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2017 Lincoln Mkz

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Lincoln Mkz do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 109.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

41 reports with mileage · 97 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 76 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports4 fire reports4 injury reports

Engine complaints

76 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2024
Engine

The 2017 MKZ has an oil leak. I was informed during a recent state inspection and oil changed. When I left to take the car in, I noticed about a fist size spot of oil on the garage floor. When I received the call from the dealership, my MKZ was serviced. The oil leak was from the oil pan. I was also, informed it required TSB. Ex…

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The 2017 MKZ has an oil leak. I was informed during a recent state inspection and oil changed. When I left to take the car in, I noticed about a fist size spot of oil on the garage floor. When I received the call from the dealership, my MKZ was serviced. The oil leak was from the oil pan. I was also, informed it required TSB. Explained by the Ford Team Leader, it did not only need a new gasket. The service for the oil leak required the following; New oil pan, new valve covers, new gaskets, etc. Lincoln has designed a NEW pan, valve cover, gaskets which should eliminate the oil pan leak. The total repair cost went into approximately 4 TIMES the cost for a normal oil pan gasket replacement. In researching, it appears Lincoln has known of the potential problem since 2015 and I purchase this as a new used. When I purchased the car, it was a bought back and I was told all issues were repaired, but it appears if this was an issue in 2015 and Lincoln has designed new parts, why was the oil pan and covers not replaced, if this engine has a known history of oil leaking. There not a recall or some type of resolution for the repair after any warranty issues. This is a design and manufacturing fault and negligence on Lincoln. Now this extreme high-cost repair is placed on the consumer to fix Lincoln's known engine design issue to eliminate the oil leak. Either a recall should have been called or the repair should not be fully on the owner. Now I am beginning to smell oil after just short drives around town.

NHTSA ODI #11579245

20,000 miles · Nov 16, 2023
EngineEquipment

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that the Navigation System was providing inaccurate information. The contact stated that the Navigation System became inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the gas cap was …

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The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that the Navigation System was providing inaccurate information. The contact stated that the Navigation System became inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the gas cap was loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Navigation System needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI #11555401

Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2023
Engine

Coolant leaked into cylinders causing my engine to regularly overheat, forcing me to replace the engine at about 78,000 miles. Although I didn't realize it at the time, the first indication of a problem was at 72,737 miles (just 2,737 miles out of warranty), which is when I had the first overheating incident. According to my r…

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Coolant leaked into cylinders causing my engine to regularly overheat, forcing me to replace the engine at about 78,000 miles. Although I didn't realize it at the time, the first indication of a problem was at 72,737 miles (just 2,737 miles out of warranty), which is when I had the first overheating incident. According to my research, Ford has known about this problem for many years, and it affects many models over many model years, but they have yet to address the problem with the public. I was fortunate in that I didn't have a fire or an accident due to this known problem. Ford has issued several Technical Service Bulletins about it, the most recently being 22-2229, which is attached. Lincoln assisted me with covering the engine replacement, but in total, I am out $3,864.80 due to this problem.

NHTSA ODI #11551870

Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 2023
Engine

There are numerous reports of engines needing to be replaced due to coolant intrusion on the engine which causes overheating due to coolant loss. It eventually causes engine misfire a=in cylinder #2 or 3. Ford/Lincol does not want to cover engine replacements cut issued a TSB stating that engined need to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI #11547122

Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2023
Engine

September 2023, 2017 MKZ showed misfire cylinder 3. Had a rough idle started back up and got a puff of white smoke from tailpipe. Towed to dealer who told me I needed new engine. 10k. Car has 64k miles. Dealer says I missed power train warranty by 1 month and 8 days. Contacted headquarters who initially said I had 11 months left…

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September 2023, 2017 MKZ showed misfire cylinder 3. Had a rough idle started back up and got a puff of white smoke from tailpipe. Towed to dealer who told me I needed new engine. 10k. Car has 64k miles. Dealer says I missed power train warranty by 1 month and 8 days. Contacted headquarters who initially said I had 11 months left. Headquarters recommended a local Ford dealer who told me it wasn't covered. I'm stuck with 20k debt and ford knows about this coolant engine flaw.

NHTSA ODI #11545323

Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2023
Engine

2017 lincoln mkz 2.0L ecoboost engine Coolant intrusion into cylinder due to cracked engine block from factory defects in water jacket design. This will cause engine to fail, over heat, potential fire risk. Issue identified by certified dealer and lincoln refuses to fix due to out of warranty. Issue is known by lincoln and is sa…

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2017 lincoln mkz 2.0L ecoboost engine Coolant intrusion into cylinder due to cracked engine block from factory defects in water jacket design. This will cause engine to fail, over heat, potential fire risk. Issue identified by certified dealer and lincoln refuses to fix due to out of warranty. Issue is known by lincoln and is same as 1.6L ecoboost recall. Check engine light indicated misfire in cylinder, however light is intermittently illuminated and does not identify the actual issue.

