2017 Lincoln MKZ problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 128 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Lincoln MKZ, most often about engine. There are 4 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
128
Recalls
4
Crashes
5
Fires
4
Injuries
4
Median mileage
80,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 80 of 128 complaints (63%).
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (22) and brakes (15) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 80,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 5 crashes, 4 fires and 4 injuries.
  • The 2017 Lincoln MKZ has 4 recalls on file.
  • NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation covering this vehicle.
  • It has the most serious complaint record of all 14 Lincoln MKZ model years we track.
  • That is 156% more complaints than the 2016 model year (50).

2017 Lincoln MKZ problems by category

  • Engine · 3 crashes
    80 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain · 3 crashes
    22 complaints
  • Brakes
    15 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 2 crashes
    12 complaints
  • Electrical System
    8 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    7 complaints
  • Steering
    3 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    3 complaints
  • Lighting
    3 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Airbags · 2 crashes
    3 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts · 1 crash
    2 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    1 complaints
  • Suspension
    1 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine72
Power train18
Unknown or other11
Engine and engine cooling10
Electrical system8
Fuel/propulsion system7
Service brakes7
Service brakes, hydraulic7

When problems happen (mileage)

1Under 10k210k–30k830k–60k860k–100k13100k–150k1150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2017 Lincoln MKZ complaints that list mileage.

2017 Lincoln MKZ recalls (4)

  • Recall 23V162000Mar 10, 20231,280,726 vehicles
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 18V390000Jun 11, 201825 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 18V167000Mar 12, 20181,301,986 vehicles
    STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 17V427000Jul 6, 20176,026 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

    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.

    Risk: 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • RQ22004Opened Aug 8, 2022Closed Mar 24, 2023led to recall 23V162000

    Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures

    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 rupturin…

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2017 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
2017 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Recent 2017 Lincoln MKZ complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Oct 2, 202686,000 miILEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11768497 · source
  2. Filed Sep 22, 202675,300 miMIEngine
    The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,300.
    NHTSA complaint #11766190 · source
  3. Filed Sep 13, 2026VAEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11763897 · source
  4. Filed Sep 4, 2026TXEngineOther / Unknown
    I purchased a 2017 Lincoln MKZ and began experiencing serious engine problems, including repeated overheating and an engine misfire. The vehicle developed a check-engine light and a P0301 misfire code. I was advised by a repair shop that the vehicle has a serious engine problem and that the engine needs to be replaced. I am concerned that the overheating and engine problems could cause the vehicle to suddenly lose power or suffer complete engine failure while I am driving.…
    NHTSA complaint #11762139 · source
  5. Filed Aug 22, 2026FLEngine
    We are submitting this vehicle safety complaint regarding a dealer-confirmed coolant-intrusion failure in our 2017 Lincoln MKZ equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle had approximately 60,063 miles when presented to Parks Lincoln of Longwood. The vehicle developed a check engine light, rough running, shaking, and recurring misfire symptoms. Two ignition coils had recently been replaced, but the symptoms returned. The vehicle also produced white exhaust smoke on…
    NHTSA complaint #11758713 · source
  6. Filed Aug 20, 2026TNEngine
    Engine has rough idle and can stall. Ford says engine has coolant intrusion and needs a new engine. The repair will cost between 8500 and 10000 dollars.
    NHTSA complaint #11758233 · source
  7. Filed Aug 4, 2026102,450 miFLTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11754775 · source
  8. Filed Jul 30, 2026ILFire1 injuredEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11753663 · source

Compare the 2017 Lincoln MKZ with another vehicle →

Other 2017 Lincoln models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology