Owners have filed 27 complaints
about the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid with NHTSA between 2017 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 36
Against the median year of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 57
33% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2017 compares with every other Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
518.5%
Median failure at 85,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
414.8%
Median failure at 2,800 miles
Steering
414.8%
Median failure at 17,900 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
414.8%
Median failure at 70,000 miles
Brakes
311.1%
Wheels
27.4%
Median failure at 60,000 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
13.7%
Fuel & Propulsion
13.7%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
13.7%
Body & Structure
13.7%
Median failure at 68,000 miles
Electrical System
13.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
325.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
18.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
325.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
433.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
18.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2017peak 3Aug 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
RQ22004Opened 8 Aug 2022Closed 24 Mar 2023SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Front Brake Jounce Hose Failures
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 identified fell outside the scope of NHTSA Safety Recall 20V-469, which addressed front brake hoses rupturin...
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Wells, ME
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11678937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wells, ME
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11678937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wells, ME
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11678937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,800 milesStockton, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,800.
NHTSA complaint #11658567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Vernon, IN
STEERING
There was a recall for a loose steering wheel bolt . The recall was repaired at the dealership but now the steering wheel is loose again. I feel like this issue is grounds for a second recall. Not sure what is going on . Please advise before something bad happens
NHTSA complaint #11630323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
STEERING
Loose steering wheel issues as described in existing recall Safety Recall 18S08 Dealer repaired at a cost, and was informed that the vehicle was not eligible for the recall. Bolt replaced and retorqued to sped. Service performed by Fiesta Lincoln 1720 S Mesa Dr, Mesa, AZ 85210 on 10/21/2024 with approx cost of $240 (final invoice not available at this time.)
NHTSA complaint #11621049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Visalia, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The vehicle transmission shift is controlled by buttons to the right of the dashboard. The letters identify Power on/off, R, Dr., etc.. The identifying imprints for each shift within a short time are erased, making it impossible to readily identify and engage in the appropriate gear or command. This poses a hazard when approaching a difficult traffic situation, when parking, or a safety issue when the power button is mistakenly turned off, when the reverse button is pressed when you are expecting to engage into Drive. It's also important to note that the vehicle safety break is engaged through the transmission posing another safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11587252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Visalia, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The vehicle transmission shift is controlled by buttons to the right of the dashboard. The letters identify Power on/off, R, Dr., etc.. The identifying imprints for each shift within a short time are erased, making it impossible to readily identify and engage in the appropriate gear or command. This poses a hazard when approaching a difficult traffic situation, when parking, or a safety issue when the power button is mistakenly turned off, when the reverse button is pressed when you are expecting to engage into Drive. It's also important to note that the vehicle safety break is engaged through the transmission posing another safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11587252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle transmission shift is controlled by buttons to the right of the dashboard. The letters identify Power on/off, R, Dr., etc.. The identifying imprints for each shift within a short time are erased, making it impossible to readily identify and engage in the appropriate gear or command. This poses a hazard when approaching a difficult traffic situation, when parking, or a safety issue when the power button is mistakenly turned off, when the reverse button is pressed when you are expecting to engage into Drive. It's also important to note that the vehicle safety break is engaged through the transmission posing another safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11587252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesChillicothe, OH
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while attempting to replace all four tires, the contact became aware that the lug nuts were swollen. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the lug nuts needed to be heated to remove from the wheel studs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11533667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Mohave, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving down the road in my black MKZ Hybrid -the red triangle sign came on and I had 6 seconds to safely get off the road, the vehicle then was non responsive. The start button was flashing and would not completely turn off. Towed to a local Ford dealer- I was informed today that the hybrid battery's temperature was 190 degrees then stated 145 degrees. The air temperature at the time was 118 degrees. Ford dealer stated they did not know what to do about it - it's just too hot. My concern is my safety and that of others were put at risk due the vehicle shutting down automatically. The temperature of the lithium battery at the time of shut down (190-145 degrees) risk of explosion? Failure of Ford not to "look" into the issue or provide me with a loner car - The car was purchased to drive in all weather - I would think that the engineers would have tested the vehicle in various weather and temperature - it works in weather -5 below zero.
