YearToAvoid

2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

56/100

#5 most-complained of 10 MKZ Hybrid years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid has a Complaint Index of 56 and ranks 5th worst out of 10 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 17 complaints, no recalls, and no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths tied to this year.

Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
40
41 city / 38 hwy

Top 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine4 (24%)
  2. Other4 (24%)
  3. Steering4 (24%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain4 (24%)
  5. Brakes3 (18%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (12%)
  7. Electrical System1 (6%)
  8. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (6%)
  9. Fuel System1 (6%)
  10. Structure & Body1 (6%)

What owners report

  • Some owners report the engine failing to start repeatedly after sitting overnight in the garage, with repeat failures over several months.
  • Owners describe abnormal noise from the front and rear brakes after rain or overnight parking, with dealers unable to diagnose the cause.
  • Steering has been reported to pull abruptly left or right regardless of steering wheel position, speed, or road surface, sometimes with false hands-off-wheel alerts.
  • Some owners report corrosion along the seams where the hood and doors meet, described as severe enough to require part replacement.
  • At higher mileage, owners report an engine overheating warning tied to misfiring and coolant intrusion into a cylinder.
  • Owners describe a 'Shift System Fault' message and the vehicle failing to move into drive on the first attempt.
2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid complaints: complaints filed per month3Mar 2017Jan 2019May 2022Apr 2023Jun 2023May 2024Dec 2024Aug 2025
25 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2017 to Aug 2025; peak Mar 2017 (3).

2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost

City
41 MPG
Highway
38 MPG
Combined
40 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$1,600
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2017 compared with other MKZ Hybrid years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)02550751002011201220132014201520162017201820192020
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2015Caution6712040
2016Good336040
2017Caution5617040
2018No verdict112040
2019No verdict222041

All Lincoln MKZ Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA data gives the 2017 MKZ Hybrid a Complaint Index of 56 and a Caution verdict, ranking 5th worst among the 10 model years with data. It has fewer complaints (17) than the worst years like 2012 (59) but more than the best years like 2018 (2).
What problems does the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have?
NHTSA complaints cite Engine, Steering, and Transmission & Powertrain issues most often, each accounting for 24% of complaints, followed by Brakes at 18%.
Does the 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 0 recalls specifically logged for the 2017 model year, though some owners referenced a brake-related recall campaign (23V162000) in their complaints.
Which Lincoln MKZ Hybrid years are worse than 2017?
NHTSA data shows 2011 (Complaint Index 78), 2012 (89), and 2014 (100) all rank worse than 2017's Complaint Index of 56.
How much mileage do 2017 MKZ Hybrid problems show up at?
Median mileage at failure across all reported complaints for the 2017 model is 69,000 miles, though specific areas like Steering showed issues around 17,900 miles.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.