Second generation
2017 Lincoln MKZ
The most reported problem on the 2017 Lincoln MKZ is overheating, with 58 complaints, usually around 72,000 miles.
- 139owner complaints
- 4recalls
- 6involved a crash
- 61,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 22, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your MKZ doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2017 model year.
Is the 2017 Lincoln MKZ reliable?
The 2017 Lincoln MKZ has 139 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, below the median of 178 for 2017 sedans on this site. Of the 6 MKZ model years since 2014, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2016 and 2018
- The 2017 stands out from the model years on either side. It draws 14 complaints for each year on the road, while the 2016 draws 6 and the 2018 4.
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Overheating has 58 complaints and misfire has 52, out of 139 in all. A quarter of the 29 owners who gave a mileage for overheating saw it by about 53,000 miles, and half by about 72,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 12 of the 139 complaints (9%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little above the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 6 reports mention a crash, 4 mention a fire and 4 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 3 of 6, fall under engine failure.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as overheating, misfire and engine failure. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Complaints are still climbing. 2025 brought 32, the most of any year so far. So far in 2026, 25 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine overheats or leaks coolant, 58 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
139 complaints is 1.9 times fewer than the median 2017 model on this site and 1.3 times fewer than the median 2017 sedan. Among the 1 MKZ model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2017 Lincoln MKZ
Lincoln filed 222 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2017 Lincoln MKZ. 67 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 1 bulletin · 58 complaints
2015-2018 Edge, Fusion, Focus, MKZ, MKC, Escape vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit coolant consumption, white smoke and/or a runs rough condition.
Check engine light or misfire 18 bulletins · 52 complaints
Some 2016-2017 Edge/MKX, 2017 Continental/Fusion/MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine and built on 1-Apr-2016 and through 1-Jan-2017 may exhibit white or blue smoke from the exhaust, rough idle in neutral or park at normal operating ...
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
16 more on this problem
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025.
Some 2017-2019 Fusion Hybrid/Fusion Energi/MKZ Hybrid and 2017-2018 C-Max vehicles built on or before 27-Jan-2019 may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P013A stored in the powertrain control module ...
Some 2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a EVDC air conditioning (A/C) compressor may exhibit poor A/C performance/improper climate function and/or a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P06A0 in the powertrain control module (PCM).
Some 2017-2019 MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.0 HEV engine may exhibit a fuel filler door unable to be opened or closed with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator (MIL) and DTC P04B5.
2013 2018 C-Max, Fusion, and MKZ Hybrid vehicles using SOBDM-C module connectors do not require electrical/dielectric grease. If used it may induce module communication concerns. Codes present may be U0293 and a P0AA6.
Some 2017-2018 Fusion, MKZ and C-Max vehicles with 2.0L Gas/Electric engine may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P013A in the Powertrain Control Module(PCM). This may be due to an exhaust system leak.
Some 2013-2017 C-MAX Energi, 2013-2018 Fusion Energi, 2013-2018 C-MAX/Fusion Hybrid/MKZ Hybrid may exhibit a no start with battery energy control module (BECM) diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0AE5.
Some 2016-2017 Edge/MKX, 2017 Continental, and 2017 Fusion/MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L gasoline turbocharged direct injection (GTDI) engine and built on 1-Apr-2016 and through 1-Jan-2017 may exhibit white or blue smoke from the exhaust, rough ...
Some 2017-2018 Fusion and MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection (GTDI) engine and built on or before 29-Sep-2017 may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P04DB (crankcase ventilation system disconnected) in the powertrain ...
Some 2017 C-MAX/Fusion Hybrid/Energi and MKZ Hybrid vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P0071 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM).
Plus 6 older ones not listed here.
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 1 bulletin · 41 complaints
WHEN SERVICING A 2.7L OR 3.0L ECOBOOST ENGINE, IF THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY IS REMOVED, CORRECT REASSEMBLY IS CRITICAL TO PREVENT POTENTIAL ENGINE FAILURE.
Engine misfire 4 bulletins · 21 complaints
Some 2015-2018 Edge and 2017-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or a runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
Some 2015-2018 Edge and 2015-2019 Fusion/MKZ/Escape/MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a low coolant level, white exhaust smoke and/or a runs rough condition with or without an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
2 more on this problem
Some 2015-2018 Fusion/MKZ/MKC/Escape/Edge vehicles equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit a runs rough condition with DTCs P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304 and/or P0316. This may be due to coolant intrusion due to corrosion on the engine block.
Some 2017 MKZ vehicles equipped with 3.0L engine and built on or before 8-Aug-2016 may exhibit a rough idle in neutral or park at normal operating temperature or after a hot restart with or without diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, ...