NHTSA complaint #11533555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warner Robins, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11525959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesOdessa, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 70–75 MPH, there was white and black smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle stalled and made an abnormal sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the timing chain malfunctioned inside the engine, which caused the spark plugs to completely melt. There were several unknown misfire codes. Additionally, the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, who informed the contact that the catalytic converter had failed, which caused the engine to overheat. Additionally, the piston rod had a hole melted through the center, and the exhaust mounts were melted along with several other unknown parts. The dealer confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11522505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mobile, AL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11522495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesOdessa, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 70–75 MPH, there was white and black smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle stalled and made an abnormal sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the timing chain malfunctioned inside the engine, which caused the spark plugs to completely melt. There were several unknown misfire codes. Additionally, the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, who informed the contact that the catalytic converter had failed, which caused the engine to overheat. Additionally, the piston rod had a hole melted through the center, and the exhaust mounts were melted along with several other unknown parts. The dealer confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11522505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesDelray Beach, FL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the message "Shift System Fault" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, she shifted into drive, but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle responded on the second attempt. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown recall as the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted several times, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11515415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Engine Overheating" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was misfiring, the coolant level was extremely low, and coolant had intruded into cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact indicated that TSB (22-229) regarding the failure had previously been issued by the manufacturer but the VIN was not included. The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11482434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Engine Overheating" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was misfiring, the coolant level was extremely low, and coolant had intruded into cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact indicated that TSB (22-229) regarding the failure had previously been issued by the manufacturer but the VIN was not included. The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11482434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesButler, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that there was corrosion on the seams of the hood and the doors of the vehicle towards the bottom where the aluminum meets the steel. The contact took the vehicle to an auto body shop and stated that all the parts needed to be replaced due to the severity of the corrosion. The contact spoke to the dealer who confirmed there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty was no longer valid. The approximate failure mileage 68,000.
NHTSA complaint #11465481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Placentia, CA
WHEELS
Lugnuts are stripped and swollen at only 60k miles. An improperly seated lug nut could result in the tire coming off at high rate of speeds posing a safety hazard. The dealer found and confirmed the swollen and stripped lug nuts. Lincoln dealer is the only entity who has serviced the vehicle while in my possession. After speaking with advisor, they said this is a common problem - indicating Lincoln is aware of the issue. After researching, MANY Ford and Lincoln owners are filing complaints, and lawsuits over this issue and Ford is denying them. This indicates Ford and Lincoln are aware of the problem. Part was inspected by the manufacturer, Lincoln. No warning lamp, message, or symptom indicating the problem. Last service appointment (approx 5100) miles ago did not indicate any issue with the lug nuts.
NHTSA complaint #11452150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Placentia, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Lugnuts are stripped and swollen at only 60k miles. An improperly seated lug nut could result in the tire coming off at high rate of speeds posing a safety hazard. The dealer found and confirmed the swollen and stripped lug nuts. Lincoln dealer is the only entity who has serviced the vehicle while in my possession. After speaking with advisor, they said this is a common problem - indicating Lincoln is aware of the issue. After researching, MANY Ford and Lincoln owners are filing complaints, and lawsuits over this issue and Ford is denying them. This indicates Ford and Lincoln are aware of the problem. Part was inspected by the manufacturer, Lincoln. No warning lamp, message, or symptom indicating the problem. Last service appointment (approx 5100) miles ago did not indicate any issue with the lug nuts.
NHTSA complaint #11452150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,900 milesValencia, CA
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING THE FRONT TIRES ABRUPTLY PULL LEFT OR RIGHT, REGARDLESS OF STEERING WHEEL POSITION (STRAIGHT OR TURNING), SPEED (25MPH OR 65MPH), OR ROAD CONDITIONS (SMOOTH OR BUMPY). ALSO, RECEIVED RANDOM ALERTS TO KEEP HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN MY HANDS HAD NEVER LEFT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE ALERTS STOPPED BUT THE STEERING/WHEEL POSITION ISSUE REMAINS.
NHTSA complaint #11166351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stanford, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. AFTER IT RAINED OR AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED OVERNIGHT, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (STUART POWELL FORD LINCOLN MAZDA LOCATED AT 225 S DANVILLE BYPASS, DANVILLE, KENTUCKY), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEIR ENGINEERS WERE LOOKING INTO THE FAILURE. THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION UNDER NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10095821 (SERVICE BRAKES/ELECTRIC), WHICH STATED THAT NO REPAIRS SHOULD BE DONE AT THE TIME AND TO MONITOR OASIS FOR FUTURE UPDATES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10991673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stanford, KY
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID. AFTER IT RAINED OR AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED OVERNIGHT, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (STUART POWELL FORD LINCOLN MAZDA LOCATED AT 225 S DANVILLE BYPASS, DANVILLE, KENTUCKY), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEIR ENGINEERS WERE LOOKING INTO THE FAILURE. THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION UNDER NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10095821 (SERVICE BRAKES/ELECTRIC), WHICH STATED THAT NO REPAIRS SHOULD BE DONE AT THE TIME AND TO MONITOR OASIS FOR FUTURE UPDATES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10991673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,800 milesAllentown, PA
POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE HAS FAILED TO START ON 4 DIFFERENT EVENTS OVER A 6 MONTH PERIOD. NO POWER TO THE VEHICLE AFTER HAVING IT PARKED IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT. EVENT DATES ARE: 12/12/16; 01/04/17; 3/2/17; 3/22/17.
NHTSA complaint #10968016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.