2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a LKS system with customer complaints of steering wheel vibration, steering pull or vehicle drift may be due to an alert and/or steering aid input from the LKS. The LKS system detects unintentional drifting toward the outside of the lane and alerts and/or aids vehicle to stay in the lane. Be sure the customer understands how the lane departure warning feature settings work for Alert (steering wheel vibration) and Aid (steering input toward lane center). Further information on the LKS can be found in the owners manual. If the customers concern is due to the LKS functioning as intended, do not attempt to repair.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Lincoln MKZ steering problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Lincoln MKZ have filed 25 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 65,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 MKZ | 32 |
| 2012 MKZ | 20 |
| 2013 MKZ | 16 |
| 2014 MKZ (this page) | 25 |
| 2015 MKZ | 7 |
| 2016 MKZ | 12 |
| 2017 MKZ | 6 |
1crash
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 25 steering complaints filed for the 2014 Lincoln MKZ, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 25 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 9 model years of Lincoln MKZ in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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.
When connecting the Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) or Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) to the DLC located on the driver side under the steering column at the GWM, make sure that the ignition is off before connecting the VCM. If the ignition is on or the engine is running during the connection, it can result in various warning lights being illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), no start, no crank conditions or the IPC inoperative. If a vehicle displays these issues, disconnect the equipment from the DLC and disconnect the vehicle battery. Wait 10 minutes and reinstall with the ignition off. Clear any DTCs present and retest.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WHEN HOOKING UP THE VEHICLE COMMUNICATION MODULE (VCM) AND INTEGRATED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (IDS) TO THE DLC LOCATED ON THE DRIVER SIDE UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN AT THE GWM, MAKE SURE THAT THE IGNITION IS OFF BEFORE CONNECTING TO IDS. IF THE IGNITION IS ON OR THE ENGINE IS RUNNING DURING THE HOOK UP, IT CAN RESULT IN VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS BEING ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS), NO START OR NO CRANK CONDITIONS OR THE CLUSTER INOPERATIVE. FOR LINCOLN VEHICLES, THIS INFORMATION IS NOW LISTED IN THE TECHNICAL INSPECTION AND POST ROAD TEST SECTIONS OF EPDI ON THE PTS WEBSITE. IF A VEHICLE DISPLAYS THESE ISSUES, DISCONNECT THE EQUIPMENT FROM THE DLC AND REINSTALL WITH THE IGNITION OFF
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WHEN HOOKING UP THE VEHICLE COMMUNICATION MODULE (VCM) AND INTEGRATED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (IDS) TO THE DLC LOCATED ON THE DRIVER SIDE UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN AT THE GWM, MAKE SURE THAT THE IGNITION IS OFF BEFORE CONNECTING TO IDS. IF THE IGNITION IS ON OR THE ENGINE IS RUNNING DURING THE HOOK UP, IT CAN RESULT IN VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS BEING ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS), NO START OR NO CRANK CONDITIONS OR THE CLUSTER INOPERATIVE. FOR LINCOLN VEHICLES, THIS INFORMATION IS NOW LISTED IN THE TECHNICAL INSPECTION AND POST ROAD TEST SECTIONS OF EPDI ON THE PTS WEBSITE. IF A VEHICLE DISPLAYS THESE ISSUES, DISCONNECT THE EQUIPMENT FROM THE DLC AND REINSTALL WITH THE IGNITION OFF
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report five distinct steering problems in the 2014 Lincoln MKZ. First, steering wheel looseness or near-detachment—some discovered a loose steering bolt years into ownership; others had the wheel almost come off while driving. This ties to recall 18S08, but dealers refused repairs on vehicles not formally listed, even though VINs matched production dates and the Hermosillo Assembly Plant location.
Second, complete or near-total loss of electric power steering—the wheel becomes impossible to turn or locks solid while driving. One failure happened at 40 mph, another at 50, another in a parking lot turn. Repair costs exceeded $2,000 for electric rack replacement in documented cases. Owners cite recalls 18V167000 and 19S26, yet many VINs were rejected as not covered.
Third, unintended steering movement or pull—the wheel pulls sharply left or right without driver input, causing drivers to hit curbs or other vehicles. Fourth, intermittent steering freeze triggered by electrical faults, often requiring an engine restart to restore function; warning lights for traction control, hill assist, and collision avoidance appear alongside.
Fifth, recall parts remain unavailable indefinitely. One owner received a safety recall notice for recall 15S14 but was told parts don't exist and no arrival date is known. The manufacturer claimed it could only expedite parts if the owner already had active steering failure—undermining the recall's preventive purpose.
Same Lincoln MKZ steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Steering wheel loose or detachment
Steering wheel connection to column fails, allowing excessive play or near-separation. Owners report steering wheels almost coming off in their hands while driving, or discovering loose steering bolts upon inspection. This appears to relate to recall 18S08, which addressed a bolt design defect in 2014–2018 MKZ models built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant; however, not all affected vehicles received recall notices.
