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2013 Lincoln MKZ

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Lincoln MKZ
Pictured: 2018 Lincoln MKZ, front 2.7.20. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
2.0l FWD/AWD/3.7l FWD/Hybrid 4dr Sedan, 3.7l AWD 4dr Sedan
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.7L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
38 combined · 38 city / 37 hwy
Length
194.1 in
Curb weight
3,827–4,001 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
12 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 38 MPG combined — 50% better than the average 2013 midsize car (25.3 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints101 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 15 for similar models — most often about the steering.
  • 12 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 29 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.7L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 194 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,827 lb (2.0l FWD/AWD/3.7l FWD/Hybrid 4dr Sedan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 38 MPG combined (38 city / 37 highway), 50% better than the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG, for an estimated $1,750 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 101 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2013

  • New body dimensions: 3.5 in longer, wheelbase +4.7 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engines added: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.7L 6-cyl
  • Engines dropped: 2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 MKZ →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2.0l FWD/AWD/3.7l FWD/Hybrid 4dr Sedan194.1 in73.2 in58.3 in112.2 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,827 lb59/41
3.7l AWD 4dr Sedan194.1 in73.2 in58.3 in112.2 in62.2 / 62.2 in4,001 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
MKZ Hybrid FWD Hybrid2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive38 / 37 / 38+50%$1,750242
MKZ FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 32 / 26+3%$2,600343
MKZ AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25-1%$2,700358
MKZ FWD3.7L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22-13%$3,050410
MKZ AWD3.7L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-17%$3,200426
9/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
9/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.3 MPG2013 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Lincoln MKZ.

Similar 2013 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Lincoln MKZ (this car)38 MPGNot rated12
2013 BMW 5 Series27 MPGNot rated0
2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class26 MPGNot rated0
2013 Audi A426 MPGNot rated4
2013 Audi A628 MPGNot rated6
2013 Lexus LS20 MPGNot rated1
2013 Tesla Model S265 miNot rated11

Recalls (12)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Mar 10, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V162000 · 1,280,726 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Risk
A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Jun 8, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V331000 · 2,147,323 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion, 2015 Mustang, 2013-2015 Escape and C-Max, 2012-2015 Focus, 2014-2016 Transit Connect, 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ, and 2015 MKC vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and repaired under recalls 15V-246, 16V-643 or 17V-210, however the repair may not have been completed properly. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the latch date codes to confirm if the repair was done correctly, and replace the side door latches if necessary, free of charge. Owners will also have the option to inspect their own vehicle's door latches and enter the date codes into a website to determine if the latches are correct. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S30.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Aug 29, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V632000 · 116,160 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
Risk
If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer. If any of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S26.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Mar 27, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V210000 · 191,432 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014 Ford Fiesta, 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches, free of charge. The recall began May 1, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S16.
Seat Belts › Front · Dec 5, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V875000 · 603,392 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured November 2, 2012, to July 31, 2014, and 2013-2015 Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured November 14, 2012, to July 31, 2014. In the event of a crash, heat from the deployment of a seat belt pretensioner may cause a front seat belt anchor cable to fail.
Risk
If the driver or front passenger seatbelt cables cannot properly restrain the front seat occupants, they would be at an increased risk of injury.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply a protective coating to the seat belt cable, free of charge. The recall began May 16, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S42.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Apr 28, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V250000 · 487,301 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to March 20, 2015, and 2015 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 26, 2015, to February 28, 2015, and originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, snow or water containing road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
Risk
If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist. Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply sealer and replace the steering gear motor bolts as required. If one or more of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S14.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Apr 24, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V246000 · 456,440 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified the agency on April 23, 2015, that they are recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured July 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013, and 2012-2014 Fiesta vehicles manufactured February 1, 2012, to May 31, 2013. On April 30, 2015, Ford expanded the recall to cover an additional 119,567 vehicles, including certain model year 2011 Ford Fiestas manufactured from November 11, 2009, to May 31, 2013 and certain model year 2013 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured from February 1, 2012, to June 30, 2012. A component within the door latches may break making the doors difficult to latch and/or leading the driver or a passenger to believe a door is securely closed when, in fact, it is not.
Risk
A door that is not securely latched could open while the vehicle is in motion, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four door latches with an improved part, free of charge. Interim notifications were mailed to owners on June 5, 2015. The recall began on December 18, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S16.
Seat Belts · Sep 26, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V597000 · 746,842 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured January 19, 2012, to November 21, 2013; Ford Fusion vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to August 24, 2013; Ford Escape vehicles manufactured October 5, 2011, to November 1, 2013; and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured April 25, 2012, to September 30, 2013. The coating on portions of the Restraint Control Module (RCM) may crack, and when exposed to humidity, circuits on the printed circuit board may short.
Risk
The short circuits could cause the frontal air bags, side curtain air bags and the seat belt pretensioners to not function as intended when needed, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RCM, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. The recall began on May 26,2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S21.
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner · Apr 2, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V164000 · 43,135 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured August 15, 2012, through September 10, 2013, 2013-2014 Ford Escape vehicles manufactured June 5, 2012, through August 12, 2013, and 2013-2014 Ford C-Max vehicles manufactured from July 23, 2012, through May 28, 2013. The driver and passenger seatback assemblies may have been produced with sub-standard weld joints used to attach the seat back recliner mechanism to the seat frame. The affected seat backs may have insufficient strength to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Risk
The back of the subject seats may become loose or lean while driving and potentially increase the risk of injury in certain crashes.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seatback, free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14C03.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Nov 25, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V594000 · 7,153 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid vehicles manufactured April 26, 2012, through September 24, 2013. Due to a manufacturing error, the transmission range sensor may not function properly allowing the affected vehicles to be shifted out of the Park position without first applying the brake pedal. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 114, "Theft Protection."
Risk
Without requiring the brake to be pressed, the vehicle may be unintentionally shifted out of Park, allowing it to roll which may result in a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software, free of charge. The recall began on January 2014. Customers may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 13C09.
Electrical System · May 31, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V230000 · 107 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline · May 31, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V227000 · 390,783 vehicles

Problem
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer, Taurus, Flex, Fusion, Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility vehicles; and certain model year 2013 Lincoln MKS, MKT, and MKZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the fuel delivery module may develop a crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel delivery module, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S04.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Lincoln MKZ is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

101Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
62,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering17
Electrical System13
Seat Belts12
Structure › Body11
Engine11
Power Train10
Unknown Or Other10
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch6
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/04: 122/11: 123/01: 123/02: 223/04: 223/05: 223/07: 123/08: 123/09: 124/02: 124/07: 124/08: 124/10: 124/11: 124/12: 125/06: 125/07: 125/09: 125/10: 225/11: 126/02: 126/03: 126/09: 126/10: 122/0423/0223/0724/0224/1025/0625/1026/03max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Lincoln MKZ buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 17 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Electrical System — 13 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Seat Belts — 12 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 62,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Lincoln MKZ. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other MKZ years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 MKZ41194.1 in★★★★★13
2019 MKZ41194.1 in★★★★★123
2018 MKZ40194.1 in★★★★★238
2017 MKZ40194.1 inNot rated4158
2016 MKZ40194.1 inNot rated671
2015 MKZ40194.1 inNot rated1097
2014 MKZ38194.1 inNot rated13117
2012 MKZ38190.6 inNot rated5195
2011 MKZ38190.6 inNot rated5170
2010 MKZ21190.6 inNot rated7150
2009 MKZ21190.6 inNot rated6103
2008 MKZ22190.6 inNot rated4259

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →