Lincoln MKZ Complaints

1,851 consumer complaints on file.

#11761591September 2, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rear-view camera image intermittently operated as needed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. 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 failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761652September 2, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, the contact became aware that the steering wheel was loose. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that there was a recall associated with the failure, however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V167000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring for approximately two years. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761444September 1, 2026
ENGINE
In August 2026, my 2019 Lincoln MKZ equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, with approximately 39,000 miles, began experiencing repeated coolant loss, rough shaking during startup, engine misfires, temperature-gauge fluctuations toward hot, and an “Engine Coolant Over Temperature” warning while the vehicle was being driven. The warning appeared and then cleared, creating concern that the vehicle could continue operating without a persistent warning even though the engine was overheating. The climate-control system also began blowing hot air while the air conditioning was selected. Before the over-temperature warning, coolant had required frequent replacement, at times approximately once per week. An authorized Lincoln dealership performed diagnostic testing and confirmed coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. The dealership advised that the failure matches the condition addressed in Ford’s technical service bulletin concerning coolant intrusion in certain 2.0L EcoBoost engines. The prescribed repair is replacement of the engine long-block assembly. This condition creates a safety concern because coolant entering the cylinders can cause misfires, overheating, severe engine damage, and potential loss of motive power while driving. The vehicle is currently at the authorized Lincoln dealership, and the failed engine should remain available for inspection until it is replaced. No crash, fire, or injury occurred. The manufacturer declined repair assistance because the vehicle was outside the applicable time limit, and the estimated engine replacement cost is approximately $9,620.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758713August 22, 2026
ENGINE
We are submitting this vehicle safety complaint regarding a dealer-confirmed coolant-intrusion failure in our 2017 Lincoln MKZ equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle had approximately 60,063 miles when presented to Parks Lincoln of Longwood. The vehicle developed a check engine light, rough running, shaking, and recurring misfire symptoms. Two ignition coils had recently been replaced, but the symptoms returned. The vehicle also produced white exhaust smoke on startup after sitting for several days. Because the rough running was so severe, the vehicle was ultimately towed to the Lincoln dealership on a flatbed. Parks Lincoln's Repair Order 2684839/1 documents DTC P0301. The technician states that, pursuant to TSB 22-2229, a coolant pressure test and cylinder inspection were performed; coolant intrusion was found in cylinder 1; and a long-block engine is required to properly repair the concern. Lincoln TSB 22-2229, NHTSA Manufacturer Communication No. 10214126, describes coolant intrusion in certain 2.0L EcoBoost vehicles including 2017-2019 Lincoln MKZ models. The bulletin identifies white exhaust smoke, rough running, and misfire codes, including P0301, and directs replacement of the long-block engine assembly when the condition is confirmed. Our safety concern is that coolant intrusion can progress from rough running and misfire to loss of engine performance or engine failure while the vehicle is in operation. In our case, the symptoms became severe enough that we did not consider continued driving appropriate and had the vehicle transported to the dealer. We ask NHTSA to add this complaint to its defect database and evaluate it together with other reports involving 2.0L EcoBoost coolant intrusion, misfire, loss of power and engine failure. We can provide the complete dealer repair order, estimate and additional records upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758814August 22, 2026
POWER TRAIN
2011 Lincoln MKZ AWD, 25000 miles. The plastic sheath that covers the transmission shift cable split in two. The split is located on the cable between the engine and firewall. preventing the driver from being able to shift the automatic transmission into Park and then later could no longer shift into any gear position. The metal cable and braid remained intact.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758493August 21, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear backup camera is defective and not working. Initially it would work intermittently and but now for the last few months it does not work at all. I went to dealership and contacted Lincoln directly and they refused to repair the defective rear camera. Despite there being an open recall for the exact same problem for model years 2015 and up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758219August 20, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera intermittently displayed a distorted image and the message "Camera Unavailable - Please Contact the Dealer" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758233August 20, 2026
ENGINE
Engine has rough idle and can stall. Ford says engine has coolant intrusion and needs a new engine. The repair will cost between 8500 and 10000 dollars.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758064August 19, 2026
ENGINE
