Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 8 | 38% | — |
| 2018 | 15 | 43% | 65,000 miles |
| 2017 | 84 | 60% | 75,000 miles |
| 2016 | 7 | 11% | 70,000 miles |
| 2015 | 7 | 8% | 38,000 miles |
| 2014 | 10 | 10% | 92,000 miles |
| 2013 | 11 | 10% | 51,000 miles |
| 2012 | 5 | 3% | 14,000 miles |
| 2011 | 13 | 9% | 89,000 miles |
| 2010 | 5 | 3% | 110,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 4% | 85,000 miles |
| 2008 | 6 | 2% | 138,000 miles |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% | 89,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I noticed on mid Sept/2026 when I started my car the engine was idling rough for a few minutes, then went idling normal. Every morning after it repeated itself when first starting the car and my check engine light came on. I scheduled a a diagnostic with an Auto shop and it was diagnosed as Cylinder 2 misfire. Shop told me to check if coolant level is lower in the next morning, I checked it was low & had to add more coolant, also no coolant on the floor. Check Engine Light on almost every day, took it to another auto shop for 2nd opinion, had them do a coolant pressure test. The Coolant pressure test showed Cylinder 2 had coolant getting inside it. Shop found TSB 19-2208 pertaining to this issue. Repair for this was to replace engine. …
Technical Service Bulletin 19-2387 My vehicle has this defect which is an ongoing problem and at the time of this correspondence my vehicle has under 13,000 miles. Seepage around the perimeter of the oil pan which in time will result in a steady leak and in turn loosing enough oil will cause engine damage. Technicians refer to this as the oil pan sweating. As per the Technical Service Bulletin this problem exists on 2017 to 2019 Lincoln MKZ 3.0 which Ford installed a plastic oil pan on all new vehicles to reduce the weight of the vehicle. The 2017 to 2019 Lincoln MKZ 2.0 were fitted with metal oil pans and there is no issue. I notified Lincoln customer service and they are aware of this problem yet a recall has not been issued. This is a manufacturer defect and Ford should take responsibility to correct this problem. A recall should be issued. …
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, the engine overheated. The contact pulled over and became aware that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that there was coolant leaking into the cylinder, which caused engine failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the engine was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine light illuminated. While the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
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 began emitting gray smoke, which quickly turned into black smoke. The black smoke entered through the dashboard, filling the interior cabin. I realized the vehicle had caught on fire. Immediate Actions Taken I quickly gathered personal belongings from inside the car. …
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the contact smelled a odor of burning. The contact was able to pull over into a parking lot and examined under the hood and notice that coolant had leaked. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and stated that cylinder two had misfired and coolant had leaked into the engine and the engine needed to be replaced and advised to contact the local dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer that also stated that the engine needed to be replaced and advised to contact the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but did not provide any assistance and was advised to contact NHTSA. The failure mileage was 70,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle lost motive power but was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lincoln MKZ years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (84), 2018 (15), 2011 (13), 2013 (11) and 2014 (10) model years. Engine complaints make up 60% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Lincoln MKZ engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Lincoln MKZ model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Lincoln MKZ engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles; 31% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the exhaust system (2 mentions), followed by the exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (1).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.