2018 Lincoln Mkz Hev recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
What could happen: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MKZ HEV.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V167000 (manufacturer code 18S08).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
What could happen: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 MKZ HEV.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 23V162000 (manufacturer code 23S12).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 2018 Lincoln Mkz Hev owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (2), Hydraulic (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
10/17/2022 · Brakes
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving 15-20 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle however while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was ta…
10/16/2019 · Brakes
BRAKES FADE WHILE WAITING FOR STOP LIGHTS, SOMETIMES BREAK PETAL ALL WAY UP AND OTHER TIMES HALF WAY UP. YOU NEVER KNOW HOW FAR THE PETAL WILL BE WHEN STOPPING, UP OR HALF WAY DOWN. FADES WHEN WAITING, PUT IN NEUTRAL IF LONG LIGHT.