The 2017 Lincoln MKZ is associated with 135 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 4 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Engine, accounting for 51 reports (38% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 5 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2l 4-cyl, 3l 6-cyl, and 2L 4-Cyl hybrid configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 20 to 40 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 135 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 4 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Engine (51 / 38%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 6 crash / 4 fire / 4 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 20–40 MPG (5 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| MKZ FWD | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 MPG | 31 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $2,550 / yr |
| MKZ FWD | 3L 6-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 18 MPG | 27 MPG | 21 MPG | — | $2,950 / yr |
| MKZ AWD | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 20 MPG | 28 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,650 / yr |
| MKZ AWD | 3L 6-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 17 MPG | 26 MPG | 20 MPG | — | $3,100 / yr |
| MKZ Hybrid FWD Hybrid | 2L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 41 MPG | 38 MPG | 40 MPG | — | $1,550 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 4 DR FWD | | | | | 10.9% |
| 4 DR AWD | | | | | 10.9% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2017 Lincoln MKZ models.
View complete 2017 Lincoln MKZ crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2017 Lincoln MKZ problems & component breakdown (41 categories) →
Affected Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2017 Lincoln MKZ recalls & campaign history (4 campaigns) →