NHTSA ODI #11538144

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2023
Engine

While driving my 2017 Lincoln MKZ 3.0L in March 2023, I experienced a loss of power and then engine stalled, fortunately I was at a stop and was able to re-start the vehicle and limp home, (which was nearby). If this loss of power and then stall would have happened while I was moving in traffic the failure could have lead to a …

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While driving my 2017 Lincoln MKZ 3.0L in March 2023, I experienced a loss of power and then engine stalled, fortunately I was at a stop and was able to re-start the vehicle and limp home, (which was nearby). If this loss of power and then stall would have happened while I was moving in traffic the failure could have lead to a catastrophic outcome including loss of life. It was determined via OBDII analysis conducted by the Lincoln Service department that DTC P0302 was triggered. Upon further inspection by the service department it was revealed that the issue was related to TSB 19-2243, which reads "2.7L/3.0L - Oil Consumption With DTC P0524 And/Or P06DD, Rough Idle, Misfire And/Or White Or Blue Exhaust Smoke - Built On 1-Apr-2016 And Through 1-Jan-2017". Unfortunately, my vehicle was built during this known defect time frame. And the remedy required new cylinder head. The new cylinder head and subsequent parts and labor cost me $3,126.58. This was extremely unfair as my only because my vehicle did not fall within the warranty period or mileage. The vehicle was over 6 years old with 36,934 miles. This very serious failure mode could have resulted in a loss of life if experienced while driving on a highway or any other situation in which the vehicle was mobile and experienced a sudden loss of power in traffic. Further disappointing is that I would estimate that there were many vehicles that experienced the defect noted in the TSB but these were not reported publicly because they were "lucky enough" to fail during the warranty period. My costs should be reimbursed by Lincoln given this was a known defect during the build time frame. And at minimum there should be a safety recall for the vehicles built during the time period noted in the TSB. I will personally never purchase another Lincoln not to mention a Ford, of which I currently have 3 Ford/Lincoln.

NHTSA ODI #11536963

Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2023
Engine

In September 2022, I began noticing issues with my 2017 Lincoln MKZ. Despite notifying Lincoln and the dealer, they delayed inspection due to their policy that a check engine light was not a sufficient reason for an early inspection without an appointment. It was only inspected in November. I also was told both by the dealer and…

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In September 2022, I began noticing issues with my 2017 Lincoln MKZ. Despite notifying Lincoln and the dealer, they delayed inspection due to their policy that a check engine light was not a sufficient reason for an early inspection without an appointment. It was only inspected in November. I also was told both by the dealer and Lincoln corporate customer service that I couldn't take my car to other dealers to get it inspected. In November 2022, it was finally inspected, but they were unable to diagnose the issue. By July 2023, the issues escalated - my car was now diagnosed as requiring a new engine due to coolant leakage into the engine. I was shocked and horrified at this outcome, given that I had only driven the car for 25k miles since its purchase in 2020. Over a third of submitted complaints to nhtsa regarding this vehicle model are related to engine failure due to coolant leakage. TSB reports and existing class action lawsuits indicate that the issue is a known design flaw in the engine affecting both Lincoln MKZ and certain Ford Fusion models. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2134, indicates that the problem may present "with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)". A complete engine replacement is their proposed solution. Despite the urgent need for corrective action, Lincoln's response has been neither prompt nor transparent. They seem to be avoiding responsibility rather than addressing this critical defect, as evident in their decision to discontinue the MKZ and the Ford Fusion in 2020 a year after acknowledging these issues. This is a case of warranty and insurance fraud, not to mention a critical failure in maintaining public safety. I urge NHTSA to thoroughly investigate this defect affecting numerous vehicles and compel Lincoln to rectify it. For the past two weeks, I've requested multiple times my vehicle records from Lincoln but received none, leaving my car hostage in the shop. Please consider this plea for action.

NHTSA ODI #11534950

Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2023
Engine

Engine light would come on & off. Took my care in to be inspected - they determine i need a new motor -due to defect in motor design leaking antifreeze into cylinders. Not cover by warranty because i was 2 months out of the 6yr. period with only 47,000 miles on it. They will do nothing for me except charge for a new motor. …

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Engine light would come on & off. Took my care in to be inspected - they determine i need a new motor -due to defect in motor design leaking antifreeze into cylinders. Not cover by warranty because i was 2 months out of the 6yr. period with only 47,000 miles on it. They will do nothing for me except charge for a new motor. My understanding is this 4 cylinder w/turbo motor in Ford/Lincoln has a known design flaw that they hope no one finds out about.

