Problems · NHTSA complaints
2017 Lincoln MKZ problems
Owners filed 140 complaints about the 2017 Lincoln MKZ with NHTSA between Jul 2017 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (75).
Complaints
140
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
4
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine75
- Power train24
- Engine and engine cooling11
- Electrical system10
- Fuel/propulsion system9
- Service brakes8
- Service brakes, hydraulic7
- Steering6
- Vehicle speed control5
- Air bags4
- Wheels4
- Exterior lighting4
- Structure2
- Back over prevention1
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, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
4
4
5
5
7
12
21
23
32
27
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2024 | 23 |
| 2025 | 32 |
| 2026 | 27 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
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 fires2 related recalls
“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.”
Electrical system
10 reports
“2017 Lincoln MKZ was taken to Community Ford Lincoln of Bloomington (Auto Vest II LLC), Bloomington, IN for service on 05/01/2026. No ABS, Traction Control, or AdvanceTrac warning lights were present at drop-off. After the vehicle was returned, all three warning lights were illuminated. The ABS/stability control system had been damaged during the service visit. Diagnostic codes C0031:07 and C0031:15 (left front wheel speed sensor circuit fault) were confirmed in writing by the dealership service manager on 06/09/2026. The dealership denied responsibility. An independent Ford/Lincoln dealer (Tom Roush Lincoln) estimated repair at $310. The servicing dealer offered only partial reimbursement of $169.45. The ABS and stability control systems are safety-critical. Their failure compromises emergency braking performance and vehicle stability, putting driver and other road users at risk. The vehicle has been unavailable for normal use since [XXX]. The problem was confirmed by an independent Lincoln dealership. The vehicle is available for inspection.”
Fuel/propulsion system
9 reports3 fires
“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…”
Service brakes
8 reports
“On Jan. 10, 2025 all the brake fluid leaked out of my MKZ. Fortunately, this occurred a few miles from my home and was able to get the car into the drive. I was first alerted of the problem by the "low brake fluid" message on the dash panel and virtually no braking power. On 1/13/25 I had the car towed to a local Ford Dealer and was informed that the brake lines to both rear wheels were indeed severely rusted thru and had to be replaced. (Approx. 117K mi) (The front hoses were also replaced as per a recall notice on 9/26/23.)”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.