When: 9 years into ownership; some discovered during recall review; varies by vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel almost came off while driving; Excessive play in steering wheel; Loose steering wheel bolt discovered upon inspection; Steering wheel difficult to control
Repairs/costs cited: Bolt replacement; owners report special tools needed to remove cracked or delaminated lug nuts on wheel assembly. One owner purchased and self-installed new bolt.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 18S08 issued but did not capture all vehicles built at Hermosillo plant. Dealers refused repairs on vehicles not formally listed, despite matching production dates and manufacturing location.
Electric power steering loss or malfunction
Electric power steering system fails completely or becomes intermittently unresponsive, rendering the wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Occurs both at idle and while driving. Some incidents involve warning lights (Steering Assist Fault, Power Steering Assist Fault); others occur without warning. At-speed failures present significant crash risk.
When: Varies from 40,000 to 123,000 miles; some after engine restart; some without prior warning
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn; Steering wheel locked while driving; Steering wheel loses functionality then locks; Abnormal play or movement in steering wheel; Steering becomes very heavy; Power steering assist unavailable or inoperative; Steering wheel will not respond at low speed
Codes mentioned: Steering Assist Fault, Power Steering Assist Fault, Steering Alignment Failure, SERVICE ADVANCETRAC
Repairs/costs cited: Electric steering rack replacement (part HP5Z*3504*C reported); repair cost over $2,000 documented in at least one case. One owner paid for out-of-warranty repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Relates to recalls 18V167000 and 19S26; however, many VINs reported as not included in recall lists despite matching model year and manufacturing details. No remedy offered for out-of-recall vehicles.
Steering wheel movement or unintended steering input
Steering wheel pulls unexpectedly to one side or exhibits vertical movement while driving, causing loss of directional control and property damage. Appears independent of driver input and creates collision hazard at highway and low speeds.
When: During normal driving; one instance at 50 MPH, one at 40 MPH, one in parking lot during turn
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel moves up and down while driving; Steering wheel pulls sharply to left or right without driver input; Loss of steering control causing vehicle to hit curb or other vehicle; Unintended steering correction
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in reported cases; one owner caused damage to car when steering pulled to right in parking lot.
Intermittent steering freeze with electrical faults
Steering system intermittently locks or becomes difficult to turn, often accompanied by multiple electrical warning lights related to traction, collision avoidance, and steering assist. Typically requires engine restart to restore function, indicating an electrical or sensor fault rather than mechanical failure.
When: Ongoing since December 2022 (in one case); after engine restart; randomly during driving
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel will not turn at low speed; Multiple dashboard warnings (Hill Start Assist Not Available, Check Adaptive Headlamps, etc.); Steering difficulty after cold start; Requires engine restart to restore steering; Steering assist unavailable message
Codes mentioned: SERVICE ADVANCETRAC, STEER ASSIST FAULT, Hill Assist Not Available, Collision Warning Not Available, Drive Control Malfunction Service Required
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in most reported cases; cause not determined by dealers.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim hybrid models do not have affected bolts; one dealer stated issue does not fall under recall for hybrid variant.
Recall parts unavailability
Steering-related recalls issued but parts remain unavailable, delaying or preventing repairs indefinitely. Ford and Lincoln corporate cannot estimate when parts will arrive. Dealerships unable to service vehicles under recall notice.
When: As of 2015 and ongoing at time of complaint filing
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle under active recall but cannot be repaired; No parts available at dealership; No estimated arrival date from manufacturer
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 15S14 (NHTSA 15V-250); manufacturer told owner parts acceleration requires active steering problems—contradictory to preventive recall premise.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issued recall notice but did not stock or plan for parts availability. Corporate stated accelerated parts delivery only if owner has active symptoms.
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
While turning a corner the power steering went out and became extremely heavy, almost unable to turn the wheel to complete the turn. A notification came on from the car indicating "service advance trac" and "steering assist fault service required". *js
When I read about the steering wheel bolt recall in june 2018 I checked the condition of my steering wheel bolt and discovered it was loose and was the bad design that was being recalled. I waited for a recall notice that never came and when I checked with dealer in december 2018 they informed me that my car was not on the recall list. I have purchased a new bolt and will install myself.…
I have constant issues with the power deck lid not working when it is cold, it wont even pop the trunk. This morning I experienced a dead battery and when I got the vehicle jumped and started, the power steering warning came on as well as a traction control, hill start warnings and the power steering isnt working at all. The vehicle was stationary. I am unable to turn the wheel.
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the steering wheel moves up and down. No warning lights were illuminated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent where the contact was provided with information regarding NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (Steering). The owner also contacted an unknown Ford dealer. The dealer…
Electrical steering rack not working , had to replace. Mkz 2014
Replace electric steering rack hp5z* 3504*c had to replace electric steering rack. Question is with two recalls somewhat related to the steering column ( bolt in steering wheel and a power train issue) would this ultimately affect the electric steering rack hp5z*3504*c? Car is only 4 years old and in great condition. Besides the recalls no repairs at all. Electric rack just stopped working, I…
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,…
Had steering trouble with your 2014 Lincoln MKZ?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2014 Lincoln MKZ?
It's a meaningful issue. 25 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 53,000 and 78,000 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 53,000; a quarter make it past 78,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering 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.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Lincoln/MKZ.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.