VehicleVerdict

2017 Lincoln MKZ problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ sits mid-pack among MKZ years: 176 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 130, with 4 recalls and one closed investigation.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 44% of all reports (78 of 176), far ahead of transmission at 22. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

176

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other MKZ years?

MKZ NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted328 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 305 complaints2008: 328 complaints2009: 129 complaints2010: 197 complaints2011: 180 complaints2012: 176 complaints2013: 146 complaints2014: 130 complaints2015: 100 complaints2016: 77 complaints2017: 176 complaints2018: 36 complaints2019: 18 complaints2020: 2 complaints
MKZ NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MKZ years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Lincoln MKZ problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine7844%
Transmission2213%
Brakes169%
Electrical System116%
Other106%
Fuel System85%
Steering63%
Speed Control53%
Lighting42%
Airbags42%
Tires & Wheels42%
Body & Structure21%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Driver Assistance11%
Latches & Locks11%
Seat Belts11%
Seats11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2017 Lincoln MKZ have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V162000BrakesMarch 10, 2023 · 1,280,726 units

Defect

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.

18V390000TransmissionJune 11, 2018 · 25 units

Defect

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.

18V167000SteeringMarch 12, 2018 · 1,301,986 units

Defect

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.

17V427000TransmissionJuly 6, 2017 · 6,026 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 21, 2025 · fire

“I purchased a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select which has been a continuous source of mechanical problems. After recently having a new engine installed, the vehicle has now developed significant transmission issues, making it unsafe and difficult to drive. Despite being sold this car under the assumption it…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 25, 2025 · crash

“While driving, my brakes failed. I was at a low rate of speed and was able to stop if pressing pedal all the way to floor. There was no warning prior to incident. When i was able to put car in park i got a brake fluid low warning. After inspection, brake line burst and brake fluid was visible on…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 5, 2023

“2017 LINCOLN MKZ. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO COMPUTER TOUCH SCREEN MALFUNCTION, HEADLIGHTS CONTROL SWITCH PROBLEMS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THE TOUCH SCREEN WOULD SHUT DOWN AND REBOOT ITSELF WHILE DRIVING. THE SWITCH THAT CONTROLS THE HEADLIGHTS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 6, 2016

“2017 Lincoln MKZ had the "Auto Hold" on and the car came to a complete stop at an intersection with a red traffic light. One other vehicle was in front of me and we had been stopped for at least 30 seconds. Without notice the Lincoln MKZ quickly lunged forward and struck the vehicle in front of me.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 21, 2021 · crash

2017 Lincoln MKZ — common questions

Is the 2017 Lincoln MKZ reliable?

It is close to typical for the MKZ: 176 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2017 MKZ problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (78 complaints), transmission (22 complaints), brakes (16 complaints).

Does the 2017 Lincoln MKZ have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Lincoln MKZ. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 Lincoln MKZ under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Lincoln MKZ years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the MKZ years to avoid are 2008, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. The cleanest record among MKZ years belongs to 2006.

How safe is the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Lincoln MKZ earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.