Is the 2013 Lincoln MKZ HYBRID reliable?

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ HYBRID has 18 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: STEERING problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Lincoln MKZ HYBRID?

Top problems: STEERING (3 complaints, avg repair $500); DOORS/LATCHES (2 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Lincoln MKZ HYBRID?

No recalls have been issued for the 2013 Lincoln MKZ HYBRID.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Lincoln MKZ HYBRID?

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ HYBRID gets 38 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1263. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Lincoln MKZ HYBRID?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Lincoln MKZ HYBRID is approximately $1,971/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Lincoln MKZ HYBRID

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ HYBRID has 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 27. The most common issue is steering problems (17% of all complaints), specifically: i purchased a used 2013 lincoln mkz hybrid on nov 28 2016. on dec 1 2016 i was driving on i 20 in birmingham al and the vehicle stalled on the freeway after i had engaged in a panic stop and veered the vehicle to the right. my vehicle froze in a position with the left rear of the vehicle in the traf.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

STEERING

3 complaints

17%

• I PURCHASED A USED 2013 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID ON NOV 28 2016. ON DEC 1 2016 I WAS DRIVING ON I 20 IN BIRMINGHAM AL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED ON THE FREEWAY AFTER I HAD ENGAGED IN A PANIC STOP AND VEERED THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT. MY VEHICLE FROZE IN A POSITION WITH THE LEFT REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN THE TRAF
• POWER STEERING ASSIST CONTROL MODULE CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE STEERING ABILITY WHILE IN MOTION; PRODUCING HIGH RISK OF ACCIDENT. WHILE TURNING VEHICLE STEERING GAVE OUT ALMOST CAUSING A ACCIDENT LUCKILY NO OTHER CAR WAS ONCOMING. FAULTY DESIGN RECALLS ON MOST LINCOLN THAT YEAR FOR SAME PROBLEM. THE 2
• I HAVE ADVANCETRAC SERVICE WARNING, HILL ASSIST AND ABS DISABLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEING HEAVIER THAN NORMAL PLUS THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING WHILE ACCELERATION AND BRAKING. THE PROBLEM USUALLY HAPPENS AT WET OR COLD WEATHER. IT STARTED ONCE A DAY BUT NOW AT LEAST 50 TIMES A DAY. MANY TIMES THAT

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“I PURCHASED A USED 2013 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID ON NOV 28 2016. ON DEC 1 2016 I WAS DRIVING ON I 20 IN BIRMINGHAM AL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED ON THE FREEWAY AFTER I HAD ENGAGED IN A PANIC STOP AND VEERED THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT. MY VEHICLE FROZE IN A POSITION WITH THE LEFT REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN THE TRAF”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Lincoln MKZ HYBRID

Based on 13 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 33K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Lincoln MKZ HYBRID

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,263

Per month

$105

Per mile

10.5¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,263/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,298/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Lincoln MKZ HYBRID

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,971

Full coverage / month

$164

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1971

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Lincoln MKZ HYBRID Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Complimentary maintenance for select models; check with your dealer for eligibility.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Lincoln New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

6 yr / 70K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

6 yr / 70K mi

These are the terms for a new Lincoln. If you're buying a used 2013 MKZ HYBRID, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Lincoln dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

DOORS/LATCHES(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 18 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
STEERING: I PURCHASED A USED 2013 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID ON NOV 28 2016. ON DEC 1 2016 I WAS DRIVING ON I 20 IN BIRMINGHAM AL AND THE VEHICLE STALLED ON THE FREEWAY AFTER I HAD ENGAGED IN A PANIC STOP AND VEERED THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT. MY VEHICLE FROZE IN A POSITION WITH THE LEFT REAR OF THE VEHICLE IN THE TRAF
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DOORS/LATCHES: A FEW WEEKS AGO THE RIGHT REAR DOOR LATCH FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED (THE DOOR WOULD NOT STAY SHUT, WHILE PARKED OR DURING VEHICLE OPERATION). TODAY THE FRONT RIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE) DOOR LATCH ALSO FAILED. SAME EXACT ISSUE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS SOMEONE COULD FALL OUT OF THE CAR DURIN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: CAR JUST ONE YEAR OLD AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: I LEASED MY CAR IN AUGUST OF 2013. ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS I DID WAS RUN A VEHICLE HEALTH REPORT, WHICH I DID EVERY OTHER MONTH SINCE I GOT THE CAR. IN THE REPORT WHAT WOULD ALWAYS APPEAR WAS DRIVER ASSISTS AND RESTRAINTS REPORT ..."SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE." THEN IN THE LATE FALL OF 2014 I RECEIVED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)