10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
27,765 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #15

Aug 202025

MKZ

  • miles
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 issue and others should be covered. After vehicle started making noise and i seen it could cause a crash it was parked til looked at. How do they decide which ones are included in recall when some others made at same time are having same issue. This is crazy they arent included too many of the same issues happening to the same vehicle.

- Lincoln, NE, USA

problem #14

Sep 042025

MKZ

  • miles
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 noises, I pulled over to the side of the road. Smoke and Fire Once stopped, the car began emitting gray smoke, which quickly turned into black smoke. The black smoke entered through the dashboard, filling the interior cabin. I realized the vehicle had caught on fire. Immediate Actions Taken I quickly gathered personal belongings from inside the car. I was lucky to have evacuated the vehicle immediately to ensure my safety, despite inhalation of potentially hazardous chemicals due to the fire/ plastic of the car. I then called 911 to report the fire and request emergency assistance. The car continued to catch fire and then there was a minor explosion, as the Chicago fire department battled the fire.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #13

Aug 182025

MKZ

  • 107,168 miles
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 dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,168.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #12

May 252025

MKZ

  • miles
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 was reliable, I am struggling with costly repairs and reduced functionality, effectively driving a -??lemon.-?? I believe the vehicle-??s condition and recurring failures qualify it for protection under consumer lemon laws or warranties, and I am seeking resolution or compensation due to these defects that have severely impacted the vehicle-??s usability and my safety.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #11

May 052025

MKZ

  • miles
Vehicle began to feel as if it was losing the ability to get any power to the engine. I would push the pedal to accelerate but even fully compressed the vehicle would not go above 30mph. I attempted to drive the vehicle in to be inspected at a dealership and while on the way the steering wheel completely locked and an Emergency Light appeared on the dashboard stating "Safely Park Vehicle". It was a Horrifying Experience to be driving In traffic and lose control of the vehicle but luckily I was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road to safety without crashing! Although the vehicle was fully powered, it would not move and I had to call AAA in order to get the vehicle towed to the closest AAA Approved facility which was AutoWorks Diagnostics & Repair in Kittery, ME. They observed fluids had leaked out but were unable to locate where the leak was coming from and very Loud Noises that appeared to be coming from in between the Engine and Transmission. After researching online they found that there were Two Recalls involving the welds on the Torque Converter detaching from the engine. They also found a recall on the front brake hoses rupturing & leaking brake fluid as well as a Recall with the steering wheel retaining bolt loosening & detaching while driving which could also have contributed to the issues experienced with the vehicle and the safety concerns associated as I was driving in traffic and lost Total Control of the vehicle which could very likely have caused a Major Accident! Unfortunately None of these recalls have been associated with the VIN connected to this vehicle and the manufacturer; Lincoln, to this point has refused to discuss any of the issues having to do with the four recalls being associated to my specific 2017 Lincoln Hybrid Premier 2.0L gas engine with 6 speed transmission although this specific year, make & model has each of these reported recalls.

- Wells, ME, USA

problem #10

Jul 162025

MKZ

  • miles
Transmission slipping, side airbags deployed, seatbelt cut, TPMS light on, unsafe to drive.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #9

May 252025

MKZ

  • miles
I purchased my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select on November 11, 2024. The vehicle was determined to need a new engine, per Murgado Lincoln of Chicago. They had my car for over 48 days while putting in a new engine. After this was completed the car had to be sent back due to a mistake the mechanics made by not attaching a gasket properly. After this, I began experiencing odd noises underneath the hood and throughout the vehicle; delayed timing belt in both acceleration and deceleration, and so forth. I was then involved in a hit-and-run car accident (not my fault). All side airbags deployed and my passenger side rear wheel is destroyed. I had this car assessed just a few days ago by a certified Auto Care Company who said I needed a completely new transmission and that this car is not street legal at the moment... insurance is not helping me at all.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #8

