Recall 15V248 affects 21,435 2015 Lincoln Mkz vehicles for excessive parking-light output. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln is recalling 21,435 2015 Mkz vehicles because the parking lights stay at daytime-running-light brightness when used with the headlights. Excessive light output can temporarily blind oncoming traffic and increase crash risk, and Lincoln dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2015 Lincoln Mkz uses a combined parking lamp and daytime running light (DRL) in the same LED lamp assembly. In normal operation, that lamp is designed to run at a brighter DRL level during daytime driving and a lower parking lamp level when used with the headlights. The body control module sends the software command that sets that light level.
On affected Mkz vehicles, a body control module software change made the LED lighting module keep the parking lamps at DRL intensity when the headlights are on. That means the lamp does not step down to the lower parking lamp setting. The result is exterior light output that can exceed the amount allowed for that lighting function.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not expected to hear, smell, or feel anything different because the problem is in lighting control software, not a mechanical part.
Who's affected?
| 2015 Lincoln Mkz | Headlights |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 21,435 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2015 Lincoln Mkz sedan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
Excessive light output can temporarily blind oncoming drivers and increase the risk of a crash. Until the lighting control software is updated, use extra care around oncoming traffic and schedule the dealer repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Lincoln Mkz is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the free lighting-control software update that corrects the excessive parking-light output when the headlights are on.
- Bring the owner notice if it arrived. If not, reference recall number 15V248 when you call.
- Use extra care around oncoming traffic until the software update is complete, especially when driving with the headlights on.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician updates the lighting control software so the parking lights reduce output correctly when used with the headlights. The software update and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through Ford's original warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the Lincoln service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork for this lighting concern.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| April 27, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 27, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| April 27, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 8, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 11, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V248?
Recall 15V248 covers 21,435 2015 Lincoln Mkz vehicles with daytime running lights that stay too bright when used with the headlights. That light output can temporarily blind oncoming drivers and increase crash risk. Lincoln dealers update the lighting control software for free.
What should I do if my 2015 Lincoln Mkz is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V248. If it is, contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the lighting control software update. Reference recall number 15V248 or Lincoln recall number 15C02 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost. For recall 15V248, a franchised Lincoln dealer will update the lighting control software free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is excessive parking-light output when the daytime running lights are used with the headlights. Oncoming traffic can be temporarily blinded, increasing crash risk. The fix is a dealer software update to correct the lighting control.
What if I bought my Lincoln Mkz used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2015 Lincoln Mkz is included, then contact a franchised Lincoln dealer and reference recall 15V248.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V248000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V248 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V248000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →