2017 Lincoln MKZ Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2017 Lincoln MKZ has a Complaint Index of 57 and ranks 7th worst out of 15 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate at 61% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 72,500, and NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering brakes, transmission, and steering.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 57/100
- #7 of 15 MKZ years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 139
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 27.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2017 Lincoln MKZ problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine85 (61%)
- Transmission & Powertrain24 (17%)
- Brakes16 (12%)
- Electrical System13 (9%)
- Other12 (9%)
- Fuel System9 (6%)
- Steering6 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (4%)
- Airbags4 (3%)
- Structure & Body3 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engines have lost power or stalled suddenly while driving, sometimes triggering a warning light before shutting off.
- Some owners reported engine fires, including under-hood metal noises followed by smoke or flames.
- Owners describe needing full engine replacements, with transmission problems surfacing afterward.
- The touch screen has been reported to shut down and reboot on its own while driving, along with faulty headlight switches.
- Torque steer has caused the steering wheel to pull hard to one side, occasionally jerking toward oncoming traffic.
- Brake pads have cracked and produced noise and odor, and in one case a fuel delivery issue caused stalling near a collision.
2017 Lincoln MKZ recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V162000Mar 10, 2023Brakes1,280,726 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Risk: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.
- NHTSA 18V390000Jun 11, 2018Transmission & Powertrain25 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:torque converter
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford Edge and 2017 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.
Risk: If the torque converter weld studs fail, the torque converter will not be connected to the engine flexplate and the vehicle will lose the ability to move, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converters, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S16 (S2). Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 17V-427.
- NHTSA 18V167000Mar 12, 2018Steering1,301,986 vehicles
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
Risk: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.
2017 Lincoln MKZ fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 27.5 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Lincoln MKZ reliable?
- It carries a Complaint Index of 57 and a Caution verdict, ranking 7th worst among 15 model years of the MKZ. Engine issues make up 61% of its complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?
- Engine problems are the top complaint area, accounting for 85 of 139 complaints (61%), with a median failure mileage of 72,500.
- Does the 2017 Lincoln MKZ have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 MKZ, covering front brake hose rupture, torque converter weld studs, and a loosening steering wheel bolt. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2017 MKZ compare to other years?
- It's worse than the 2016 (Good, index 36) and 2018 (Best, index 21) but better than the 2007-2010 years, which are all rated Avoid with indexes from 79 to 100.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?
- It gets 22 mpg combined (19 city / 27.5 highway) and costs an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel per EPA figures.