AI Damage2017 Lincoln MKZ: common problems
Owners of the 2017 Lincoln MKZ filed 140 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and powertrain. The maker issued 152 service bulletins for this year. We found 3 repair videos on YouTube. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 140
- involving a crash
- 6
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 152
- YouTube repair videos
- 3
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 54% of all complaints
- 2 Powertrain 17% of all complaints
- 3 Service brakes 11% of all complaints
- 4 Engine and cooling 8% of all complaints
- 5 Electrical system 7% of all complaints
- 6 Fuel/propulsion system 6% of all complaints
- 7 Steering 4% of all complaints
- 8 Vehicle speed control 4% of all complaints
- Engine: 75 complaints (54% of all), 3 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 17.
- Powertrain: 24 complaints (17% of all), 3 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 16.
- Service brakes: 15 complaints (11% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 12.
- Engine and cooling: 11 complaints (8% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 16.
- Electrical system: 10 complaints (7% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 55.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cylnamed in 18 complaints
- 3 L · petrol · turbo · 6 cylnamed in 1 complaints
- 2 L · hybrid · 4 cylnamed in 18 complaints
- automatic, 6-speed
- CVT
Drive: FWD, AWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 140 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 75 | 3 | 17 |
| Powertrain | 24 | 3 | 16 |
| Service brakes | 15 | 0 | 12 |
| Engine and cooling | 11 | 0 | 16 |
| Electrical system | 10 | 0 | 55 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 9 | 0 | 2 |
| Steering | 6 | 0 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Wheels | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 44 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 9 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The engine started overheating, which marked the beginning of a downward spiral of issues. To address the overheating, a new engine was installed by [dealer] dealership, which took approximately 48 days to complete.
I was stationary behind a car turning left on hwy 154 s in coweta co, ga, when I was hit from behind by another automobile going approximately 50+ mph. The driver who hit me never applied his brakes, which pushed my car into the suv in front of me. The car I was pushed into was shoved 30+ yards down the road.
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.
Additionally, while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud whining sound. The contact slowed down to 5 MPH and continued driving. The check engine warning light illuminated, and there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle.
The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion and that the engine needed to be replaced.
Ford/Lincoln is aware of this problem with their 2.0 liter Ecoboost engine and has even issued a service bulletin and the necessary engine replacement. I have contacted Lincoln Customer Service and their response was they have no liability since the vehicle is out of warranty.
I purchased a 2017 Lincoln MKZ and began experiencing serious engine problems, including repeated overheating and an engine misfire. The vehicle developed a check-engine light and a P0301 misfire code.
The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the torque converter, flex plate, and transmission fluid pump were inoperable and needed to be replaced.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 452 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 22% most complained about).
On average one model year of the MKZ has 53 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 140, above average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Some 2016-2017 Edge/MKX, 2017 Continental/Fusion/MKZ vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or 3.0L EcoBoost engine…
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…
- This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure
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 …
- Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes…
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. Pinpoint test HK in…
- This article supersedes TSB 24-2345 to update the Service Procedure
Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit an oil leak from the engine oil pan RTV seal. This may be due to a lack of RTV adhesion.
- Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement…
Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs. Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement…
- Some 2015-2017 Edge, 2016-2017 MKX, 2017 Fusion/MKZ/Continental vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost or…
Some 2015-2017 Edge, 2016-2017 MKX, 2017 Fusion/MKZ/Continental vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost or 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an oil leak from the engine oil pan RTV seal.
- While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal…
While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions. While performing a transmission repair on some…
- This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure
Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019…
- For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an…
For 2015-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines and customer concern of an engine oil leak, refer to Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 303-00 for oil leak inspection and testing methods. Ford…
- During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper,…
During service and repair requiring removal and replacement of a crankshaft bolt and/or crankshaft damper, achieving proper torque of the crankshaft pulley bolt is critical. Incorrect torque may allow the bolt to…
- This article supersedes TSB 22-2181 to update the Service Procedure and Part List
Some 2015-2017 Edge, 2016-2017 MKX, 2017 Fusion/MKZ/Continental vehicles equipped with a 2.7L EcoBoost or 3.0L EcoBoost engine may exhibit an oil leak from the engine oil pan RTV seal. This may be due to a lack of RTV…
- In various 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or…
In various 2017-2023 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, customers may receive a message in the FordPass or LincolnWay App stating Feature Unavailable. Since this is a fleet vehicle, it cannot access the (SYNC Connect) FordPass…
NHTSA lists 152 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
- This 2017 Lincoln Mkz is BARELY DAMAGED and Selling CHEAP at Copart!amount per author: 14,000 UNSPECIFIED_DOLLAR
- Lincoln MKZ 2017 за $2 850 🇺🇸 Авто з США в Україну під ключ #автозамерики #пригонавто #copart
- Lincoln MKZ 2017 за 3450💲🔥Вигідні ціни на авто з США #автозсша #автозамерики #пригонавто #copart
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, powertrain, service brakes. Total complaints: 140. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (29%), overheating, coolant loss (21%), smoke, burning smell, fire (18%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?
NHTSA lists 152 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2017 Lincoln MKZ from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2017 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.