Own a Lincoln MKZ in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Lincoln MKZ for model years 2007 to 2020. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help MKZ owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 1,850 owner complaints on file for the MKZ and 35 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (710), service brakes (210), engine (175).
Most-Reported Lincoln MKZ Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the MKZ (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 710 | 38% | |
| Service Brakes | 210 | 11% | |
| Engine | 175 | 9% | |
| Steering | 155 | 8% | |
| Electrical System | 141 | 7% | |
| Power Train | 105 | 5% | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 104 | 5% | |
| Wheels | 90 | 4% |
Air Bags
710 of the 1,850 complaints (38%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Service Brakes
210 of the 1,850 complaints (11%) mention brakes. Brake complaints turn up on nearly every vehicle, and Phoenix stop-and-go traffic wears brake parts quickly. We measure pads and rotors, check calipers and fluid, and replace only what is worn. See our brake repair page.
Engine
175 of the 1,850 complaints (9%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Lincoln MKZ Complaints by Model Year
The MKZ model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2008, 2007, 2012. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 259 | |
| 2008 | 281 | |
| 2009 | 114 | |
| 2010 | 170 | |
| 2011 | 185 | |
| 2012 | 205 | |
| 2013 | 122 | |
| 2014 | 125 | |
| 2015 | 97 | |
| 2016 | 71 | |
| 2017 | 157 | |
| 2018 | 38 | |
| 2019 | 23 | |
| 2020 | 3 |
Most Common Lincoln MKZ Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the MKZ. The most-cited is P0302 (cylinder 2 misfire), mentioned in 5 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P0302 | Cylinder 2 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. | 5 |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. | 4 |
| P0316 | Misfire detected on startup Misfire during the first revolutions after starting; plugs, coils or fuel delivery. | 3 |
| P0303 | Cylinder 3 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. | 2 |
| P0217 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
| P2196 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 2 |
| P1744 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 2 |
| P0741 | Torque converter clutch circuit performance Torque converter clutch or solenoid problem; shuddering or poor mileage. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Lincoln MKZ Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 35 recall campaigns for the MKZ in these model years, most often involving air bags, latches/locks/linkages, steering. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2025 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 25V695000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Flex, 2015 Explorer, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 C-Max, Escape, Taurus, 2016 Fusion, 2018-2019 Taurus, 2019 Lincoln MKT, Fiesta, and 2020 Mustang vehicles.
- 2025 recall, Back Over Prevention (campaign 25V442000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD,...
- 2023 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 23V162000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
- 2023 recall, Latches/Locks/Linkages (campaign 23V775000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and 2016 Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico,...
- 2022 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 22V011000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 Mustang vehicles originally sold or ever registered, in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina,...
- 2021 recall, Air Bags (campaign 21V158000): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Ranger, 2006-2012 Fusion, Lincoln Zephyr, Lincoln MKZ, 2006-2011 Mercury Milan, 2007-2010 Ford Edge, and Lincoln MKX vehicles.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the MKZ, 111 involved a crash, 15 involved a fire, 67 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Lincoln MKZ Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Lincoln will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a MKZ that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for MKZ owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Lincoln MKZ, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Lincoln MKZ Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Lincoln MKZ repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Brake Repair
Pads, rotors, calipers, fluid and brake lines.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Lincoln MKZ FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Lincoln MKZ?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Lincoln MKZ are air bags (710), service brakes (210), engine (175). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which MKZ model years have the most complaints?
The MKZ model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2008, 2007, 2012. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Lincoln MKZ?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Lincoln MKZ, the codes cited most often are P0302 (cylinder 2 misfire), P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire), P0316 (misfire detected on startup). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Lincoln MKZ have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 35 recall campaigns for the Lincoln MKZ across model years 2007 to 2020. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Lincoln MKZ in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Lincoln vehicles including the MKZ, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Lincoln MKZ?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Lincoln MKZ in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Lincoln Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.