Recall 15V340 covers 393,623 2011-2013 Lincoln and related vehicles for power steering assist loss. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
Lincoln recall 15V340 covers 393,623 2011-2013 vehicles, including Mkz, Fusion, Milan, Taurus, Mks, Flex, and Mkt models, because the electric power steering assist system can shut down after a steering motor sensor fault. A loss of power assist means extra steering effort at lower speeds and a higher crash risk; Lincoln dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electric power steering assist system in the affected 2011-2013 Lincoln vehicles uses an electric motor to help you turn the steering wheel. The motor adds assist at low speeds and during parking, so the driver does not have to supply all the steering force by hand. The steering gear still connects the wheel to the road, but the assist reduces effort.
On these Mkz, Fusion, Milan, Taurus, Mks, Flex, and Mkt vehicles, a steering motor sensor fault can cause the assist to shut down. The filing points to quality issues inside the electric power assist steering motor, including coating contamination and ribbon cable pin misalignment. When assist drops out, steering still works, but turning the wheel takes more force, especially at low speeds.
Drivers receive a warning sign when the system status changes. The vehicle sounds an audible chime and shows a power steering assist fault message in the instrument cluster.
Who's affected?
Covers 7 model lines across 3 model years, all tied to the same power steering system.
| 2012 Lincoln Mkz | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Lincoln Mkz | power steering system |
| 2011 Ford Fusion | power steering system |
| 2012 Ford Fusion | power steering system |
| 2011 Mercury Milan | power steering system |
| 2011 Ford Taurus | power steering system |
| 2011 Lincoln Mks | power steering system |
| 2011 Ford Flex | power steering system |
| 2011 Lincoln Mkt | power steering system |
| 2012 Ford Taurus | power steering system |
| 2012 Ford Flex | power steering system |
| 2012 Lincoln Mks | power steering system |
| 2012 Lincoln Mkt | power steering system |
| 2013 Lincoln Mks | power steering system |
| 2013 Ford Flex | power steering system |
| 2013 Lincoln Mkt | power steering system |
| 2013 Ford Taurus | power steering system |
| Units affected | 393,623 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 19 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of power steering assist makes the wheel harder to turn at lower speeds and increases crash risk. A chime and power steering assist fault message tell the driver the steering system status has changed. If that warning appears, use extra steering effort, slow down safely, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Lincoln dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2013 Lincoln Mkz, Fusion, Milan, Taurus, Taurus, Mks, Flex, or Mkt is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Lincoln dealer to schedule the free power steering assist inspection, software update, or steering-gear replacement.
- Bring the recall notice if Lincoln has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V340 when you call.
- Call Lincoln customer service at 1-866-436-7332 if you need help finding a dealer or confirming the repair path.
- Use extra care at low speeds until the repair is complete, because loss of power steering assist requires extra steering effort.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Lincoln technician checks the Power Steering Control Module for Diagnostic Trouble Codes. If the inspection finds codes tied to loss of steering assist, the technician replaces the steering gear. If no codes are found, the technician updates the PSCM software. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Ford provided a standard reimbursement plan for owners who paid for related remedies before recall notification, with reimbursement eligibility ending December 31, 2015. Bring documentation for any prior related repair to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 26, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| May 26, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 2, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| July 20, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 20, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 21, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V340?
Recall 15V340 covers 393,623 2011-2013 Lincoln Mkz, Fusion, Milan, Taurus, Mks, Flex, and Mkt vehicles with electric power steering assist that can shut down after a steering motor sensor fault. Loss of assist requires extra steering effort at low speeds and increases crash risk.
What should I do if my 2011-2013 Lincoln Mkz, Fusion, Milan, Taurus, Mks, Flex, or Mkt is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V340. If it is, contact a franchised Lincoln dealer and reference recall number 15V340 or 15S18. The dealer will inspect the power steering control module and complete the free repair.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. A franchised Lincoln dealer will inspect the power steering control module, replace the steering gear if qualifying trouble codes are found, or update the module software free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is a loss of electric power steering assist. If assist shuts down, the vehicle still steers, but it requires extra effort at lower speeds. That added effort increases crash risk, especially during parking, turning, and low-speed maneuvers.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call a franchised Lincoln dealer and reference recall 15V340 when scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V340000 |
|---|---|
| Lincoln customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V340 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V340000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →