We are submitting this vehicle safety complaint regarding a dealer-confirmed coolant-intrusion failure in our 2017 Lincoln MKZ equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle had approximately 60,063 miles when presented to Parks Lincoln of Longwood. The vehicle developed a check engine light, rough running, shaking, and recurring misfire symptoms. Two ignition coils had recently been replaced, but the symptoms returned. The vehicle also produced white exhaust smoke on startup after sitting for several days. Because the rough running was so severe, the vehicle was ultimately towed to the Lincoln dealership on a flatbed. Parks Lincoln's Repair Order 2684839/1 documents DTC P0301. The technician states that, pursuant to TSB 22-2229, a coolant pressure test and cylinder inspection were performed; coolant intrusion was found in cylinder 1; and a long-block engine is required to properly repair the concern. Lincoln TSB 22-2229, NHTSA Manufacturer Communication No. 10214126, describes coolant intrusion in certain 2.0L EcoBoost vehicles including 2017-2019 Lincoln MKZ models. The bulletin identifies white exhaust smoke, rough running, and misfire codes, including P0301, and directs replacement of the long-block engine assembly when the condition is confirmed. Our safety concern is that coolant intrusion can progress from rough running and misfire to loss of engine performance or engine failure while the vehicle is in operation. In our case, the symptoms became severe enough that we did not consider continued driving appropriate and had the vehicle transported to the dealer. We ask NHTSA to add this complaint to its defect database and evaluate it together with other reports involving 2.0L EcoBoost coolant intrusion, misfire, loss of power and engine failure. We can provide the complete dealer repair order, estimate and additional records upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11758713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Engine has rough idle and can stall. Ford says engine has coolant intrusion and needs a new engine. The repair will cost between 8500 and 10000 dollars.
NHTSA complaint #11758233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On XXX, the engine in my 2019 Lincoln MKZ (Mileage 58,089) with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine suffered a catastrophic, sudden failure while driving. The vehicle began to overheat & run extremely rough, triggering multiple warning lights. It is now inoperable and unsafe to drive. The vehicle was towed to a Lincoln dealership (Tasca Lincoln in [XXX]) for diagnosis. The work order number is RO #XXX. The dealership confirmed the failure is due to a well-documented manufacturing defect known as "coolant intrusion," where the engine block cracks internally, allowing coolant to leak directly into the engine cylinders. The diagnostic trouble codes stored were P0217 (Engine Overheat Condition), P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected), & P0316 (Misfire Detected on Startup). This issue is specifically addressed in Ford's own Technical Service Bulletin 19-2346. This coolant intrusion defect creates a critical safety hazard. The engine can lose its coolant and fail without any prior warning, leading to a complete loss of power while the vehicle is in motion. A sudden seizure of the engine at highway speeds could cause a catastrophic accident, endangering myself, my passengers, & other drivers on the road. Estimated Cost for Repair: $10,781.40 (for complete engine replacement). I contacted Lincoln Customer Relations (Case #XXX) to request assistance with this known manufacturing defect. I was informed that there is no goodwill assistance available & that my case was being forwarded to their internal Vehicle Safety Division. This confirms that Ford is aware this is a serious safety issue. This is not a normal wear-and-tear failure; it is a fundamental defect in the engine's design that Ford has acknowledged internally through its service bulletins. An engine should not fail catastrophically due to a manufacturing defect on a [XXX] vehicle. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this defect to determine if a safety recall is warranted to protect the public. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(
NHTSA complaint #11758064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, the engine overheated. The contact pulled over and became aware that the coolant reservoir was empty. The contact added coolant to the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that there was coolant leaking into the cylinder, which caused engine failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the engine was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11756956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure and engine-compartment fire involving my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select, equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle had approximately 99,864 miles when the final failure occurred. Shortly after I purchased the vehicle, the original engine developed severe overheating, loss of cabin heat, white exhaust smoke, misfiring, and coolant intrusion. On December 16, 2024, at approximately 95,354 miles, the vehicle was taken to Murgado Ford Lincoln of Chicago. The dealership documented diagnostic codes P0303 and P0316 and determined that coolant was entering cylinder No. 3. Pursuant to Ford Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229, the dealership replaced the long-block engine and related one-time-use components. The replacement service-engine assembly was identified on the repair invoice as part No. J2GZ-6006-E. The vehicle was returned to me on approximately January 30, 2025. After the engine replacement, the vehicle continued to experience serious problems. Within days, it stalled in an intersection, produced white smoke, lost cabin heat, and had to be returned to the dealership. The vehicle later continued to exhibit hesitation, harsh shifting, loss of power, and other abnormal drivability symptoms. On September 4, 2025, while I was operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions in Chicago, I heard a sudden loud metallic grinding or mechanical noise coming from the engine area. Gray smoke then began coming from the vehicle and quickly progressed into heavy dark smoke. A fire developed in the engine compartment, forcing me to stop and exit the vehicle. The fire rapidly intensified and was followed by an explosion or explosive sound. There was no collision that initiated this incident. The vehicle sustained catastrophic fire damage and was rendered a total loss. The failure occurred only approximately seven months after the replacement long-block engine was installed and after I had repeatedly experien INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
NHTSA complaint #11753663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The engine light came on. The car suddenly wouldn’t go past 35 mph . Thankfully I was on a local road. I had it towed to the dealer and was told that the engine needed to be replaced because coolant leaked into the engine. There were no warning lights except the day of . The car did not give any indication of a leak. Nor was it running hot. Everything was functioning fine.
NHTSA complaint #11748460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2018 Lincoln MKZ began misfiring on startups. Eventually the check engine light came on with a code of P0302. About a week later while driving, the engine temp gauge reached the hottest temp reading on the gauge. I had to immediately pull over. Upon pulling over I immediately checked the coolant level in the overflow reservoir and it was empty. After refilling with coolant I was able to drive the car home. Over the next few days I monitored the coolant level but at the same time the car was experiencing rough startups and smoke coming out of the exhaust upon startup. Sometimes turning the engine off and restarting it would stop the smoke, but sometimes it wouldn't. I began doing some research and discovered, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 19-2346, which explains my exact experience with my 2018 Lincoln MKZ. I have yet to take my car to the dealership for repairs due to the costs that are expected to have this issue resolved. Documents in the legal case, Miller, et al. v. Ford Motor Company (Case No. 2:20-cv-01796) claim that Ford was aware of this defect in their vehicles dating back to 2010. I purchased my 2018 Lincoln MKZ back in 2019.
NHTSA complaint #11746143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2017 Lincoln MKZ equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. At approximately [MILEAGE] miles, the vehicle began experiencing loss of coolant, rough running/misfire, shaking/rough start, and reduced engine performance. The vehicle was diagnosed by a Ford/Lincoln dealership as having coolant intrusion into the engine/cylinders and/or engine block failure, requiring engine/long-block replacement. The estimated repair cost was approximately $8000. This creates a safety concern because coolant intrusion can cause misfires, overheating, engine damage, and possible loss of power while driving. Ford/Lincoln has issued Technical Service Bulletin 19-2346 and superseding bulletin 22-2229 for 2017–2019 Lincoln MKZ vehicles equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. These bulletins describe low coolant, white exhaust smoke, rough running, misfire codes, overheating codes, and coolant intrusion into the cylinder, with the prescribed repair being long-block engine replacement. Despite this known documented condition, Lincoln/Ford denied assistance because the vehicle is outside warranty. I am reporting this as a potential safety defect because the failure can occur without adequate warning and may cause engine overheating, misfire, or loss of power while the vehicle is being operated.
