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Lincoln MKZ

EPA MPG: 24 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2017 MKZ is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2017 Lincoln MKZ owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

""Controls failed: $1,000 paid""

Anonymous, PA (2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve 3.0-L V6 turbo)
Blower (fan) motor

"Part of the above"

Anonymous, PA (2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve 3.0-L V6 turbo)
Refrigerant leaks

""In one day, no cold air. Dealer said 2 grand to fix, I said no. Dealer said 800 dollars to charge it, but he couldn't guarantee it. It's been a workin' fine.""

Anonymous A., AZ (2017 Lincoln MKZ Black Label Unsure)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

What Owners Say

Antifreeze leaks

"Problem started in January of 2025 and continued until engine replacement in April of 2025"

Anonymous A., WI (2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

"Known Design flaw of the engine caused the cooling system to leak resulting in a new engine replacement."

Anonymous A., WI (2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"Sensors"

Anonymous, ON (2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve 3.0-L V6 turbo)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Electronic or air suspension

"one of the handling options is not working"

Anonymous, NJ (2017 Lincoln MKZ Black Label 3.0-L V6 turbo)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Other in-car electronics problem

"The battery kept dying. They had to go through every electrical component"

Anonymous, MA (2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

"There was a short somewhere in the electrical systems. It took them over a month to find and fix the issue"

Anonymous, MA (2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

2017 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Lincoln vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Mar 10, 2023
A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V162000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1280726
POWER TRAIN
Jun 11, 2018
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V390000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 25
STEERING
Mar 12, 2018
A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V167000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1301986
POWER TRAIN
Jul 06, 2017
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 17V427000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6026
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