2015 Lincoln MKZ problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls
NO ELEVATED SIGNAL
17%
14 of 82 relevant owner complaints are about the engine, transmission or fuel system
No elevated drivetrain complaint concentration in the available NHTSA records for the 2015 Lincoln MKZ. Engine, transmission and fuel system account for 17% of relevant complaints.
Better than 91% of the 1,789 model years we track (2010–2023).
Excludes 13 airbag, lighting and seat-belt recall complaints that would otherwise mask the signal (unadjusted: 15%).
Does the 2015 Lincoln MKZ have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 14 of 82 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2015 Lincoln MKZ concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (17%). For comparison, the 2014 scores 22% and the 2016 scores 18%. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.
Manufacturers fix things mid-generation. A bad year next to a clean one is common; the fix usually arrived in between.
What owners reported
ENGINE12/14/2025
While driving vehicle the engine shut down for no apparent reason. Light came on said do not attempt to drive, not safe. Was able to get car to a safe area. Was able to restart and get the car home. Brought the car to the dealer, said battery was dead, found water in the truck where the battery is located
After reading about the numerous complaints about this vehicles transmission issues I have decided to come here. The PCM and TCM need to be changed in the vehicle. Causing rough shifts from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th which essentially will cause you to replace the transmission because of the damage it causes. Also const…
ENGINE01/03/2024
The catalytic converters(2) failed and need replacement. My mechanic diagnosed the problem and agrees with the scan code that was reported, a P0430. The check engine light is constantly lit and cannot be turned off with this fault code, according to my mechanic erasing the code will just bring it back shortly, and I ha…
Three of 14 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows more, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
Recall campaigns on the 2015 Lincoln MKZ (11)
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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 reg…
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. In the event of a crash, heat from the deployment of a seat belt pretensioner may ca…
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
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 vehicl…
This does not say whether a particular car has an open, unrepaired recall. That depends on the VIN.
Before you buy a 2015 Lincoln MKZ
No elevated drivetrain pattern for this model year. That describes the model, not the car in front of you.
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
11 recall campaigns on this model year. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on the VIN; the report checks that.
Ask for service records. A engine already replaced under warranty is a different car from one that was not.
Questions people ask about the 2015 Lincoln MKZ
Does the 2015 Lincoln MKZ have engine or transmission problems?
Not as a pattern, going by owner complaints. 14 of 82 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2015 Lincoln MKZ concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (17%). It describes the model year, not any one car, so an inspection still matters.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2015 Lincoln MKZ?
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns on the 2015 Lincoln MKZ. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Which Lincoln MKZ years are better?
Among the Lincoln MKZ years we track, the 2012 (15%) and the 2010 (16%) have a lower engine and transmission complaint share than the 2015 (17%). Manufacturers fix things mid-generation, so the year before or after can be a different car.
Should I buy a 2015 Lincoln MKZ?
That depends on the car in front of you, not just the model year. The 2015 Lincoln MKZ shows no elevated engine or transmission pattern in owner complaints, which is a good starting point. It is still one car with its own history, so get an independent pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you commit.
Have the VIN?Paste it and get the full report for that car. First report free, then a 30-day pass covers a whole car search.
Experimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history
report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition
of any individual vehicle. Combined across 2 body styles NHTSA files separately.