YearToAvoid

2018 Lincoln MKZ Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Best The 2018 Lincoln MKZ ranks among the best model years, with a complaint index of 21 and 34 complaints logged with NHTSA, plus 2 recalls covering brakes and steering. It ranks 12th worst out of 15 model years, meaning most other years have more reported problems.

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

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
21/100
#12 of 15 MKZ years
Verdict
Best
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
34
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
2
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
1
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2019
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
22
19 city / 27.5 hwy
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Top 2018 Lincoln MKZ problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine14 (41%)
  2. Transmission & Powertrain9 (26%)
  3. Other5 (15%)
  4. Electrical System3 (9%)
  5. Fuel System2 (6%)
  6. Lane Departure2 (6%)
  7. Airbags1 (3%)
  8. Brakes1 (3%)
  9. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (3%)
  10. Structure & Body1 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Some owners report the transmission stalling or dying unexpectedly, including cases where the vehicle shifted into park on its own with a loud clicking sound.
  • Owners describe the transmission failing to engage gears properly, causing the vehicle to roll before the engine could be restarted.
  • Some describe a rear liftgate LED strip filling with water, causing an electrical short that leaves the reverse lights on continuously.
  • Owners report headlights that appear blinding at night, diagnosed by dealers as a headlight failure.
  • One owner reported the brakes locking up at low speed with the ABS warning light flashing, with the dealer unable to identify the cause.
  • A driver reported the sunroof shattering while driving with no object striking it.
2018 Lincoln MKZ complaints: complaints filed per month3May 2019Jan 2020Apr 2022Jan 2024Oct 2024Aug 2025Jun 2026
34 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2019 to Sep 2026; peak Jul 2026 (3).

2018 Lincoln MKZ recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

2018 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.

2018 compared with other MKZ years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2016Good3664623
2017Caution57139422
2018Best2134222
2019Best1420122
2020No verdict02122

All Lincoln MKZ years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Lincoln MKZ reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2018 MKZ has a complaint index of 21, one of the lowest among all 15 model years covered, earning it a Best verdict relative to other MKZ years.
What problems does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ have?
NHTSA complaints show the Engine as the top problem area at 41% of complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 26% and Electrical System at 9%. Median mileage at failure for engine complaints was 65,000.
Does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 MKZ: one for front brake hoses that may rupture and leak fluid, and one for a steering wheel retaining bolt that may loosen and allow the wheel to detach.
How does the 2018 MKZ compare to other Lincoln MKZ years?
The 2018 MKZ ranks 12th worst out of 15 model years, meaning it has fewer reported problems than most other years; 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 are rated Avoid with complaint indexes of 86, 93, 79, and 100.
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Lincoln MKZ?
EPA rates the 2018 MKZ at 22 mpg combined (19 city / 27.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,950.

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.