NHTSA complaint #11745431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Took car into Ford dealership service because the check engine light came on. The car was sounding a little rough also. When they called me, I was expecting a tune up or just a sensor issue, but I was told that I needed a new engine! The tech found dtc P0302 for misfire on cylinder number 2, found coolant on spark plug. Cylinder #2 was cracked and leaking coolant into it. Was told it would lead to catastrophic failure. Was told I needed a long block replacement at the tune of $9,000. The service tech called Ford to help with the costs, but since I didn't have an extended warranty, they wouldn't do anything. The car has been barely driven and taken well care of. I bought it in 2019 with 12k miles and now in 2026 it only has 69k miles. I have researched and found out that this is a systemic issue. Had I not replaced the engine it could of been catastrophic! I have been with Ford since I started driving in the early 80's. This is unacceptable. According to several reports, this has been reported many times (maybe thousands?). I wonder how many are NOT reported. Ford needs to reimburse for the defective engine.
NHTSA complaint #11745020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My Check Engine Light came on, I took my car to the dealership that I have using for eight years with less than 38k miles on it and I was told by the service technician who gave the diagnose as, there was coolant in the cylinder where the spark plug #3 is housed. He stated that the car is misfiring and I was told I needed to get an new engine replace to correct the problem. I was given a Service Bulletin stating the manufacturer knew of the problem with this model. I talk to the dealership service manager and questioned why no indication, clue, or suggestion was told to me of the problem with that type of engine. I have not contact my insurance company and I don't if they have information on the problem of the engine problem. I did tell the service technician on routine maintenance for the car that is running "rich" in using gas. In May of this year is when the engine problem started, 3 weeks before actually being eight years officially, no other indication lights came. I drive to work on the streets and freeway everyday.
NHTSA complaint #11743958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Internal Water pump Failed causing immediate shutdown of vehicle. This water pump is internal to the engine and requires half of the engine be taken apart to be replaced. This affect all 3.5 and 3.7 Ford engines through 2021. Unlike traditional water pumps which are belt driven this one is driven by the timing chain. Thereby when failure occurs the engine shuts down. Coolant also leaks into the oil as a result possibly resulting in engine damage. Ford is fully aware of the defect and refuses to recall. Regardless of age or miles this is a defect especially with vehicles equipped with the internal plastic water pump.
NHTSA complaint #11743504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greetings, I am adding my name to what has to be thousands of complaints about engine failure do to antifreeze intrusion. Ford should be replacing these engines for free. I also own a 2019 and waiting to have to spend another 8 grand on it.
NHTSA complaint #11736348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Technical Service Bulletin 19-2387 My vehicle has this defect which is an ongoing problem and at the time of this correspondence my vehicle has under 13,000 miles. Seepage around the perimeter of the oil pan which in time will result in a steady leak and in turn loosing enough oil will cause engine damage. Technicians refer to this as the oil pan sweating. As per the Technical Service Bulletin this problem exists on 2017 to 2019 Lincoln MKZ 3.0 which Ford installed a plastic oil pan on all new vehicles to reduce the weight of the vehicle. The 2017 to 2019 Lincoln MKZ 2.0 were fitted with metal oil pans and there is no issue. I notified Lincoln customer service and they are aware of this problem yet a recall has not been issued. This is a manufacturer defect and Ford should take responsibility to correct this problem. A recall should be issued. Thank You for your attention on this matter. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11731011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle lost power on the highway due to an overheating issue. Very dangerous when this happens while your going 70 mph. The vehicle was later determined to be a victim of Ford's known 2.0L Ecoboost engine that due to Ford's defective design, which Ford admits but refuses to issue a recall for. The ONLY fix for this problem is to have the long block replaced at a cost of over $9,000.00. Not exactly Ford looking out for the safety of their customers.
NHTSA complaint #11729600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coolent intrusion, coolent leaking into cylinder number 2 causing a misfire and excessive white smoke every time I start the vehicle, seems this is a manufacturing flaw from the research I've done with so many other people having the same complaints because the engine block is the cause of the problem the way they designed it ford acknowledged the problem saying it's the engine block because of a poor design only way to fix this is with a new redesigned engine block and that cost a lot of money I think Ford should be held accountable and should do a recalls on these and get these fixed this is not right.
NHTSA complaint #11727314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.