2017 Lincoln Mkz Hybrid

Routine

Owners filed 17 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. No safety recall has been issued.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering4
000
Unknown or Other3
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
000
Power Train2
000
Engine2
000
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs1
000
Structure › Body › Hood1
000
Service Brakes1
000
Engine and Engine Cooling1
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Aug 6, 2025ME

Vehicle began to feel as if it was losing the ability to get any power to the engine. I would push the pedal to accelerate but even fully compressed the vehicle would not go above 30mph. I attempted to drive the vehicle in to be inspected at a dealership and while on the way the steering wheel completely locked and an Emergency Light appeared on the dashboard stating "Safely Park Vehicle". It was a Horrifying Experience to be driving In traffic and lose control of the vehicle but luckily I was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road to safety without crashing! Although the vehicle was fully powered, it would not move and I had to call AAA in order to get the vehicle towed to the closest AAA Approved facility which was AutoWorks Diagnostics & Repair in Kittery, ME. They observed fluids had leaked out but were unable to locate where the leak was coming from and very Loud Noises that appeared to be coming from in between the Engine and Transmission . After researching online they found that there were Two Recalls involving the welds on the Torque Converter detaching from the engine. They also found a recall on the front brake hoses rupturing & leaking brake fluid as well as a Recall with the steering wheel retaining bolt loosening & detaching while driving which could also have contributed to the issues experienced with the vehicle and the safety concerns associated as I was driving in traffic and lost Total Control of the vehicle which could very likely have caused a

Power Train
Filed May 2, 2025106,800 milesCA

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,800.

Steering
Filed Dec 12, 2024IN

There was a recall for a loose steering wheel bolt . The recall was repaired at the dealership but now the steering wheel is loose again. I feel like this issue is grounds for a second recall. Not sure what is going on . Please advise before something bad happens

Steering
Filed Oct 21, 2024AZ

Loose steering wheel issues as described in existing recall Safety Recall 18S08 Dealer repaired at a cost, and was informed that the vehicle was not eligible for the recall. Bolt replaced and retorqued to sped. Service performed by Fiesta Lincoln 1720 S Mesa Dr, Mesa, AZ 85210 on 10/21/2024 with approx cost of $240 (final invoice not available at this time.)

Unknown or Other
Filed May 6, 2024CA

The vehicle transmission shift is controlled by buttons to the right of the dashboard. The letters identify Power on/off, R, Dr., etc.. The identifying imprints for each shift within a short time are erased, making it impossible to readily identify and engage in the appropriate gear or command. This poses a hazard when approaching a difficult traffic situation, when parking, or a safety issue when the power button is mistakenly turned off, when the reverse button is pressed when you are expecting to engage into Drive. It's also important to note that the vehicle safety break is engaged through the transmission posing another safety issue.

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Jul 21, 202360,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while attempting to replace all four tires, the contact became aware that the lug nuts were swollen. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the lug nuts needed to be heated to remove from the wheel studs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 20, 2023AZ

Driving down the road in my black MKZ Hybrid -the red triangle sign came on and I had 6 seconds to safely get off the road, the vehicle then was non responsive. The start button was flashing and would not completely turn off. Towed to a local Ford dealer- I was informed today that the hybrid battery's temperature was 190 degrees then stated 145 degrees. The air temperature at the time was 118 degrees. Ford dealer stated they did not know what to do about it - it's just too hot. My concern is my safety and that of others were put at risk due the vehicle shutting down automatically. The temperature of the lithium battery at the time of shut down (190-145 degrees) risk of explosion? Failure of Ford not to "look" into the issue or provide me with a loner car - The car was purchased to drive in all weather - I would think that the engineers would have tested the vehicle in various weather and temperature - it works in weather -5 below zero.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 8, 2023GA

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed May 17, 2023AL

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine
Filed May 17, 202385,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 70–75 MPH, there was white and black smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle stalled and made an abnormal sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the timing chain malfunctioned inside the engine, which caused the spark plugs to completely melt. There were several unknown misfire codes. Additionally, the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, who informed the contact that the catalytic converter had failed, which caused the engine to overheat. Additionally, the piston rod had a hole melted through the center, and the exhaust mounts were melted along with several other unknown parts. The dealer confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Power Train
Filed Apr 4, 202370,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the message "Shift System Fault" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, she shifted into drive, but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle responded on the second attempt. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown recall as the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted several times, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 1, 202290,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Engine Overheating" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was misfiring, the coolant level was extremely low, and coolant had intruded into cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact indicated that TSB (22-229) regarding the failure had previously been issued by the manufacturer but the VIN was not included. The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Structure › Body › Hood
Filed May 20, 202268,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that there was corrosion on the seams of the hood and the doors of the vehicle towards the bottom where the aluminum meets the steel. The contact took the vehicle to an auto body shop and stated that all the parts needed to be replaced due to the severity of the corrosion. The contact spoke to the dealer who confirmed there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty was no longer valid. The approximate failure mileage 68,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 15, 2022CA

Lugnuts are stripped and swollen at only 60k miles. An improperly seated lug nut could result in the tire coming off at high rate of speeds posing a safety hazard. The dealer found and confirmed the swollen and stripped lug nuts. Lincoln dealer is the only entity who has serviced the vehicle while in my possession. After speaking with advisor, they said this is a common problem - indicating Lincoln is aware of the issue. After researching, MANY Ford and Lincoln owners are filing complaints, and lawsuits over this issue and Ford is denying them. This indicates Ford and Lincoln are aware of the problem. Part was inspected by the manufacturer, Lincoln. No warning lamp, message, or symptom indicating the problem. Last service appointment (approx 5100) miles ago did not indicate any issue with the lug nuts.

Steering
Filed Jan 10, 201917,900 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING THE FRONT TIRES ABRUPTLY PULL LEFT OR RIGHT, REGARDLESS OF STEERING WHEEL POSITION (STRAIGHT OR TURNING), SPEED (25MPH OR 65MPH), OR ROAD CONDITIONS (SMOOTH OR BUMPY). ALSO, RECEIVED RANDOM ALERTS TO KEEP HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN MY HANDS HAD NEVER LEFT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE ALERTS STOPPED BUT THE STEERING/WHEEL POSITION ISSUE REMAINS.

Service Brakes
Filed May 25, 2017KY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. AFTER IT RAINED OR AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED OVERNIGHT, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (STUART POWELL FORD LINCOLN MAZDA LOCATED AT 225 S DANVILLE BYPASS, DANVILLE, KENTUCKY), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEIR ENGINEERS WERE LOOKING INTO THE FAILURE. THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION UNDER NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10095821 (SERVICE BRAKES/ELECTRIC), WHICH STATED THAT NO REPAIRS SHOULD BE DONE AT THE TIME AND TO MONITOR OASIS FOR FUTURE UPDATES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Engine
Filed Mar 23, 20172,800 milesPA

VEHICLE HAS FAILED TO START ON 4 DIFFERENT EVENTS OVER A 6 MONTH PERIOD. NO POWER TO THE VEHICLE AFTER HAVING IT PARKED IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT. EVENT DATES ARE: 12/12/16; 01/04/17; 3/2/17; 3/22/17.

17 of 17 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2012
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20201000Routine
20192000Routine
20182000Routine
2017 — this page17000Routine
20165000Routine
201512000Routine
201427000Routine
201312010Routine
201259000Routine
201140000Routine

Compare every Mkz Hybrid year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.