Nov 112024

MKZ

  • miles
I purchased this vehicle on November 11, 2024. About one month later, I began experiencing severe problems. The engine started overheating, which marked the beginning of a downward spiral of issues. To address the overheating, a new engine was installed by Murgado Lincoln dealership, which took approximately 48 days to complete. While the new engine resolved the overheating, a serious transmission problem has persisted and worsened. Since I purchased the car, the transmission has been slipping constantly, shifting gears on its own unpredictably, making loud noises under the hood and throughout the entire vehicle. These issues create a major safety hazard, putting me and others at significant risk. On June 25, 2025, I was involved in a hit-and-run incident that likely worsened the vehicle-??s condition. During this incident, the side airbags on both sides of my vehicle deployed, but the front airbag did not deploy at all, which is highly concerning and increased the danger during the impact. Additionally, the car has a cracked shock absorber head, likely from the accident, which has led to instability and potential fishtailing. I am now afraid to drive the vehicle due to unpredictable handling and further mechanical failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. These problems have been confirmed and partially addressed by the dealer when the engine was replaced, but the transmission issues have never been fully resolved. There were no specific warning lamps for the transmission before the failure, but the slipping and erratic gear changes started about one month after purchase and have become progressively worse.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #7

Oct 262024

MKZ

  • 127,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a whining sound coming from under the hood. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that on the following day, the vehicle was started; however, while driving 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The vehicle was driven to the place of employment. The contact stated that after work, the vehicle was started, and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that on the following day, the vehicle was started; however, the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact stated that the vehicle instead rolled backward. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle became undrivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V390000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #6

Jan 012023

MKZ 4-cyl

  • miles
After some research I noticed that the 2017 Lincoln MKZ was part of a recall for faulty torque converters (Lincoln MKZ, Ford Fusion, Edge Torque Converter Recall (fordauthority.com Ford Recall Number: 17S03-). My dad took his car to Napleton Lincoln Mercury River Oaks, Illinois and they confirmed he needs to replace the torque converter and transmission. However, my dad whose 85 years-old, was informed his car does not fall under the recall for various reasons. How can that be when it-??s the same, year, make, model and issue? My dad has taken his car to the dealer for all appropriate service appointments and has less than 100,000 miles on his car. It's obvious the issue is a defect and is not an issue associated with regularly wear and tear. He's faithfully purchased Ford products and routinely got over 200,000 miles without any problems. This issue puts my dad's life and any other owner of this car at extreme risk due to the uncertainty of the transmission operation. I feel Ford Lincoln Mercury should be held accountable for repairing his car.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #5

Jun 202022

MKZ

  • 115,200 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V427000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed with needing the transmission and torque convertor to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,200.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #4

Jun 202021

MKZ

  • miles
1) Every used miz I test drove had a super hard jerk out of first gear including the one I purchased, I was told it was fine, went to another dealership and was told the transmission clutch was gone, repaired under warranty. 2) Gas tank door spring failed, saw its a common problem with Ford Lincoln vehicles, dealer replaced entire door housing sleeve, not covered under warranty, had to be installed twice after coming out after incorrectly installed. 3) Front headlights lens spider web cracking. When purchased I saw small stress cracks at top by hood 3 to 7 months later entire lens/globe housing look like shattered glass but still in tacted, not covered under warranty, now passenger light starting to look the same. Only had the car 13 months. Dealer service rep ask do I drive car alot or drive in the rain, I was shocked. 4) Rear trunk tail light across entire back end full of moisture. Not covered under warranty. Every since 2007 this seem to be a common problem with every car I had to poor designed product that consumer have to pay for and shouldn't. It will cost thousands of dollars to replace.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #3

Jun 152020

MKZ 4-cyl

  • 33,100 miles
Jerks hard into second gear and jerks when put in reverse in motion.

- Newport News, VA, USA

problem #2

Sep 152019

MKZ

  • 16,000 miles
Oil pan leak rtv leak. This Mkz is leaking up to 1/4 quart of oil a day.

- West Valley, UT, USA

problem #1

May 012018

MKZ

  • 18,000 miles
Vehicle jerks aggressively from park to reverse then reverse to drive at cold start. And from park to drive. Then there is a delay in engagement where there is no movement at all as you sit in the roadway with traffic. No codes displaying after an appointment with dealership and although I provided videos of issue occurring they say they can't duplicate issue and I must come back, weeks later. As soon as I leave issue occurs again.....

- Endicott, NY, USA