Engine & cooling

Lincoln MKZ Engine problems by year

184 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Lincoln MKZ's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Engine complaints by model year

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 852017 2018 2019 2020

Year	Engine complaints	Crashes	Injuries
2019	8	0	0
2018	16	0	0
2017	85	3	3
2016	7	0	0
2015	7	0	0
2014	10	2	1
2013	11	1	0
2012	5	0	1
2011	13	0	0
2010	5	0	0
2009	4	0	0
2008	6	2	0
2007	7	0	0

Latest MKZ engine complaints

2017 Lincoln MKZ Electrical system Engine & cooling

FORMAL SAFETY COMPLAINT - REQUEST FOR FREE REPLACEMENT OF GEAR SELECTOR** **Vehicle:** 2017 Lincoln MKZ - Gasoline Model To Lincoln Customer Relations: I am formally requesting that Lincoln Motor Company address a safety concern with my 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The lettering on the push-button gear selector has worn away, making it difficult to identify the gear-selection buttons. This creates a potential safety hazard because the driver may accidentally select the wrong gear. The gear selector is an essential...

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operating component, and its markings should remain visible and legible throughout the normal life of the vehicle. I do not consider this ordinary cosmetic wear. I consider it a potential safety defect that could lead to an unintended gear selection, property damage, or an accident. I am requesting: 1. A free replacement of the defective push-button gear-selector assembly. 2. A review of whether this issue has affected other 2017 Lincoln MKZ owners. 3. Written confirmation of whether Lincoln has issued any technical service bulletins, customer satisfaction programs, or other notices concerning this problem. 4. A written response explaining Lincoln's decision. I believe customers should not have to pay out of pocket to correct a component whose deterioration can interfere with safe vehicle operation. Please escalate this complaint to the appropriate customer satisfaction or vehicle safety department. Thank you for your attention to this matter. - Lincoln Customer Relationship Center: 1-800-521-4140

2017 Lincoln MKZ Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken the local Automotive service center, and the ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced. Shortly after retrieving the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had experience coolant intrusion, and the contact was informed that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 49,266.

2018 Lincoln MKZ Engine & cooling

Around end of May or beginning of June 2026 a check engine light came on in our 2018 MKZ. The code showed cylinder 3 misfire. We called our local Ford dealership for diagnosis. We almost didn't get there as it started to overheat on the way. Once at Ford they diagnosed it with coolant intrusion in cylinder 3. They said this was a known issue and needed a new block. $11,500 for replacement. They said driving it could cause catastrophic problems to the vehicle and possibly the passengers in it. The vehicle had 65,873...

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miles on it at time and once home it has stayed in the garage since. They said warranty was over and to call Lincoln for assistance programs as it was a known safety defect. I did call and Lincoln denied any help with repairs.

2015 Lincoln MKZ Engine & cooling

The engine failed due to design flaw in the engine block

2019 Lincoln MKZ Engine & cooling

I noticed on mid Sept/2026 when I started my car the engine was idling rough for a few minutes, then went idling normal. Every morning after it repeated itself when first starting the car and my check engine light came on. I scheduled a a diagnostic with an Auto shop and it was diagnosed as Cylinder 2 misfire. Shop told me to check if coolant level is lower in the next morning, I checked it was low & had to add more coolant, also no coolant on the floor. Check Engine Light on almost every day, took it to another...

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auto shop for 2nd opinion, had them do a coolant pressure test. The Coolant pressure test showed Cylinder 2 had coolant getting inside it. Shop found TSB 19-2208 pertaining to this issue. Repair for this was to replace engine. Found out about Miller vs Ford Class action suit online which stated Ford had a Engine Block design flaw on the 1.0 L, 1.6 L, & 2.0 L EcoBoost engines which allows coolant to leak directly into the combustion Cylinders, which could cause severe overheating. My Lincoln MKZ has the 2.0 L EcoBoost engine. Eventually my engine will fail completely if I continue to drive the car. My MKZ engine was built on 08/2018

2017 Lincoln MKZ Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling or driving there was a misfire. 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 vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #3. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

2018 Lincoln MKZ Engine & cooling

Head gasket and long block. I was at risk along with the public. I was driving on [[redacted]] when the car suddenly started to overheat and would not accelerate anymore. The problem was diagnosed today the coolant is leaking into cylinder 3. The check engine light came on and gave me p303 for a code. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

2017 Lincoln MKZ Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. 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. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,300.

2016 Lincoln MKZ Engine & cooling

Catalytic Converter P0420 issue that cannot be fixed.

2018 Lincoln MKZ Engine & cooling

While driving, the car stalled. I could not restart it. It was towed to Lincoln Dealer and determined that coolant had leaked into the cylinders and seized the engine. This is a known defect on the Ford EcoBoost Engine. Fully aware of the defect, Ford redesigned the engine in 2019 for later models. I am now faced with the huge expense of having Lincoln replace the engine. Ford needs to take responsibility and pay for this. Please help me.

2017 Lincoln MKZ Engine & cooling

My 2017 Lincoln MKZ with only 52100 miles started leaking coolant into the engine cylinders which will require a new engine. 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 have noted there are several class action lawsuits in progress and I believe a recall has been issued on some...

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Ford/Lincoln Ecoboost engines. A recall should be issued for all affected engines and not just some models. Thank you for your attention in this matter. The engine replacement will cost at least 7000. Ford should be responsible for reimbursing my out of pocket costs as a result of their unwillingness to resolve this issue.

2017 Lincoln MKZ Engine & cooling

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. I was advised by a repair shop that the vehicle has a serious engine problem and that the engine needs to be replaced. I am concerned that the overheating and engine problems could cause the vehicle to suddenly lose power or suffer complete engine failure while I am driving. If the engine loses power unexpectedly...

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while I am traveling in traffic, I could be unable to accelerate or safely move out of the way of other vehicles, creating a serious safety hazard for me, my passengers, and other motorists. I contacted Lincoln regarding these problems and asked the manufacturer for assistance, but Lincoln refused to provide assistance with the issue. I am now left responsible for addressing a potentially serious engine and safety problem. I am requesting that NHTSA document and investigate these engine, misfire, and overheating problems to determine whether they may be related to a safety defect affecting other 2017 Lincoln MKZ vehicles.

2019 Lincoln MKZ Engine & cooling

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...

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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.

2017 Lincoln MKZ Engine & cooling

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....

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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.

2017 Lincoln MKZ Engine & cooling

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.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data