VehicleVerdict

2018 Lincoln MKZ problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2018 Lincoln MKZ is among the quieter years of the MKZ on NHTSA's books: 36 complaints (72% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (31% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

36

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other MKZ years?

MKZ NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all MKZ years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Lincoln MKZ problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1131%
Transmission822%
Other411%
Driver Assistance38%
Lighting26%
Electrical System26%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Brakes13%
Fuel System13%
Body & Structure13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Airbags13%

Does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ have recalls?

2 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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 2, 2024

“Torque converter stuck off pcm code 6f35 transmission vin look up doesn't show recall but it has same transmission installed with the same problem as 2017 model ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 5, 2023

“IF YOU ARE ON A HILL SUCH AS A DRIVEWAY AND YOU TURN YOUR CAR ON TO ACCESSORY MODE AND THEN FORGET YOUR CAR IS NOT TURNED ON YOU CAN PUT YOUR CAR INTO GEAR. IF YOU PUT YOUR CAR INTO REVERSE AND THE CAR STARTS ROLLING IT IS DIFFICULT TO STOP IT BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO POWER ON THE BRAKES AND CANNOT TURN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 9, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE WINDOW SWITCH FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WINDOW, THE BLIND SPOT WARNING SYSTEM WAS DEACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 1, 2019

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LINCOLN MKZ. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE WINDOW SWITCH FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WINDOW, THE BLIND SPOT WARNING SYSTEM WAS DEACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 1, 2019

2018 Lincoln MKZ — common questions

Is the 2018 Lincoln MKZ reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 36 NHTSA complaints, below the typical MKZ year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2018 MKZ problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), transmission (8 complaints), other (4 complaints).

Does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Lincoln MKZ. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 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 2018 Lincoln MKZ?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 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.