NHTSA ODI #11534761

Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2023
Engine

This vehicle already has a TSB reported, TSB 22-2229. There is a known defect in the manufacturing of the engine design. The design is failing and allowing coolant to run into the engine cylinders. This puts drivers at risk, not knowing when the engine may completely fail while driving it. The engine heats up quickly when the …

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This vehicle already has a TSB reported, TSB 22-2229. There is a known defect in the manufacturing of the engine design. The design is failing and allowing coolant to run into the engine cylinders. This puts drivers at risk, not knowing when the engine may completely fail while driving it. The engine heats up quickly when the coolant is drained into the engine (default design), instead of around the turbo engine. There is no coolant left in the reservoir, thus possibly causing an engine fire. I've had a diagnostic check on the vehicle at Blue Springs, Mo Ford. They report that the engine will need to be replaced. The service engine light comes on, but the code read doesn't come up as the engine. It is a spark plug/coil pack needed for replacement. This has been done. I've had the engine overheating warning come up. I've had to add antifreeze to the reservoir several times. These warning lamps and messages have been coming up for the past 2 weeks. The car starts off rough, with some misfires in the idle. I have had it not start at first and I will have to try again several times.

NHTSA ODI #11526429

Official recalls

4

23V162000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Mar 10, 2023

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 & remedy

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.

18V390000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter

Jun 11, 2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford Edge and 2017 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the torque converter weld studs fail, the torque converter will not be connected to the engine flexplate and the vehicle will lose the ability to move, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converters, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S16 (S2). Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 17V-427.

18V167000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar

Mar 12, 2018

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 & remedy

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.

17V427000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter

Jul 6, 2017

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Edge and Fusion vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the torque converter weld studs fail, the torque converter will not be connected to the engine flexplate and the vehicle will lose the ability to move, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford or Lincoln will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converters, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S16.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

RQ22004 · Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures

Opened Aug 8, 2022 · Closed Mar 24, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 50 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging front brake jounce hose ruptures on model year (MY) 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A ruptured front brake hose results in a brake fluid leak. As a result, the driver may experience an increase in pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration, increasing the risk of a crash. It should be noted that the subject vehicles identified fell outside the scope of NHTSA Safety Recall 20V-469, which addressed front brake hoses rupturing on certain MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The result causes a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needing to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.On March 10, 2023, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted to NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-162 (Ford Recall 23S12) to address front brake jounce hoses that may rupture. Ford found the rupture occurs from a localized failure of the internal reinforcement braid due to cyclic fatigue through tensile/bending and torsional inputs during suspension and steering articulations. The supplier for the front brake jounce hoses is Hitachi. This recall affects the subject vehicles equipped with non-hybrid engines and the suspect front brake jounce hoses (a total of 1,280,726 vehicles). The recall covers subject vehicles built from February 3, 2012 to July 19, 2017 when the suspect hoses were used in vehicle production. The remedy is for dealerships to replace both front brake jounce hoses with new hoses that have a revised braid material at no cost. The vehicles equipped with hybrid engines are excluded from the recall because the internal hose pressure is much lower due to the regenerative braking provided by the hybrid brake system. No failures of brake hoses on hybrid vehicles have been reported to ODI or Ford.Ford's actions address ODIs concerns at this time. Hybrid vehicles will be monitored for related failures. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by new circumstances.The 103 ODI numbers cited above can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ID numbers:11511014, 11510867, 11510318, 11509030, 11505993, 11504989, 11504400, 11502147, 11502082, 11501820, 11501283, 11498439, 11498296, 11496842, 11496335, 11494931, 11494851, 11494252, 11493001, 11492084, 11492070, 11491444, 11491274, 11488858, 11488027, 11487627, 11487416, 11487233, 11486150, 11484924, 11484526, 11484080, 11483948, 11483926, 11483739, 11483723, 11482773, 11482690, 11481077, 11480788, 11480294, 11480052, 11479338, 11479334, 11479252, 11479247, 11479187, 11479094, 11479048, 11478985, 11478953, 11478729, 11478216, 11476892, 11476282, 11470558, 11468994, 11467109, 11466294, 11462746, 11461217, 11456065, 11455367, 11444848, 11436419, 11436376, 11430685, 11428329, 11425083, 11421026, 11420738, 11420735, 11420298, 11418197, 11403926, 11397549, 11366991, 11366757, 11361016, 11359968, 11354569, 11352165, 11350344, 11348799, 11343929, 11343205, 11331947, 11329020, 11319596, 11310529, 11292271, 11288455, 11254787, 11253479, 11253244, 11234622, 11230669, 11230050, 11228240, 11221111, 11143630, 11129392 and 11120228.