube videos document same defect across multiple Lincoln MKZ models.
Driver-side motorized seat adjustment mechanism develops short circuit, delivering electric shock to occupant. Independent diagnosis confirmed internal wiring fault in seat motor assembly.
When: During normal seat adjustment operation
Symptoms owners cite: Electric shock felt through driver's hand while adjusting seat position; No warning lights or diagnostic codes present
Repairs/costs cited: Repaired by independent mechanic; seat short was internal to motor assembly
Middle rear seatbelt locks up when rear seat is folded down, preventing seat from raising. Occupant must manually remove belt from car and allow full retraction before seat can be repositioned. Problem recurs each time seat is folded again.
When: When folding rear seat down
Symptoms owners cite: Rear seatbelt locks and prevents seat from raising; Seat cannot be lifted without removing belt completely; Problem repeats on each fold-down cycle
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple YouTube videos document same issue on Ford and Lincoln MKZ vehicles; no factory repair mentioned
Collision warning indicator and blind-spot monitor activate without legitimate threats. Driver-side mirror blind-spot camera fails entirely. ADAS components report not working while electronic power steering simultaneously drops out, lasting minutes to hours.
When: Various speeds (35–70 mph); intermittent; recurring months to years into ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Collision warning illuminates with no vehicle in front; Warning continues intermittently over months of ownership; Power steering assist drops concurrent with ADAS shutdown; Driver-side mirror blind-spot monitor fails entirely; All dash lights illuminate with message that ADAS systems are not working
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose collision-warning fault; vehicle not repaired
Rear-view camera becomes nearly unusable intermittently. Image flips upside down, distorts, or blacks out entirely without warning, degrading safety during reversing.
When: Intermittent; occurs over time
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of camera vision; Image flipped upside down; Image distorted; Camera unusable at times
Vehicle fails to unlock or start despite functioning key-fob batteries. Door locks freeze and, when forced open, refuse to close. Issues recur seasonally (winter noted as worse).
When: Winter conditions noted; key-fob battery function confirmed good
Symptoms owners cite: Car will not unlock with functioning key battery; Car will not start with functioning key battery; Door will not unlock even when forced; Door will not close after being forced open
Repairs/costs cited: Owner confirmed key batteries tested good; issue is vehicle lock/unlock electronics
Loud, continuous beeping as if doors are unlocked or ajar, despite all doors being properly closed and locked. No warning lights or error codes displayed. Occurs across various speeds and repeatedly.
When: Intermittent; one incident at 160,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Persistent loud beeping as if doors are unlocked; Beeping as if doors are open; No warning lights or error messages; No actual door or lock condition change
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired; vehicle not taken to dealer
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Video camera in the back is almost unusable at times, get loss of vision completely or it's flipped image and distorted. Don't know if this counts but I had a issue where key batteries where fine and the car did not want to unlock or start. Also last winter the door would not unlock and if forced would not close.
the driver side mirror blind spot stopped working and all most hit a vehicle coming up alongside of me. Yes it is available No in October
The contact owned a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while adjusting the driver's side motorized seat, the contact felt an electric shock through her left hand, prompting the contact to cease the action and immediately turn off the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined there was short in the motorized seat. The…
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 14 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Based on the 14 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 50,473 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.