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2017 Lincoln Mkz

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2017 Lincoln Mkz do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 109.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

41 reports with mileage · 97 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 76 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports4 fire reports4 injury reports

Power Train complaints

24 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2025
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed ControlCrash

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 w…

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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 protection under consumer lemon laws or warranties, and I am seeking resolution or compensation due to these defects that have severely impacted the vehicle’s usability and my safety.

NHTSA ODI #11679635

Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2025
Air BagsPower TrainSeat Belts

Transmission slipping, side airbags deployed, seatbelt cut, TPMS light on, unsafe to drive.

NHTSA ODI #11674202

Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2025
Air BagsEnginePower TrainCrash

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.…

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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 deceleration, and so forth. I was then involved in a hit-and-run car accident (not my fault). All side airbags deployed and my passenger side rear wheel is destroyed. I had this car assessed just a few days ago by a certified Auto Care Company who said I needed a completely new transmission and that this car is not street legal at the moment... insurance is not helping me at all.

NHTSA ODI #11673818

Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2025
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or OtherCrash

I purchased this vehicle on November 11, 2024. About one month later, I began experiencing severe problems. The engine started overheating, which marked the beginning of a downward spiral of issues. To address the overheating, a new engine was installed by Murgado Lincoln dealership, which took approximately 48 days to complete…

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I purchased this vehicle on November 11, 2024. About one month later, I began experiencing severe problems. The engine started overheating, which marked the beginning of a downward spiral of issues. To address the overheating, a new engine was installed by Murgado Lincoln dealership, which took approximately 48 days to complete. While the new engine resolved the overheating, a serious transmission problem has persisted and worsened. Since I purchased the car, the transmission has been slipping constantly, shifting gears on its own unpredictably, making loud noises under the hood and throughout the entire vehicle. These issues create a major safety hazard, putting me and others at significant risk. On June 25, 2025, I was involved in a hit-and-run incident that likely worsened the vehicle’s condition. During this incident, the side airbags on both sides of my vehicle deployed, but the front airbag did not deploy at all, which is highly concerning and increased the danger during the impact. Additionally, the car has a cracked shock absorber head, likely from the accident, which has led to instability and potential fishtailing. I am now afraid to drive the vehicle due to unpredictable handling and further mechanical failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. These problems have been confirmed and partially addressed by the dealer when the engine was replaced, but the transmission issues have never been fully resolved. There were no specific warning lamps for the transmission before the failure, but the slipping and erratic gear changes started about one month after purchase and have become progressively worse.

NHTSA ODI #11671399

100,000 miles · Apr 1, 2025
EnginePower Train

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. Additionally, after shifting to drive, the vehicle erroneously lunged forward, and while shifting into reverse the vehicle jerked backwards. The vehicle was take…

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The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. Additionally, after shifting to drive, the vehicle erroneously lunged forward, and while shifting into reverse the vehicle jerked backwards. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the torque converter and engine were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V390000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #11651990

127,000 miles · Oct 30, 2024
Power Train

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a whining sound coming from under the hood. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that on the following day, the vehicle was started; however, while driving 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed bu…

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The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a whining sound coming from under the hood. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that on the following day, the vehicle was started; however, while driving 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the place of employment. The contact stated that after work, the vehicle was started, and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that on the following day, the vehicle was started; however, the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact stated that the vehicle instead rolled backward. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle became undrivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V390000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

NHTSA ODI #11622794

115,000 miles · May 22, 2024
Power Train

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while at a stop, the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the flex plate and torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The c…

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The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while at a stop, the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the flex plate and torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact referenced Ford Campaign Number: 17S16. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ODI #11590205

Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2023
Power Train

After some research I noticed that the 2017 Lincoln MKZ was part of a recall for faulty torque converters (Lincoln MKZ, Ford Fusion, Edge Torque Converter Recall (fordauthority.com Ford Recall Number: 17S03-). My dad took his car to Napleton Lincoln Mercury River Oaks, Illinois and they confirmed he needs to replace the torque …

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After some research I noticed that the 2017 Lincoln MKZ was part of a recall for faulty torque converters (Lincoln MKZ, Ford Fusion, Edge Torque Converter Recall (fordauthority.com Ford Recall Number: 17S03-). My dad took his car to Napleton Lincoln Mercury River Oaks, Illinois and they confirmed he needs to replace the torque converter and transmission. However, my dad whose 85 years-old, was informed his car does not fall under the recall for various reasons. How can that be when it’s the same, year, make, model and issue? My dad has taken his car to the dealer for all appropriate service appointments and has less than 100,000 miles on his car. It's obvious the issue is a defect and is not an issue associated with regularly wear and tear. He's faithfully purchased Ford products and routinely got over 200,000 miles without any problems. This issue puts my dad's life and any other owner of this car at extreme risk due to the uncertainty of the transmission operation. I feel Ford Lincoln Mercury should be held accountable for repairing his car.

