2014 Lincoln MKZ
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0l FWD/AWD/3.7l FWD/Hybrid 4dr Sedan | 194.1 in | 73.2 in | 58.3 in | 112.2 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,827 lb | 59/41 |
| 3.7l AWD 4dr Sedan | 194.1 in | 73.2 in | 58.3 in | 112.2 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,001 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKZ Hybrid FWD Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 / 37 / 38 | +48% | $1,750 | 242 |
| MKZ FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | +1% | $2,600 | 343 |
| MKZ AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | -3% | $2,700 | 357 |
| MKZ FWD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -14% | $3,050 | 410 |
| MKZ AWD | 3.7L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -18% | $3,200 | 430 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.9% |
| 2014 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.9% |
Similar 2014 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Lincoln MKZ (this car) | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 13 |
| 2014 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2014 Audi A4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2014 Audi A6 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2014 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2014 Tesla Model S | 265 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.
Not every 2014 Lincoln MKZ is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2014 Lincoln MKZ buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 13 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 26 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 18 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic — 12 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 65,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 MKZ | 41 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 3 |
| 2019 MKZ | 41 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 23 |
| 2018 MKZ | 40 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 38 |
| 2017 MKZ | 40 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 158 |
| 2016 MKZ | 40 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 71 |
| 2015 MKZ | 40 | 194.1 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 97 |
| 2013 MKZ | 38 | 194.1 in | Not rated | 12 | 101 |
| 2012 MKZ | 38 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 5 | 195 |
| 2011 MKZ | 38 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 5 | 170 |
| 2010 MKZ | 21 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 7 | 150 |
| 2009 MKZ | 21 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 103 |
| 2008 MKZ | 22 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 259 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lincoln. How we calculate this →