Service brakes
Free remedy
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Research · Midsize Cars
2017 Lincoln MKZRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 140 owner complaints for the 2017 Lincoln MKZ. Most complaints involve engine (75) and power train (24). The EPA rates it 20–24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
20–24mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Mar 2023
Owner complaints
140
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Power train: torque converter
Free remedy
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.
Steering: steering wheel
Free remedy
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.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
140 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2017 – Oct 2026
- Engine75
- Power train24
- Engine and engine cooling11
- Electrical system10
- Fuel/propulsion system9
- Service brakes8
- Service brakes, hydraulic7
- Steering6
- Vehicle speed control5
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 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
75 reports3 crashes4 fires
“My 2017 Lincoln MKZ with only 52100 miles started leaking coolant into the engine cylinders which will require a new engine. Ford/Lincoln is aware of this problem with their 2.0 liter Ecoboost engine and has even issued a service bulletin and the necessary engine replacement. I have contacted Lincoln Customer Service and their response was they have no liability since the vehicle is out of warranty. I have noted there are several class action lawsuits in progress and I believe a recall has been issued on some Ford/Lincoln Ecoboost engines. A recall should be issued for all affected engines and not just some models. Thank you for your attention in this matter. The engine replacement will cost at least 7000. Ford should be responsible for reimbursing my out of pocket costs as a result of their unwillingness to resolve this issue.”
Power train
24 reports3 crashes3 fires
“The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the torque converter, flex plate, and transmission fluid pump were inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the extended warranty coverage for the repair. The failure mileage was 102,450.”
Engine and engine cooling
11 reports
“The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling or driving there was a misfire. Additionally, while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud whining sound. The contact slowed down to 5 MPH and continued driving. The check engine warning light illuminated, and there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #3. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · All-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 9, 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 FWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 31 | 24 | $2,600 | 370 |
| MKZ AWD Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,700 | 386 |
| MKZ FWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $2,950 | 425 |
| MKZ AWD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,100 | 447 |
- 24mpg comb.
- 23mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.9%
Overall
5 / 5
Lincoln MKZ 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%
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.
2017 MKZ questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Lincoln MKZ have?
4 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2017 Lincoln MKZ problems?
Owners filed 140 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (75), power train (24), engine and engine cooling (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2017 Lincoln MKZ get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Lincoln MKZ at 20–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
How safe is the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Lincoln MKZ 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026