On XXX, the engine in my 2019 Lincoln MKZ (Mileage 58,089) with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine suffered a catastrophic, sudden failure while driving. The vehicle began to overheat & run extremely rough, triggering multiple warning lights. It is now inoperable and unsafe to drive. The vehicle was towed to a Lincoln dealership (Tasca Lincoln in [XXX]) for diagnosis. The work order number is RO #XXX. The dealership confirmed the failure is due to a well-documented manufacturing defect known as "coolant intrusion," where the engine block cracks internally, allowing coolant to leak directly into the engine cylinders. The diagnostic trouble codes stored were P0217 (Engine Overheat Condition), P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected), & P0316 (Misfire Detected on Startup). This issue is specifically addressed in Ford's own Technical Service Bulletin 19-2346. This coolant intrusion defect creates a critical safety hazard. The engine can lose its coolant and fail without any prior warning, leading to a complete loss of power while the vehicle is in motion. A sudden seizure of the engine at highway speeds could cause a catastrophic accident, endangering myself, my passengers, & other drivers on the road. Estimated Cost for Repair: $10,781.40 (for complete engine replacement). I contacted Lincoln Customer Relations (Case #XXX) to request assistance with this known manufacturing defect. I was informed that there is no goodwill assistance available & that my case was being forwarded to their internal Vehicle Safety Division. This confirms that Ford is aware this is a serious safety issue. This is not a normal wear-and-tear failure; it is a fundamental defect in the engine's design that Ford has acknowledged internally through its service bulletins. An engine should not fail catastrophically due to a manufacturing defect on a [XXX] vehicle. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this defect to determine if a safety recall is warranted to protect the public. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756956August 14, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756668August 13, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera intermittently displayed a distorted image, and the message "Camera Unavailable - Please Contact the Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756788August 13, 2026
ENGINE
Coolant intrusion into my 2.0l eco boost engine requiring engine replacement
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755618August 8, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS, VISIBILITY/WIPER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While in reverse of my vehicle, the back-up camera display either goes completely black, displays an error message or glitches turning itself on/off at random. Referencing recall “25v695“ this recall has been on notice with no follow up since I received the notification letter on October 2025. This is a very high safety risk when in reverse potentially causing a crash with other vehicles, striking nearby objects or worse.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755488August 7, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754775August 4, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. 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. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the extended warranty coverage for the repair. The failure mileage was 102,450.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753851July 30, 2026
ENGINE
My engine has failed at less than 40,000 miles due to coolant leaking into the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753663July 30, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure and engine-compartment fire involving my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select, equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle had approximately 99,864 miles when the final failure occurred. Shortly after I purchased the vehicle, the original engine developed severe overheating, loss of cabin heat, white exhaust smoke, misfiring, and coolant intrusion. On December 16, 2024, at approximately 95,354 miles, the vehicle was taken to Murgado Ford Lincoln of Chicago. The dealership documented diagnostic codes P0303 and P0316 and determined that coolant was entering cylinder No. 3. Pursuant to Ford Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229, the dealership replaced the long-block engine and related one-time-use components. The replacement service-engine assembly was identified on the repair invoice as part No. J2GZ-6006-E. The vehicle was returned to me on approximately January 30, 2025. After the engine replacement, the vehicle continued to experience serious problems. Within days, it stalled in an intersection, produced white smoke, lost cabin heat, and had to be returned to the dealership. The vehicle later continued to exhibit hesitation, harsh shifting, loss of power, and other abnormal drivability symptoms. On September 4, 2025, while I was operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions in Chicago, I heard a sudden loud metallic grinding or mechanical noise coming from the engine area. Gray smoke then began coming from the vehicle and quickly progressed into heavy dark smoke. A fire developed in the engine compartment, forcing me to stop and exit the vehicle. The fire rapidly intensified and was followed by an explosion or explosive sound. There was no collision that initiated this incident. The vehicle sustained catastrophic fire damage and was rendered a total loss. The failure occurred only approximately seven months after the replacement long-block engine was installed and after I had repeatedly experien INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11752927July 26, 2026
ENGINE
Coolant intrusion with eco boost engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750514July 15, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the brake light had remained illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the vehicle was unoccupied. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the gear shifter independently shifted out of park. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed brake pedal bumper stop. The contact was informed that the brake pedal bumper stop was detached and caused the brake light to remain illuminated. The contact was advised to contact the dealer. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749386July 9, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Rearview camera is displaying a distorted image and is sometimes black, with no image, when reversing. This happened for about a month until I paid for replacing the rearview camera. I want to be reimbursed but no parts are available for over 9 months and I can’t get a refund unless parts are available. This is way beyond a reasonable amount of time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Lincoln MKZ