2017 Lincoln Mkz Safety Report
2017 LINCOLN MKZ Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Lincoln Mkz
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Lincoln Mkz. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (120) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 9 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Lincoln Mkz with 2 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Lincoln Mkz before buying across this generation. |
Lincoln Mkz Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Lincoln Mkz years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Lincoln Mkz | 26 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Lincoln Mkz | 59 | 7 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Lincoln Mkz | 13 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Lincoln Mkz | 72 | 11 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Lincoln Mkz | 2 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2017 Lincoln Mkz Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Lincoln Mkz, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
42 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Lincoln onlyPower Train
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Lincoln onlyService Brakes
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Lincoln onlyEngine And Engine Cooling
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling issues Lincoln onlyService Brakes, Hydraulic
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes, Hydraulic issues Lincoln onlyEngine,Fuel/Propulsion System
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Lincoln onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Lincoln Mkz
Reliability Score
The 2017 Lincoln Mkz receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2017 Lincoln Mkz
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2017 Lincoln Mkz
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Lincoln Mkz:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant Intrusion Coolant intrusion into the engine has caused misfires and excessive white smoke, leading to engine failures. This is a known defect affecting the engine long block. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Torque Converter Failure Recalled due to potential failure, causing the vehicle to enter LIMP mode and fail to shift properly. This issue has been reported in multiple models. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine And Fuel/Propulsion System Engine and fuel/propulsion system issues have been reported, including head gasket failures and coolant leaks. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Issues Steering wheel/handle bar issues have been reported, potentially leading to loss of control. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Lincoln Mkz:
Issues with coolant intrusion and engine failures are common, affecting the engine and fuel/propulsion system.
Torque converter failures have been reported, leading to LIMP mode and transmission issues.
Steering wheel/handle bar issues have been reported, potentially leading to loss of control.
Hydraulic service brake issues have been reported, affecting the vehicle's braking system.
Recall Details for the 2017 Lincoln Mkz
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2017 Lincoln Mkz by NHTSA:
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford Edge and 2017 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.
Consequence: If the torque converter weld studs fail, the torque converter will not be connected to the engine flexplate and the vehicle will lose the ability to move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converters, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S16 (S2). Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 17V-427.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
Consequence: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Edge and Fusion vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.
Consequence: If the torque converter weld studs fail, the torque converter will not be connected to the engine flexplate and the vehicle will lose the ability to move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford or Lincoln will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converters, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S16.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Lincoln Mkz
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Lincoln Mkz with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 3 involved fires.
Coolent intrusion, coolent leaking into cylinder number 2 causing a misfire and excessive white smoke every time I start the vehicle, seems this is a manufacturing flaw from the research I've done with so many other people having the same complaints because the engine block is the cause of the problem the way they designed it ford acknowledged the problem saying it's the engine block because of a ...
I am submitting this complaint to report a serious vehicle safety incident involving my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select that resulted in a catastrophic engine fire while the vehicle was in operation. Prior to the incident, the vehicle underwent a long block engine replacement performed by Murgado Ford Lincoln of Chicago pursuant to Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2229. The repair involved remova...
I drive a 2017 Lincoln MKZ equip with an Ecoboost 2.0L engine. A very widely known design flaw in the Engine Long block has caused coolant intrusion into the #1 cylinder. This can cause overheating issues and ultimately cause a fire and/or stall the car in a critical moment (i.e. highway) and cause an accident. I took the vehicle into my local dealership and they confirmed this issue and is consis...
The car has been experiencing a persistent cylinder #2 misfire. We replaced the coils and spark plugs, only to learn that this is a common issue with the 2.0 MKZ engines. The problem has worsened to the point where the car sometimes can barely move in traffic, creating a serious safety risk if other drivers don’t notice the vehicle slowing to a crawl. It also puts my family at risk if we ever have...
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode and failed to shift into third or fourth gear. Due to the failure, the contact made several stops while driving to the residence. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic but was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V390000 (POWER TRAIN); and associa...
My 2017 Lincoln MKZ experienced a sudden and severe engine failure consistent with the known Ford/Lincoln coolant intrusion defect affecting 1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L EcoBoost engines. While driving, the vehicle began losing coolant with no visible external leak, followed by rough running, misfires, and complete engine shutdown. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed to a Ford dealership. At...
