Research · Midsize Cars
2018 Lincoln MKZ HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. Most complaints involve service brakes, hydraulic (1) and service brakes (1). The EPA rates it 40 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
40mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
2
Top: service brakes, hydraulic
Fuel cost / yr
$1,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2019 – Oct 2022
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Service brakes1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Service brakes, hydraulic
1 report
“The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving 15-20 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle however while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.”
Service brakes
1 report
“BRAKES FADE WHILE WAITING FOR STOP LIGHTS, SOMETIMES BREAK PETAL ALL WAY UP AND OTHER TIMES HALF WAY UP. YOU NEVER KNOW HOW FAR THE PETAL WILL BE WHEN STOPPING, UP OR HALF WAY DOWN. FADES WHEN WAITING, PUT IN NEUTRAL IF LONG LIGHT.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKZ Hybrid FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 41 | 38 | 40 | $1,550 | 222 |
- 40mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Lincoln MKZ HEV 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 12156
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2018 MKZ Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes, hydraulic (1), service brakes (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid at 40 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026