2017 Lincoln MKZ · symptom sheet

Engine overheats or leaks coolant

56owner reports
72,400median miles
$7,700median quote
1involved a crash

Newest report Sep 4, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

81 of the 137 complaints on this car are about the engine. 56 of those describe overheating, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2017 MKZ.

Tick what matches of 56 reports

the temperature gauge climbed into the red

coolant is disappearing or on the ground

white smoke from the tailpipe

the heater stopped blowing hot

the dealer found a head gasket or cracked block

the engine was replaced afterward

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the head gasket (5 reports) and the coolant hose or reservoir (4 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the engine covers the 2017 model year as of Sep 19, 2026.

What owners paid

16 of the 56 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,864 to $8,000.

$3,864$7,700$8,000

$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 53,000 and 83,000 miles, from the 27 reports that gave a mileage.

120

121

422

923

1324

1625

1226

What owners wrote

“Faulty engine, head gasket failure and needing total engine replace at 83,000 miles”
Filed Jan 13, 2026 · 83,000 miles

“Coolant intrusion into cylinders 2&3 causing misfire at 126,000 miles. Car lost coolant without warning and started overheating. Took to West Herr Lincoln in Buffalo NY and they said car needs new engine, Lincoln wont cover or help me with repair. I owe ally $16,000 on this car still.”
Filed Aug 27, 2025 · 126,000 miles

“My name is [XXX] , and I am leasing a 2017 Lincoln Mkz, with 60000 miles on it and experience total engine failure due to coolant leaking into it INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
Filed Aug 23, 2025 · 60,000 miles

“Internal engine failure causing coolant to leak into the cylinders. Have been advised that a new engine is necessary. Car warranty has expired due to age. Mileage is 53,042.”
Filed Oct 21, 2024

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 1 of 56 reports involved a crash and 2 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.