2015 Lincoln MKZ Reliability ReportKeepScore 78/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2015 Lincoln MKZ
- Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2017 Lincoln MKZ earns a 82.
- The system most likely to surface first: infotainment system (myford touch/sync 2) (moderate severity).
- Has 11 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the steering:electric power assist system.
2015 Lincoln MKZ: Buy or Avoid?
The 2015 Lincoln MKZ offers compelling luxury features at an attractive used price point, making it a strong value proposition for many buyers. However, potential owners must be acutely aware of its few, but potentially costly, electrical and transmission weak spots to avoid significant ownership frustrations. With diligent pre-purchase inspection and a commitment to proactive maintenance, it can be a comfortable and stylish daily driver.
While the 2015 Lincoln MKZ offers significant luxury for the money, its persistent electrical and potential transmission issues necessitate a cautious approach. If you're willing to research extensively, obtain a thorough pre-purchase inspection, and budget for potential repairs, particularly on the infotainment or…
Best Model Years
2017-2020 (post-facelift, SYNC 3 standard, improved reliability)
Years to Avoid
2013-2014 (earlier production of MyFord Touch, fewer refinements)
Biggest Strengths
- Generally robust powertrains (especially Hybrid)
- Excellent ride comfort and quiet cabin
- Feature-rich for its price point
2015 Lincoln MKZ — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2015 Lincoln MKZ, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The MyFord Touch system is notorious for freezing, lagging, random reboots, and complete failure of the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module). This affects radio, navigation, climate, and phone controls. It's often a software bug or…
While many units are fine, the 6F35 automatic transmission (found in gas models) can develop shudders, hard shifts, or complete failure. This is often attributed to solenoid issues, valve body problems, or clutch pack wear, especially if…
Beyond the infotainment, owners report various electrical issues ranging from faulty door handles (sensor issues), power window failures, inconsistent sensor readings, and occasional battery drain issues. These can be challenging to diag…
2015 Lincoln MKZ Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2015 Lincoln MKZ most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, the vehicle is still relatively new. Focus on routine oil changes, tire rotations, and cabin/engine air filter replacements. This is often the point for the first brake service.
Maintenance Zone
This mileage often coincides with the MyFord Touch APIM module beginning to show signs of failure. It's also time for major fluid services (transmission fluid for gas models, coolant, brake fluid) if not done previously, and inspecting w…
Elevated Risk Zone
Past 90k, the risk of 6F35 transmission issues increases significantly, especially if fluid changes were skipped. Suspension components like struts and mounts may also be due for replacement. Expect to address more wear-related items.
High Risk Zone
Beyond 120k, the vehicle enters a territory where major component failures become more likely. While engines are generally solid, transmission rebuilds or replacements are common for gas models. Be prepared for increased repair frequency…
2015 Lincoln MKZ Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2015 Lincoln MKZ on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$500-700
Moderate Repairs
$600-1,800 occasionally (e.g., APIM, suspension work)
How Long Does the 2015 Lincoln MKZ Last?
Focus on well-maintained examples under 80,000 miles for gasoline models to mitigate transmission risk. Hybrid models are a safer bet even at higher mileages, provided battery cooling system maintenance has been performed.
What 2015 Lincoln MKZ Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Exceptional ride comfort and a very quiet cabin, even at highway speeds.
- Sophisticated exterior styling that still looks modern.
- Abundant luxury features for the price (heated/cooled seats, panoramic roof, active noise cancellation).
- Strong power from the 3.7L V6 and excellent fuel economy from the Hybrid.
Common Frustrations
- Frustrating and glitchy MyFord Touch/SYNC 2 infotainment system.
- Cramped rear seat legroom compared to segment rivals.
- Limited trunk space in Hybrid models due to battery placement.
- Some owners find the 6-speed automatic transmission in gas models to be sluggish or prone to shuddering.
Who Should Buy the 2015 Lincoln MKZ?
Best For
- Value-conscious buyers seeking luxury features without a premium badge price.
- Commuters prioritizing a quiet, comfortable, and smooth ride.
- Tech-savvy individuals who are prepared to troubleshoot or upgrade infotainment systems.
Not Ideal For
- Drivers demanding absolute, bulletproof long-term reliability.
- Anyone who dislikes complicated or buggy infotainment systems.
How the 2015 Lincoln MKZ Compares to Rivals
The MKZ offers a more luxurious and quiet cabin than its Ford Fusion sibling, often at a similar used price. It generally provides better ride comfort and more features than direct Japanese competitors like the Acura ILX, but falls short of Lexus's sterling reliability reputat…
More Reliable Than
- Cadillac ATS (generally higher repair costs)
- Acura ILX (less refined ride, weaker base engine)
- Certain older European entry-luxury sedans (for maintenance costs)
Comparable To
- Ford Fusion Platinum (shared platform/components)
- Buick Regal (comfort-focused, similar reliability profile)
Safety Recalls on the 2015 Lincoln MKZ
11 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
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 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.
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 cause a front seat belt anchor cable to fail.
What breaks on the 2015 Lincoln MKZ?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
OwnerKeep Passport · $499 · one-time
Just bought a 2015 Lincoln MKZ? Keep it that way.
Snap a receipt — AI logs it. Build an OwnerScore. Sell with a buyer-ready Passport dossier.
Lincoln MKZ — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Lincoln MKZ. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2015s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2015 Lincoln MKZ
Parts and accessories matched to your 2015 Lincoln MKZ
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Just bought a 2015 Lincoln MKZ? Keep it that way.
OwnerKeep Passport turns your Lincoln MKZ's care history into a luxury digital vault — AI-logged receipts, an OwnerScore that pays at resale, and a buyer-ready dossier in one tap.
- AI receipt OCR — snap and log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Tri-Score OwnerScore
- One-tap resale dossier PDF
Recommended Reading for the Lincoln MKZ
Most Reliable Cars to Buy Used (Top 10 Ranked)
Get our expert-ranked list of the 10 most reliable used cars you can buy today, saving money and avoiding future headaches with smart choices.
Jeep Wrangler vs Toyota 4Runner: Which Lasts Longer?
Get the definitive answer: Which truly lasts longer, the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner? Our comparison reveals their long-term durability.
Toyota Tacoma vs Chevy Colorado: Reliability Compared
Explore a head-to-head reliability comparison of the Toyota Tacoma vs. Chevy Colorado. Discover which truck truly stands out for long-term dependability.