Is the 2013 Lincoln MKZ reliable?

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ has 146 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Lincoln MKZ?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (17 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (16 complaints, avg repair $500); SEATS/RESTRAINTS (16 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Lincoln MKZ?

Yes, there are 13 recall(s): STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, SEAT BELTS:FRONT, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH, AIR BAGS, STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH, SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Contact any Lincoln dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

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

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ gets 23 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2087. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

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

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Lincoln MKZ is approximately $1,853/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

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2013 Lincoln MKZ has 146 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 146. The most common issue is electrical problems (12% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2013 lincoln mkz. the contact stated that while traveling at unknown speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the power line to the battery junction was loose. the vehicle was repaired. the contact also mentioned th. There are 13 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 5 crash reports 2 injuries

146

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

17 complaints

12%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE POWER LINE TO THE BATTERY JUNCTION WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED TH
• TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2013 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, HIS HAND ERRONEOUSLY BRUSHED AGAINST THE PUSH-TO-START BUTTON. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ONCE IT WAS SECURED IN PARK. THE RENTAL
• VEHICLE LOCKED OUT OF ABILITY TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO REVERSE. THE CAR NEEDED TO BE RESTARTED SEVERAL TIMES OVER 20 MINUTES IN ORDER TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. CAUSED OBSTACLE TO TRAFFIC. BLIND CROSS TRAFFIC ALERT AND FORWARD COLLISION WARNING ALARM IS ACTIVATED WITHOUT PROPER STIMULUS, SLOWING THE VE

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE POWER LINE TO THE BATTERY JUNCTION WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED TH”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Lincoln MKZ

Based on 92 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 40K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 30K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 7K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 46K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 32K mi · 9 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 72K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

Later than typicalmedian 40K mi · 11 reports

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.

Recalls (13)

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM29/08/2019

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Lincoln MKZ

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,087

Per month

$174

Per mile

17.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,549/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

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

$1,853

Full coverage / month

$154

Liability only / year

$668

vs US avg

+11%

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 rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1853

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

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Lincoln MKZ 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, 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

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 146 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE POWER LINE TO THE BATTERY JUNCTION WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED TH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: INCIDENT OCCURRED AFTER TURNING RIGHT FROM A FULL STOP AT A STOP LIGHT ONTO CURVY ROAD WITH MODERATE DOWNHILL SLOPE AND CONSTRUCTION BARRICADES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. TRAFFIC WAS APPROACHING IN OPPOSITE LANE. ROAD WAS CURVING TO THE RIGHT. FRONT COLLISION AVOIDANCE AUDIBLE ALARM AND FLASHING RED LIG
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SEATS/RESTRAINTS: FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNING DOES NOT DOES NOT LIGHT UP OR BEEP FOR AROUND 4 BLOCKS OF TRAVEL. IF MOST ACCIDENTS HAPPEN CLOSE TO HOME THIS COULD BE SERIOUS OR EVEN FATAL. THE DEALER SAYS IT IS THIS WAY WITH ALL THE OTHER MODELS HE COMPARED MINE TO. THIS DOES NOT MAKE A SAFE SITUATION. THE D
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: THE CAR SHIFTS FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL WHEN DRIVING. THE CAR SHIFTS FROM DRIVE TO LOW WHILE DRIVING. THE CAR SHIFTS FROM REVERSE TO PARK WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES A FEW TIME IT ALMOST RESULTED IN A ACCIDENT. I FINALLY TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS AND WILL WAIT AND SEE IF I
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 13 recalls have been completed — free at any Lincoln dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)