Faulty engine, head gasket failure and needing total engine replace at 83,000 miles
So I bought this car in February of last year. Since I've had it june I had to do a head gasket. Another time the high speed fuel pump had bolt come loose and oil went everywhere causing a fire. Had transmission intercooler line do the same thing. Additional fire. And just recently I problem that was supposedly fixed already wasn't and flywheel broke leaving me stranding in a parking lot for ...
After filling up with gas, started the vehicle & it displayed SEVERAL warnings regarding the steering, stability control, etc. Only about 2 miles from home. Started driving home & the steering wheel was variably going from fairly difficult to turn to VERY difficult to turn. Got within about 150 feet of my home & could not turn the steering wheel AT ALL. Tried multiple times to back up / go for...
Head gasket failure. coolant leak into engine block. Replaced engine at a cost of $3900
I am paying on a 2017 Lincoln MKZ with total engine failure due to coolant leaking into it. I am aware that NHTSA in early October 2023 there was an investigation into more than 700000 late model Ford due to catastrophic engine failure. Why was people not informed on this matter, or a recall established.
Total engine failure due to coolant leaking into it. 2023 investigation on this same situation, whats the outcome
Torque converter is going oitvluckly caught it in time before it locked up and caused a crash. There are numerous other vins recalled for the same year and same issue because the torque coverter welds were not done correctly. My vehicle does not show any recalls but should have also been included. I have seen on forums about this where numerous people had the same issue and all lincoln reps just g...
The torque converter/flex plate is bad rattles and apoarently can cause an accident. There are recalls for this same year same motor and midel but my vehicle is not included but should be. I had it checked by undioendent mechanic who confirmed issue. I have read numerous post online with the same issue with theirs also saying it not included in recall how is thus posdible obviously there is an iss...
Incident Summary – Vehicle Fire Date of Incident: Thursday, September 4, 2025 Context: I was driving to a scheduled service appointment for my car at Murgado Lincoln Dealership of Chicago Events Leading Up to the Fire While driving, I heard loud metal noises coming from under the hood. The sound was either metal pieces falling off or grinding/chomping metal against metal. Concerned by the noise...
Leasing a 2017 Mkz with total engine failure due to coolant leaking into the engine. Other issues are evolving, while unable to get it fixed
Lemon Was sold a car with a class action lawsuit in progress, still was leased to me stuck with payments with a blown engine. Now can't even open it
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.
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)
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally with the powertrain warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to function properly and became difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The...
Showing 20 of 120 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2017 Lincoln Mkz
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Opened 2022-08-08 · Closed 2023-03-24
On August 8, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation based on 50 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging front brake jounce hose ruptures on model year (MY) 2013-2018 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. A ruptured front brake hose results in a brake fluid leak. As a result, the driver may experience an increase in pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration, increasing the risk of a crash. It should be noted that the subject vehicles identifi...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Lincoln Mkz
Has the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ have?
The 2017 LINCOLN MKZ has 120 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 6 involved crashes. 3 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ?
The 2017 LINCOLN MKZ received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ involve engine (42 complaints), power train (10 complaints), service brakes (7 complaints). Other affected components include engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic, engine,fuel/propulsion system.
How many crash reports does the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ have?
There are 6 crash reports associated with the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ out of 120 total complaints (5.0% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ have?
There are 3 fire reports for the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ out of 120 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ?
3 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2017 LINCOLN MKZ?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ is acceptable with caveats. It has 120 complaints, 4 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ are: 1. ENGINE (42 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (10 complaints), 3. SERVICE BRAKES (7 complaints), 4. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (6 complaints), 5. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (6 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 42 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 LINCOLN MKZ?
Be cautious of coolant intrusion and engine failures, as these are known defects. Regular maintenance and monitoring are crucial. The 2017 LINCOLN MKZ has 120 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ?
The 2017 LINCOLN MKZ receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 120 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 9 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Coolant Intrusion and Torque Converter Failure.
What are the known issues with the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ?
Known issues with the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ include: Coolant Intrusion, Torque Converter Failure, Engine and Fuel/Propulsion System, Steering Issues. These are based on patterns found across 120 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?
Common issues include coolant intrusion, engine failures, torque converter problems, and steering issues.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?
Yes, there are recalls for torque converter issues and coolant intrusion affecting the engine.
What should I do if I experience coolant intrusion?
Seek immediate professional assistance to address the issue and prevent further damage.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of coolant intrusion and engine failures, as these are known defects. Regular maintenance and monitoring are crucial.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Lincoln Mkz
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Lincoln Mkz. The data includes 120 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 6 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Lincoln Mkz an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16