What years of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, avoid the 2011, 2012, and 2014 model years. The 2014 has the highest complaint index at 100, followed by 2012 at 89 and 2011 at 78.

Is the 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid reliable?

The 2014 MKZ Hybrid has the highest complaint index (100) of any year covered, with 27 complaints, 6 crashes, and 4 injuries reported to NHTSA. Brakes are the top problem area, making up 48% of complaints for that year.

Does the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have any recalls?

Across all model years covered (2011-2020), NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns for the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.

Which Lincoln MKZ Hybrid year has the fewest reported problems?

The 2016 model year has the lowest complaint index (33) among years with meaningful complaint volume, with only 6 total complaints and no crashes, fires, or injuries reported.

What is the most common problem area for the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid overall?

Across all years, steering issues account for 22% of complaints (40 total), followed by airbags at 20% (36 complaints) and brakes at 19% (33 complaints).

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Best and Worst Years (2011–2020)

Avoid the 2011, 2012, and 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The 2014 has the highest complaint index (100) with 6 crashes and 4 injuries reported, while 2011 and 2012 show heavy steering and airbag complaints. The 2016 model year has the lowest complaint index (33) among years with meaningful data.

Avoid 2011 Avoid 2012 Avoid 2014

Model years: 10; 2011–2020
NHTSA complaints: 178
Recall campaigns: 0
Crashes reported: 10
Fires reported: 1
Top problem area: Steering

MKZ Hybrid Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2011	Avoid	78	40	1	0	Airbags	38	—
2012	Avoid	89	59	1	0	Steering	38	—
2013	Good	44	12	0	1	Structure & Body	38	—
2014	Avoid	100	27	6	0	Brakes	38	—
2015	Caution	67	12	2	0	Electrical System	40	—
2016	Good	33	6	0	0	Seat Belts	40	—
2017	Caution	56	17	0	0	Engine	40	—
2018	No verdict	11	2	0	0	Brakes	40	—
2019	No verdict	22	2	0	0	Structure & Body	41	—
2020	No verdict	0	1	0	0	Electrical System	41	—

MKZ Hybrid years to avoid: what went wrong

2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Index 100 · 27 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2014 MKZ Hybrid ranks worst overall with a complaint index of 100, 6 crashes, and 4 injuries reported. Brakes dominate the complaints at 48%, with a median failure mileage of 105,000, including reports of brakes failing to stop the car and causing rear-end collisions. Owners also described tire blowouts and the vehicle unexpectedly rolling or accelerating on its own without the brake pedal pressed. No recalls are on file for this year.

2012 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Index 89 · 59 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2012 MKZ Hybrid has 59 complaints and a complaint index of 89, the second highest in the lineup. Steering problems lead at 32% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 63,000, including reports of sudden power steering loss as early as 11,200 miles. Airbags follow at 29%, with a median mileage of 52,750. Owners also reported the engine stalling unexpectedly while moving at low speed or stopped in traffic. One crash was reported. No recalls are listed.

2012 steering problems →2012 airbags problems →

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Index 78 · 40 complaints · 0 recalls

NHTSA lists 40 complaints for the 2011 MKZ Hybrid, with a complaint index of 78. Airbags account for 45% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 55,000. Steering issues make up 33%, with owners reporting sudden loss of power steering assist at low speeds, sometimes followed by minor crashes. One crash was reported. Brakes and electrical system complaints follow, including door latches that trapped occupants inside the vehicle. No recalls are on file for this year.

2011 airbags problems →

Most common Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Steering40 (22%)
Airbags36 (20%)
Brakes33 (19%)
Structure & Body22 (12%)
Other21 (12%)
Electrical System20 (11%)
Engine16 (9%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (6%)
Transmission & Powertrain11 (6%)
Fuel System7 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints, avoid the 2011, 2012, and 2014 model years. The 2014 has the highest complaint index at 100, followed by 2012 at 89 and 2011 at 78.
Is the 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid reliable?: The 2014 MKZ Hybrid has the highest complaint index (100) of any year covered, with 27 complaints, 6 crashes, and 4 injuries reported to NHTSA. Brakes are the top problem area, making up 48% of complaints for that year.
Does the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have any recalls?: Across all model years covered (2011-2020), NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns for the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.
Which Lincoln MKZ Hybrid year has the fewest reported problems?: The 2016 model year has the lowest complaint index (33) among years with meaningful complaint volume, with only 6 total complaints and no crashes, fires, or injuries reported.
What is the most common problem area for the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid overall?: Across all years, steering issues account for 22% of complaints (40 total), followed by airbags at 20% (36 complaints) and brakes at 19% (33 complaints).