2017 Lincoln MKZ transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• 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 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.

What owners say

1. 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
2. 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
3. Filed Apr 13, 2026107,000 miGATransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at speeds above 30 MPH, there was a rumbling sound and vibration coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who informed the contact that the transmission torque converter was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V390000…

   NHTSA complaint #11730791 · source
4. Filed Mar 11, 2026ILFireEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   I am submitting this complaint to report a serious vehicle safety incident involving my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select that resulted in a catastrophic engine fire while the vehicle was in operation. Prior to the incident, the vehicle underwent a long block engine replacement performed by Murgado Ford Lincoln of Chicago pursuant to Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2229. The repair involved removal and replacement of the engine assembly and related components. After the…

   NHTSA complaint #11723491 · source
5. Filed Mar 9, 2026OHTransmission & Drivetrain

   I drive a 2017 Lincoln MKZ equip with an Ecoboost 2.0L engine. A very widely known design flaw in the Engine Long block has caused coolant intrusion into the #1 cylinder. This can cause overheating issues and ultimately cause a fire and/or stall the car in a critical moment (i.e. highway) and cause an accident. I took the vehicle into my local dealership and they confirmed this issue and is consistent with TSB 22-2229 and needing a replacement of the Engine Long block. I…

   NHTSA complaint #11723095 · source
6. Filed Feb 4, 2026120,000 miKYTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode and failed to shift into third or fourth gear. Due to the failure, the contact made several stops while driving to the residence. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic but was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V390000 (POWER TRAIN); and associated the failure with the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11715536 · source
7. Filed Oct 3, 2025NETransmission & Drivetrain

   Torque converter is going oitvluckly caught it in time before it locked up and caused a crash. There are numerous other vins recalled for the same year and same issue because the torque coverter welds were not done correctly. My vehicle does not show any recalls but should have also been included. I have seen on forums about this where numerous people had the same issue and all lincoln reps just give you a runaround because rhey know its an issue but dont want to acknowledge…

   NHTSA complaint #11691274 · source
8. Filed Sep 18, 2025NETransmission & Drivetrain

   The torque converter/flex plate is bad rattles and apoarently can cause an accident. There are recalls for this same year same motor and midel but my vehicle is not included but should be. I had it checked by undioendent mechanic who confirmed issue. I have read numerous post online with the same issue with theirs also saying it not included in recall how is thus posdible obviously there is an issue and others should be covered. After vehicle started making noise and i seen…

   NHTSA complaint #11688211 · source
9. Filed Sep 12, 2025ILFireEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11686775 · source
10. Filed Aug 18, 2025107,168 miTXSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally with the powertrain warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to function properly and became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11681412 · source
11. Filed Aug 10, 2025ILCrashEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    I purchased a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select which has been a continuous source of mechanical problems. After recently having a new engine installed, the vehicle has now developed significant transmission issues, making it unsafe and difficult to drive. Despite being sold this car under the assumption it was reliable, I am struggling with costly repairs and reduced functionality, effectively driving a “lemon.” I believe the vehicle’s condition and recurring failures qualify it for…

    NHTSA complaint #11679635 · source
12. Filed Jul 15, 2025ILCrashAirbagsEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    I purchased my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select on November 11, 2024. The vehicle was determined to need a new engine, per Murgado Lincoln of Chicago. They had my car for over 48 days while putting in a new engine. After this was completed the car had to be sent back due to a mistake the mechanics made by not attaching a gasket properly. After this, I began experiencing odd noises underneath the hood and throughout the vehicle; delayed timing belt in both acceleration and…

    NHTSA complaint #11673818 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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