45 of the
2,025 complaints filed about the Lincoln MKZ
are about the fuel system —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2014.
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.
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.
The car has been experiencing a persistent cylinder #2 misfire. We replaced the coils and spark plugs, only to learn that this is a common issue with the 2.0 MKZ engines. The problem has worsened to the point where the car sometimes can barely move in traffic, creating a serious safety risk if other drivers don’t notice the vehicle slowing to a crawl. It also puts my family at risk if we ever have to exit the car in busy traffic. Ford has diagnosed the issue, but they stated there is no recall associated with this VIN. The check engine light remains on.
NHTSA complaint #11722152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 was supposedly fixed already wasn't and flywheel broke leaving me stranding in a parking lot for 4 days dropping transmission. The dealer didn't put back all the parts correctly either.
NHTSA complaint #11707430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11686775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 10 May 2025 the car engine stalled at an intersection and would not restart. Had the car towed to the nearest Ford Dealership (Five Star Ford - Plano, Texas). The dealership repaired the failure by replacing the low pressure fuel pump. Failure is similar to 25V442000.
NHTSA complaint #11673043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that on several occasions while exiting the vehicle, the contact observed an abnormally strong fuel odor outside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not able to be replicated; however, the gas cap was replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact believed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11664875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While traveling on interstate at70 mph a red triangle appears on dash engine turns off warning on dash to stop asap. All you have is electrical power which is not much. Car needs to be turned off and restarted. This may occur again in a few minutes or not. Took to dealer they said they replaced an O2 sensor. It still turns off. Back to dealer. They can’t reproduce. Has happened to me at least 8 times on surface streets and highways. Extremely dangerous to loose power on highways. This started about 6 months ago. Still happening. Last incident was today
NHTSA complaint #11642912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2017 Lincoln MKZ and was just informed by the dealership that my vehicle is part of TSB 22-2229 which relates to a known defect in the manufacture of the 2.0 Ecoboost engine. Coolant is now leaking into the cylinder and progressively making the car worse. With only 85k miles the only fix is to install a new engine, out-of-pocket, for close to $15,000. I have filed my complaint with Lincoln, no response. This defective engine needs to be recalled!
NHTSA complaint #11592955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I push my start button and it makes the starting nose and after a few minutes it starts and when I go to move it stalls out and then won't start again or starts and stalls again. But the next day drives fine. And it has been happening now for months even after we fixed the high rich codes it was giving out but now there's no codes appearing.
NHTSA complaint #11538780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My MKZ suddenly cut off without warning lamps or messages at highway speed. There was a very quick shudder and all power lost. After pulling onto the road shoulder and waiting a few minutes, it restarted and drove normally. I stopped about 15 minutes later and switched it off. When returning to the vehicle, it would not start. I had it towed to a garage where it has been for 6 weeks. They have been unable to identify the problem and get it restarted. Online reports by others indicate this occurred with other Lincoln products over a span of a few years with no assistance from Lincoln/Ford to identify the problem. This is a HUGE safety issue, as well an immediate personal inconvenience.
NHTSA complaint #11522508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contract stated that on several occasions, while the brake pedal was depressed, the brake pedal remained on the floorboard. The brake pedal was pumped while coming to a stop. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started jerking. The contact stated that there was an abnormal fuel odor detected. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11518345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2013 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, he saw smoke entering through the vents. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving the vehicle to a near friend's residence. The contact stated when he open the hood he saw the fire was located on the engine. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with water nearby. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. The vehicle was not drivable. The fire department did come to the location of the vehicle but a fire report was not filed. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V227000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
NHTSA complaint #11495511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln Mkz. The contact stated while reversing out of his parking lot, the vehicle stalled and the contact felt the vehicle lose power and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact had to restart the vehicle several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they stated that the PCN had a failure and the PCN was replaced but the failure continued, the vehicle was taken to another dealer and the fuel pump was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and they stated the PCN had failed but, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and they stated that there was no recall under his VIN and advised him to contact the NHTSA Hotline and file a complaint. The failure mileage was 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #11488797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road and within 1-2 minutes he was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V621000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
NHTSA complaint #11456630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
After a year with the purchasing dealer we are still having on-going electrical issues with the vehicle. Apple Sync, voice control. Still have issues with rims pitting after only less than 10,000 miles on the vehicle. Bolt rusting on under carriage. Film on back window. Lincoln Corporate has been following this case for a year now and my rep is Mr. Dehane Davis. This file is still open at Lincoln Corporate.
NHTSA complaint #11451750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car has always performed a good cold start. But, after running a while, the following has happened, and is happening more frequently: run the car, park, and then restarting after several minutes, I have put it in gear and the engine sputters and stalls. Then has to turn over several times to restart. This has also happened after running for a while and then stopping at a long red-light, engine sputtered and stalled. Also happens when engine is warmed up and sitting still, just idling. Sputtered and stalls. With always the same result on restart, has to turn over, and over, several times. These incidences are identical to the problems described in Safety Recall Notice 16S31, which includes various other ford's and lincolns(mks, mkt) of years 2013-2015, but leaves out the mkz.
NHTSA complaint #11448610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.