Makes›Lincoln›MKZ›2014

2014 Lincoln MKZ

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 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
★★★★★
Recalls
13 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 38 MPG combined — 48% better than the average 2014 midsize car (25.7 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints117 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 14 for similar models — most often about the steering.
  • 13 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 32 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2014 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), 48% better than the 2014 midsize car average of 25.7 MPG, for an estimated $1,750 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 13 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 117 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2014

  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall

Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 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+48%$1,750242
MKZ FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 32 / 26+1%$2,600343
MKZ AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25-3%$2,700357
MKZ FWD3.7L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 27 / 22-14%$3,050410
MKZ AWD3.7L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)All-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21-18%$3,200430
9/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
9/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.7 MPG2014 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2014 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.9%
2014 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning

Similar 2014 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2014 Lincoln MKZ (this car)38 MPG★★★★★13
2014 BMW 5 Series30 MPGNot rated0
2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class26 MPG★★★★★0
2014 Audi A426 MPGNot rated4
2014 Audi A629 MPG★★★★★4
2014 Lexus LS20 MPGNot rated1
2014 Tesla Model S265 mi★★★★★9

Recalls (13)

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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages · Jan 13, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V011000 · 199,085 vehicles

Problem
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, Virginia and Hawaii. Exposure to certain environmental conditions, such as high temperatures, high humidity, and salt air can cause the brake pedal bumper to corrode and separate from the brake pedal.
Risk
A separated brake pedal bumper can cause the brake lights to illuminate continuously, causing confusion to other drivers and increasing the risk of a crash. On automatic transmission vehicles, a missing brake pedal bumper can allow the driver to shift the vehicle out of the "PARK" position without depressing the brake, allowing the vehicle to rollaway, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the brake pedal bumpers and clutch pedal bumpers, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on March 4, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 13, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S02.
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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Mar 23, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V177000 · 288,110 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2015 Fiesta, 2014-2016 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles sold, or ever registered in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 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 Ford or Lincoln dealers will replace the side door latches, free of charge. The recall began September 21, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S15.
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.
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar · Mar 12, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V167000 · 1,301,986 vehicles

Problem
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
Risk
A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2014 Lincoln MKZ is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

117Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
8Injuries reported
65,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering26
Electrical System18
Unknown Or Other14
Service Brakes, Hydraulic12
Service Brakes9
Engine9
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Structure › Body7
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/01: 123/02: 123/03: 223/04: 323/05: 723/06: 223/07: 323/08: 423/12: 124/04: 124/06: 124/10: 124/11: 125/01: 125/05: 125/08: 225/09: 125/10: 226/01: 226/02: 126/04: 126/05: 126/08: 126/10: 123/0123/0423/0724/0424/1125/0826/0126/05max 7

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2014 Lincoln MKZ buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 13 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 26 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 — 18 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Service Brakes, Hydraulic — 12 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 65,000 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 2014 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 in★★★★★4158
2016 MKZ40194.1 in★★★★★671
2015 MKZ40194.1 in★★★★★1097
2013 MKZ38194.1 inNot rated12101
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 →