2017 Lincoln MKZ: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
137 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
71,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2017 model year. Data snapshot: . 41 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 75 of 137 complaints (54.7%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 22 | 16.1% |
| Braking behavior | 21 | 15.3% |
| Engine operation | 11 | 8.0% |
| Steering behavior | 10 | 7.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 5 | 3.6% |
| Fuel system concerns | 3 | 2.2% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 75 |
| Power Train | 20 |
| Unknown Or Other | 11 |
| Electrical System | 10 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 9 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 8 |
| Service Brakes | 8 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 7 |
Engine: 75; Power Train: 20; Unknown Or Other: 11; Electrical System: 10; Fuel/Propulsion System: 9; Engine And Engine Cooling: 8; Service Brakes: 8; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 7
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 10 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 6 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 6 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 5 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 13 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 10; 25,000 to 49,999: 6; 50,000 to 74,999: 6; 75,000 to 99,999: 5; 100,000 to 149,999: 13; 150,000 and above: 1
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (13). 96 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2025 | 32 |
| 2026 | 23 |
2017: 4; 2018: 4; 2019: 5; 2020: 5; 2021: 7; 2022: 12; 2023: 21; 2024: 24; 2025: 32; 2026: 23
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 22 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 21 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 11 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11001069 · 2017-07-10 (July 10, 2017)
2017 LINCOLN MKZ. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO COMPUTER TOUCH SCREEN MALFUNCTION, HEADLIGHTS CONTROL SWITCH PROBLEMS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THE TOUCH SCREEN WOULD SHUT DOWN AND REBOOT ITSELF WHILE DRIVING. THE SWITCH THAT CONTROLS THE HEADLIGHTS WAS ALSO FAULTY. UPDATED 07/10/2017*JS
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11001069 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11005181 · 2017-07-13 (July 13, 2017)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 LINCOLN MKZ. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PARKED CORRECTLY AND DECIDED TO STRAIGHTEN THE VEHICLE. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL DING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND DROVE OVER A CURB. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE CURB WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL STILL DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL DING NOISE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE AND FAILED TO STOP. AS A RES…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11005181 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11021168 · 2017-09-02 (September 2, 2017)
WITH THE V6 TWIN TURBO EQUIPPED FRONT WHEEL DRIVE MKZ YOU GET AN EXTRA TRILL IN ADDITION TO THE FAST ACCELLERATION . THE TORQUE STEER PROBLEM IS SO BAD THE STEERING WHEEL SNAPS OUT OF YOUR HAND AND JUMPS INTO THE ON COMMING LANE ! IF YOUR LOOKING FOR AN EXCITING CAR TO DRIVE, THIS IS IT !!!!
Owner-reported narrative. 7,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11021168 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11041485 · 2017-10-30 (October 30, 2017)
AIRBAG LIGHT
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11041485 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11061424 · 2018-01-09 (January 9, 2018)
1-CAR STALLED AND DIED TURNING FROM PARKING LOT ONTO STREET. BARELY AVOIDING COLLISION. 1/6/2018. DEFECT IN FUEL DELIVERY. STILL IN SHOP. 2- ODD NOISE AND SMELL WHILE BACKING UP DUE TO CRACKS IN BRAKE PAD . 1/17/17 REPLACED 01/17/17 ( HAVE REPAIR INVOICE, NOT SURE HOW TO UPLOAD)
Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11061424 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11066489 · 2018-02-01 (February 1, 2018)
WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE LANES AND ACCELERATE, CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND THE "SEE MANUAL" LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH TOOL - FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO COAST CAR OFF EXIT RAMP SAFELY AND PULL OVER, AT WHICH POINT THE ENGINE CHUGGED AND STALLED. FIRST RESTART "SEE MANUAL" LIGHT STILL ON, SPUTTERED AND STALLED. TURNED OFF VEHICLE. 2ND ATTEMPT SAME AS 1ST. 3RD CAME ON AND RAN WITHOUT ENGINE LIGHT AND SEEMED TO REV UP HIGHER THAN NORMAL, THEN CAME BACK DOWN. NO OTHER INDICATIONS APPEARED OTHER THAN "NO USE OF…
Owner-reported narrative. 7,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 11066489 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11099382 · 2018-06-03 (June 3, 2018)
VEHICLE JERKS AGGRESSIVELY FROM PARK TO REVERSE THEN REVERSE TO DRIVE AT COLD START. AND FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THEN THERE IS A DELAY IN ENGAGEMENT WHERE THERE IS NO MOVEMENT AT ALL AS YOU SIT IN THE ROADWAY WITH TRAFFIC. NO CODES DISPLAYING AFTER AN APPOINTMENT WITH DEALERSHIP AND ALTHOUGH I PROVIDED VIDEOS OF ISSUE OCCURRING THEY SAY THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE ISSUE AND I MUST COME BACK, WEEKS LATER. AS SOON AS I LEAVE ISSUE OCCURS AGAIN.....
Owner-reported narrative. 18,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11099382 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11143842 · 2018-10-29 (October 29, 2018)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HOOD AJAR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SEVERAL TIMES SINCE JUNE OF 2018 TO CHECK IF THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WAS OPEN AND/OR UNLATCHED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD WAS NOT OPEN OR UNLATCHED SEEMINGLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. CLASSIC FORD LINCOLN (8540 TYLER BLVD, MENTOR, OHIO 44060 [phone removed]) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED…
Owner-reported narrative. 15,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11143842 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
17V427000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter
Reported: 2017-07-06 (July 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: 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 campaign record ↗18V167000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Reported: 2018-03-12 (March 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: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V390000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Torque Converter
Reported: 2018-06-11 (June 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: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V162000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Reported: 2023-03-10 (March 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: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