YearToAvoid

2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

67/100

#4 most-complained of 10 MKZ Hybrid years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has a Complaint Index of 67 with 12 complaints, ranking 4th worst out of 10 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Electrical System issues make up 33% of complaints, but there are no recalls filed for this year.

Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
40
41 city / 39 hwy

Top 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System4 (33%)
  2. Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (17%)
  3. Other2 (17%)
  4. Seat Belts2 (17%)
  5. Structure & Body2 (17%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain2 (17%)
  7. Brakes1 (8%)
  8. Engine1 (8%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (8%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the hybrid battery overheating, causing the car to stall repeatedly while driving on the freeway and on side streets.
  • The rear back-up camera display sometimes goes dark or flickers while the vehicle is in reverse, even after dealer inspection found no fault.
  • Some drivers report the forward collision system activating unexpectedly at 75 mph, forcing them to accelerate to keep driving.
  • The vehicle has stalled at around 30 mph with the wrench and check engine lights on, requiring a tow to a dealership at 30,600 miles.
  • One owner reports pressing the reverse button while parked and the car moving forward instead of backward.
  • Owners describe the aluminum hood and wheels corroding, with paint bubbling on the hood beyond the factory warranty period.
2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid complaints: complaints filed per month3Aug 2015Aug 2017Aug 2018Dec 2020Oct 2024Jul 2026
17 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2015 to Jul 2026; peak Apr 2019 (3).

2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost

City
41 MPG
Highway
39 MPG
Combined
40 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$1,600
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2015 compared with other MKZ Hybrid years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002011201220132014201520162017201820192020
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2013Good4412038
2014Avoid10027038
2015Caution6712040
2016Good336040
2017Caution5617040

All Lincoln MKZ Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA lists a Complaint Index of 67 for the 2015 MKZ Hybrid, giving it a Caution verdict relative to other MKZ Hybrid years. It ranks 4th worst out of 10 model years tracked.
What is the biggest problem with the 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?
Electrical System complaints are the top problem area, accounting for 33% of all complaints filed, including hybrid battery overheating and stalling reports.
Does the 2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have any recalls?
NHTSA data shows 0 recalls filed for the 2015 model year, though one sample complaint mentions a brake-related recall campaign with a parts shortage.
How does the 2015 MKZ Hybrid compare to other years?
The 2015 model's Complaint Index of 67 is lower than 2011 (78), 2012 (89), and 2014 (100), all rated Avoid, but higher than 2013 (44) and 2016 (33), both rated Good.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.