Recall 13V594 affects 7,153 2013-2014 Lincoln Mkz vehicles for a transmission-range-sensor defect allowing Park shifts without braking. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln is recalling 7,153 2013-2014 Mkz Hybrid vehicles because a transmission range sensor error lets the vehicle shift out of Park without the brake pedal being pressed. A vehicle that leaves Park on its own can roll and result in a crash, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The transmission range sensor in the 2013-2014 Lincoln Mkz Hybrid is part of the automatic transmission shift system. It tells the vehicle what gear position the transmission is in, including Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive. That signal helps the brake-shift interlock decide when the shifter is allowed to leave Park.
In affected vehicles, a manufacturing error can keep the transmission range sensor from working correctly. When the sensor signal is wrong, the brake-shift interlock does not hold the shifter the way it should. The vehicle can be shifted out of Park without first pressing the brake pedal, which is why the recall is tied to the federal theft-protection requirement.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is not described as a noise, warning light, or change in how the transmission feels. The VIN decides whether this specific shifter interlock defect applies.
Who's affected?
Both model years share the same automatic transmission component.
| 2013 Lincoln Mkz | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2014 Lincoln Mkz | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 7,153 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
A 2013-2014 Lincoln Mkz can shift out of Park without the brake pedal pressed, allowing the vehicle to roll and result in a crash. Keep your foot on the brake while shifting, use the parking brake when parked, and schedule the recall repair. Repair will be free at any franchised Lincoln dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2014 Lincoln Mkz is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer and ask whether the free PCM software update is ready for your VIN.
- Schedule the PCM software update that fixes the transmission range sensor logic so the vehicle cannot shift out of Park without brake input.
- Bring the recall notice if Lincoln mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 13V594 and Ford recall 13C09 when you call.
- Set the parking brake before leaving the vehicle until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
The listed dealer repair is a software update to the Powertrain Control Module. Once the remedy is available, a Lincoln technician installs the updated PCM software so the transmission range sensor and shift interlock logic work as intended. Parts and labor are covered by the recall. The service visit is focused on software, not replacement of the transmission range sensor.
Timeline
| November 25, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 9, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V594?
Recall 13V594 covers 7,153 2013-2014 Lincoln Mkz Hybrid vehicles with a transmission range sensor problem. The vehicle can be shifted out of Park without pressing the brake pedal, letting it roll and increasing crash risk. Lincoln dealers update the Powertrain Control Module software for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2014 Lincoln Mkz is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 13V594. If it is, contact a franchised Lincoln dealer and schedule the Powertrain Control Module software update. Reference recall 13V594 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy states that dealers update the Powertrain Control Module software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Lincoln dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintended vehicle movement. If the transmission can shift out of Park without the brake pedal being pressed, the vehicle can roll and cause a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the free software update with a Lincoln dealer.
What if I bought my Lincoln Mkz used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner, so a used 2013-2014 Lincoln Mkz still qualifies if its VIN is included. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Lincoln dealer with recall 13V594.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V594000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V594 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V594000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →