2017 Lincoln Mkz

I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure and engine-compartment fire involving my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select, equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle had approximately 99,864 miles when the final failure occurred. Shortly after I purchased the vehicle, the original engine developed severe overheating, loss of cabin heat, white exhaust smoke, misfiring, and coolant intrusion. On December 16, 2024, at approximately 95,354 miles, the vehicle was taken to Murgado Ford Lincoln of Chicago. The dealership documented diagnostic codes P0303 and P0316 and determined that coolant was entering cylinder No. 3. Pursuant to Ford Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229, the dealership replaced the long-block engine and related one-time-use components. The replacement service-engine assembly was identified on the repair invoice as part No. J2GZ-6006-E. The vehicle was returned to me on approximately January 30, 2025. After the engine replacement, the vehicle continued to experience serious problems. Within days, it stalled in an intersection, produced white smoke, lost cabin heat, and had to be returned to the dealership. The vehicle later continued to exhibit hesitation, harsh shifting, loss of power, and other abnormal drivability symptoms. On September 4, 2025, while I was operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions in Chicago, I heard a sudden loud metallic grinding or mechanical noise coming from the engine area. Gray smoke then began coming from the vehicle and quickly progressed into heavy dark smoke. A fire developed in the engine compartment, forcing me to stop and exit the vehicle. The fire rapidly intensified and was followed by an explosion or explosive sound. There was no collision that initiated this incident. The vehicle sustained catastrophic fire damage and was rendered a total loss. The failure occurred only approximately seven months after the replacement long-block engine was installed and after I had repeatedly experien INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

The car has been experiencing a persistent cylinder #2 misfire. We replaced the coils and spark plugs, only to learn that this is a common issue with the 2.0 MKZ engines. The problem has worsened to the point where the car sometimes can barely move in traffic, creating a serious safety risk if other drivers don’t notice the vehicle slowing to a crawl. It also puts my family at risk if we ever have to exit the car in busy traffic. Ford has diagnosed the issue, but they stated there is no recall associated with this VIN. The check engine light remains on.

So I bought this car in February of last year. Since I've had it june I had to do a head gasket. Another time the high speed fuel pump had bolt come loose and oil went everywhere causing a fire. Had transmission intercooler line do the same thing. Additional fire. And just recently I problem that was supposedly fixed already wasn't and flywheel broke leaving me stranding in a parking lot for 4 days dropping transmission. The dealer didn't put back all the parts correctly either.

Incident Summary – Vehicle Fire Date of Incident: Thursday, September 4, 2025 Context: I was driving to a scheduled service appointment for my car at Murgado Lincoln Dealership of Chicago Events Leading Up to the Fire While driving, I heard loud metal noises coming from under the hood. The sound was either metal pieces falling off or grinding/chomping metal against metal. Concerned by the noises, I pulled over to the side of the road. Smoke and Fire Once stopped, the car began emitting gray smoke, which quickly turned into black smoke. The black smoke entered through the dashboard, filling the interior cabin. I realized the vehicle had caught on fire. Immediate Actions Taken I quickly gathered personal belongings from inside the car. I was lucky to have evacuated the vehicle immediately to ensure my safety, despite inhalation of potentially hazardous chemicals due to the fire/ plastic of the car. I then called 911 to report the fire and request emergency assistance. The car continued to catch fire and then there was a minor explosion, as the Chicago fire department battled the fire.

I own a 2017 Lincoln MKZ and was just informed by the dealership that my vehicle is part of TSB 22-2229 which relates to a known defect in the manufacture of the 2.0 Ecoboost engine. Coolant is now leaking into the cylinder and progressively making the car worse. With only 85k miles the only fix is to install a new engine, out-of-pocket, for close to $15,000. I have filed my complaint with Lincoln, no response. This defective engine needs to be recalled!

After a year with the purchasing dealer we are still having on-going electrical issues with the vehicle. Apple Sync, voice control. Still have issues with rims pitting after only less than 10,000 miles on the vehicle. Bolt rusting on under carriage. Film on back window. Lincoln Corporate has been following this case for a year now and my rep is Mr. Dehane Davis. This file is still open at Lincoln Corporate.

VEHICLE STALLS/LOSES POWER ONCE FUEL REACHES BELOW HALF TANK OF GAS. FORD HAS ISSUED TSB'S ON THIS VERY ISSUE ON MANY OF THEIR OTHER ENGINES, BUT I'VE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND A TSB FOR THIS ISSUE FOR MY VEHICLE SPECIFICALLY. HERE IS THE TSB FOR FORD FOCUS'S WITH THIS ISSUE: FORD MOTOR COMPANY (FORD) IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2012-2018 FORD FOCUS VEHICLES WITH A 2.0L GDI OR 2.0L GTDI ENGINE. THE CANISTER PURGE VALVE (CPV) MAY MALFUNCTION, POSSIBLY CAUSING EXCESSIVE VACUUM IN FUEL VAPOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. TSB # 18S32. WHEN PRESSURE IS BEING RELEASED FROM THE GAS TANK VIA THE FUEL DOOR OPENING, GAS SPRAYS OUT OF THE OPENING AND GOERS STUCK/HARDENED TO EXTERIOR OF CAR.