YearToAvoid

2013 Lincoln MKZ Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 18 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, 17% of its 109 total complaints for the year. The median mileage at failure was 8,865 miles, and one related recall (13V230000) covers engine block heater cords, not the broader electrical faults owners describe.

Electrical System complaints
18
17% of 109
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
8,865 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Vehicle stalls unexpectedly at speed, sometimes traced to a loose power line at the battery junction.
  • Push-to-start button can be brushed accidentally, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
  • Collision warning system triggers false alerts and slows the vehicle with no obstacle present.
  • Push-to-start system fails to start the car even though interior lights, radio, and climate controls stay on.
  • Heated seat/AC seat module ground pin reported burned, leaving the module inoperable and described as a fire hazard.
  • Front climate control interface (FCIM) failure causes the AC to activate on its own and windows to fog without warning.

When 2013 Lincoln MKZ electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 12, 2013, latest Nov 3, 2025.

2013 Lincoln MKZ electrical system complaints: complaints filed per month2Jul 2013Apr 2014Aug 2014Jul 2017Jun 2019Jan 2023Sep 2023Oct 2025
18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2013 to Nov 2025; peak Apr 2014 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2013 Lincoln MKZ

  1. NHTSA 13V230000May 31, 2013Electrical System107 vehicles

    Electrical system

    Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, through March 15, 2013 and equipped with an engine block heater. During use, the engine block heater cords may be bent and in certain temperatures, the wire insulation may crack, exposing the electrical wires.

    Risk: Exposed electrical wires increase the risk of electric shock.

    Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S05. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Electrical System complaints by MKZ model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201017 (10%)
  2. 201111 (8%)
  3. 201212 (8%)
  4. 201318 (17%)
  5. 201417 (18%)
  6. 201517 (21%)
  7. 201611 (17%)
  8. 201713 (9%)
  9. 20183 (9%)
  10. 20193 (15%)
  11. 20200 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does the 2013 Lincoln MKZ have?
NHTSA lists 18 Electrical System complaints for the 2013 MKZ, which is 17% of the 109 total complaints filed for that model year.
At what mileage do electrical failures typically happen?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component is 8,865 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Lincoln MKZ electrical system?
Yes, recall 13V230000 covers 2013 MKZ vehicles built with an engine block heater, addressing cords that may bend and create a short. It does not cover the stalling or push-to-start complaints owners describe.
Did the electrical problems cause any crashes or fires?
NHTSA data shows 0 crashes and 0 fires reported for the Electrical System complaints on the 2013 MKZ.
How does 2013 compare to other MKZ years for electrical complaints?
The 2013 MKZ's 17% share of complaints tied to the electrical system is higher than 2010 (10%), 2011 (8%), and 2012 (8%), but lower than 2015's 21% share.

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.