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 1 bulletin · 20 complaints
Some 2017 Fusion and MKZ vehicles equipped with Sirius satellite radio and built on or before 31-Aug-2016 may exhibit an intermittent concern where the audio cuts out and the radio displays a No Signal or Acquiring message while driving in open sky ...
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 6 bulletins · 15 complaints
Some Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00.
Some 2013-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit noise when the brakes are applied. When diagnosing and repairing brake noise conditions, use the Workshop Manual (WSM) and the appropriate pinpoint test in section 206-00.
4 more on this problem
Some 2017 Fusion Energi Plug-In Hybrid and MKZ Hybrid vehicles built on or before 20-Apr-2017 may exhibit a brake moan noise from the rear when backing up on the first application in the morning.
Some 2017 Fusion vehicles equipped with 2.7L and MKZ vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 3.0L Ecoboost vehicles may exhibit a brake moan noise from the rear when backing up on the first application in the morning.
SOME 2017 MKZ AND FUSION ENERGI VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A REAR BRAKE MOAN NOISE DURING FIRST APPLICATION TYPICALLY IN THE MORNING AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS SAT OVERNIGHT. ENGINEERING IS AWARE AND IS CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING.
SOME 2008-2017 FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SYNC MAY GENERATE A VHR THAT IDENTIFIES A CONCERN WITH THE BRAKES AND SUSPENSION CATEGORY INDICATING SERVICE IS REQUIRED DUE TO A BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LAMP BEING ILLUMINATED.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 35 bulletins · 5 complaints
Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone ...
Some 2013-2017 C-MAX Energi, 2013-2018 Focus battery electric vehicle (BEV), 2013-2020 Fusion plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), 2015-2017 MKZ/MKZ Hybrid/MKC, 2016-2017 MKX and 2017 Continental vehicles equipped with 8 inch or larger center display ...
33 more on this problem
Some 2014-2017 C-MAX Energi, 2014-2020 Fusion plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), 2015-2017 MKZ/MKZ Hybrid/MKC, 2016-2017 MKX, 2016-2018 Focus battery electric vehicle (BEV) and 2017 Continental vehicles equipped with SYNC screens 8 inch or larger may be ...
Some 2016-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit a condition where the navigation voice prompts are inoperative after a SYNC map update. This may be due to an incomplete installation of the SYNC map software.
Some 2016-2021 Ford or Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 or SYNC 4 may exhibit a blank screen or other various SYNC symptoms only when the vehicle is in transport mode.
Some 2016-2020 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with a SYNC 3 Touchscreen may experience the volume control unresponsive from the Front Control Interface Module (FCIM) and steering volume controls when using Apple Car Play.
Some 2016-2019 vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may experience a map displayed on the left half of the SYNC screen with no other information/soft buttons present after updating to the latest version of V3.0 software.
Some 2015-2019 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool may display an error 232: ...
Some 2016-2019 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System ...
Some 2015-2017 vehicles may experience a no crank concern due to a security access key table error. When attempting to program keys or perform a parameter reset, the procedure may fail and the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool may display an error ...
Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 may exhibit the Android Auto Preference menu selection is not present after an update to version 3.0 software.
Some 2016-2018 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC 3 not at the latest software level may exhibit Various Performance Related concerns such as Display Operation, Navigation, Voice Recognition, Phone Pairing, Applink, Travel Link, Slow System ...
Plus 23 older ones not listed here.
Brake fluid leaks or a brake line bursts 1 bulletin · 5 complaints
Certain 2015-2018 Model Year Edge and Lincoln MKX Vehicles and 2013-2018 Model Year Fusion and Lincoln MKZ Vehicles Front Brake Flexible Hose Replacement In some of the affected vehicles, brake fluid may leak from one or both front brake flexible hoses.
Complaints filed by year
32 complaints came in 2025. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Front brake jounce hose failures. Closed mar 24, 2023, led to recall 23V-162.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2017 Lincoln MKZ
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
All 4 recalls on the 2017 Lincoln MKZ, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
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Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?
Overheating, with 58 of the 139 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 72,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2017 Lincoln MKZ problems start?
Of the 66 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 33,000 miles and half by about 61,000.
Is the 2017 Lincoln MKZ better or worse than the 2016 and 2018?
Counted per year on the road, the 2017 has more complaints than both the 2016 and the 2018: 14 a year against 6 and 4.
How many 2017 Lincoln MKZ complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
12 of them (9%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for overheating on the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?
No recall on file for the 2017 Lincoln MKZ is on the same system as overheating. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.