NHTSA ODI #11505588

115,200 miles · Jul 19, 2022
Power Train

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V427000 (Power Trai…

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The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V427000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed with needing the transmission and torque convertor to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,200.

NHTSA ODI #11474765

Mileage unknown · Jul 21, 2021
Power Train

I have a 2017 Lincoln mkz 2.0L 6 speed automatic transmission. The torque converter weld studs. The torque converter is on longer connected to the engine flex plate causing its ability to move. If you look at recall 17S16 it is an expansion of recall 17V427. my car is available I was driving on a 4 lane highway going about 6…

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I have a 2017 Lincoln mkz 2.0L 6 speed automatic transmission. The torque converter weld studs. The torque converter is on longer connected to the engine flex plate causing its ability to move. If you look at recall 17S16 it is an expansion of recall 17V427. my car is available I was driving on a 4 lane highway going about 60mph when car cut off. I was very afraid for my life. But also the life if others when I had no control of my speed. Personal mechanic. I first heard some noise under the car that would come and go, on this day I heard a thump and the vehicle lost its ability to move. which cause a very dangerous situation, cars where going around my car at speeds of 70 to 80mph. I am lucky to be alive!

NHTSA ODI #11425795

Official recalls

4

23V162000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Mar 10, 2023

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

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

18V390000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter

Jun 11, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

18V167000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar

Mar 12, 2018

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

17V427000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter

Jul 6, 2017

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

RQ22004 · Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures

Opened Aug 8, 2022 · Closed Mar 24, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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 rupturing on certain MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The result causes a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needing to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.On March 10, 2023, Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted to NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-162 (Ford Recall 23S12) to address front brake jounce hoses that may rupture. Ford found the rupture occurs from a localized failure of the internal reinforcement braid due to cyclic fatigue through tensile/bending and torsional inputs during suspension and steering articulations. The supplier for the front brake jounce hoses is Hitachi. This recall affects the subject vehicles equipped with non-hybrid engines and the suspect front brake jounce hoses (a total of 1,280,726 vehicles). The recall covers subject vehicles built from February 3, 2012 to July 19, 2017 when the suspect hoses were used in vehicle production. The remedy is for dealerships to replace both front brake jounce hoses with new hoses that have a revised braid material at no cost. The vehicles equipped with hybrid engines are excluded from the recall because the internal hose pressure is much lower due to the regenerative braking provided by the hybrid brake system. No failures of brake hoses on hybrid vehicles have been reported to ODI or Ford.Ford's actions address ODIs concerns at this time. Hybrid vehicles will be monitored for related failures. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by new circumstances.The 103 ODI numbers cited above can be viewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ID numbers:11511014, 11510867, 11510318, 11509030, 11505993, 11504989, 11504400, 11502147, 11502082, 11501820, 11501283, 11498439, 11498296, 11496842, 11496335, 11494931, 11494851, 11494252, 11493001, 11492084, 11492070, 11491444, 11491274, 11488858, 11488027, 11487627, 11487416, 11487233, 11486150, 11484924, 11484526, 11484080, 11483948, 11483926, 11483739, 11483723, 11482773, 11482690, 11481077, 11480788, 11480294, 11480052, 11479338, 11479334, 11479252, 11479247, 11479187, 11479094, 11479048, 11478985, 11478953, 11478729, 11478216, 11476892, 11476282, 11470558, 11468994, 11467109, 11466294, 11462746, 11461217, 11456065, 11455367, 11444848, 11436419, 11436376, 11430685, 11428329, 11425083, 11421026, 11420738, 11420735, 11420298, 11418197, 11403926, 11397549, 11366991, 11366757, 11361016, 11359968, 11354569, 11352165, 11350344, 11348799, 11343929, 11343205, 11331947, 11329020, 11319596, 11310529, 11292271, 11288455, 11254787, 11253479, 11253244, 11234622, 11230669, 11230050, 11228240, 11221111, 11143630, 11129392 and 11120228.