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severe Owners of the 2016 Lincoln MKZ have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 MKZ | 16 |
| 2013 MKZ | 6 |
| 2014 MKZ | 8 |
| 2015 MKZ | 16 |
| 2016 MKZ (this page) | 11 |
| 2017 MKZ | 15 |
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2013-2016 Escape/Fusion/MKZ vehicles may display an error message when updating the All Wheel Drive-ATC Barcode using the IDS service function after installing a new rear drive unit assembly (RDU) or active torque coupling (ATC) clutch assembly. To prevent this error from occurring, enter the universal ATC 4 digit barcode 7772. Once programmed, perform several figure 8 turns at parking lot speeds to verify there is no binding from the all wheel drive (AWD) system. If the vehicle binds in a turn, perform Pinpoint Test A. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 308-07A > Diagnosis and Testing.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00. The brake rotors should only be machined if directed by the WSM because one or more of the following conditions are present on the braking surface: scoring, excessive corrosion/rust or pitting, bluing/discoloration and/or heat spots. For additional information, refer to WSM section 206-00.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2015-2019 Model Year Edge and Lincoln MKX Vehicles and 2013-2018 Model Year Fusion and Lincoln MKZ Vehicles Front Brake Flexible Hose Replacement REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT Parts Requirements / Ordering Information: Part numbers for Edge and MKX vehicles have been added. Edge and MKX model year updated from 2018 to 2019, build dates remain the same.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Certain 2015-2018 Model Year Edge and Lincoln MKX Vehicles and 2013-2018 Model Year Fusion and Lincoln MKZ Vehicles Front Brake Flexible Hose Replacement Submitting Owner Letters
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
Owners of 2016 Lincoln MKZ models report brake failures stemming from defective front brake flexible hoses that leak brake fluid, leading to reduced pressure and complete loss of braking. Lincoln issued a warning notice (Customer Satisfaction Program 22N02) in early September 2022 alerting owners to this hazard. One owner was in a collision when brakes failed at a traffic light with no warning lamps active until after the crash; another reported discovering fluid underneath the vehicle and brake pedal stiffness.
More severe incidents include complete loss of braking function while driving, with owners forced to coast to a stop or use emergency maneuvers. Some owners report no warning lights during brake failure events. One owner identified internal failure of the coupler connecting the camshaft to the brake pump as the cause. NHTSA Campaign 23V162000 was issued for hydraulic service brakes, but multiple owners report that recall parts were unavailable for extended periods, leaving vehicles unrepaired and owners unable to address the safety defect despite notification. Brake fluid warning lights, ABS warning lights, and stiff pedals requiring heavy pressure are cited. One owner was left concerned about monitoring brake fluid due to hood latch failure preventing inspection access.
Same Lincoln MKZ brakes reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017
Brake fluid leaks from one or both front brake flexible hoses, reducing braking pressure and potentially causing complete brake failure. Lincoln issued Customer Satisfaction Program 22N02 in early September 2022 warning of this defect.
When: As early as 33,000 miles reported; no consistent pattern across narratives
Symptoms owners cite: Brake fluid drops visible under vehicle; Brake fluid level at minimum on inspection; Complete loss of braking ability; Brake pedal goes to floorboard or becomes stiff; Brake warning light, ABS warning light, and brake fluid warning light illuminate
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic)
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repair parts were not available at time of complaints. Dealers identified the issue but could not complete repairs due to parts shortage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V162000 issued; Customer Satisfaction Program 22N02 issued in early September 2022; recall parts unavailable at time of complaints
Internal failure of the coupler connecting the camshaft to the brake pump, resulting in complete loss of braking function with no warning indicators. One narrative reports the coupler snapped internally.
When: No mileage specified
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of brake function; Brake pedal becomes rigid or stiff; Vehicle will not stop or slows only gradually; No warning lights during brake failure event
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic)
Repairs/costs cited: Coupler replacement required; owner noted the coupler is small but critical and should not fail internally under normal operation
Brake pedal stiffens or loses responsiveness during engine start or initial depression, often accompanied by fluid loss and loss of brake pressure.
When: At startup or initial brake application; no specific mileage reported
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal becomes stiff at startup; Brake pedal non-responsive to pressure; Excessive fluid leakage underneath vehicle; Loss of brake pressure
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic)
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic linked failure to recall campaign 23V162000; no specific repair costs or parts cited
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 23V162000
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Sunday, Sept 11, 2022, 2:55 pm. Was stopped at light at 16/Mound in Warren, MI. My car lurched forward while I had my foot firmly on Brake, the brakes had failed, but no warning lamps were activated till after the crash. I bumped the vehicle in front of me, an older model Jeep. No one was injured. My hood was pushed in, front bumper and lighted were damaged. Little damage to back bumper of Jeep.…
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
Based on the 11 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 78,626 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes 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.