2017 Lincoln Mkz recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2017 MKZ.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V390000 (manufacturer code 17S16 (S2)).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Steering
What's wrong, in plain English: If steering fails you can lose control of the car. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.
What could happen: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2017 MKZ.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V167000 (manufacturer code 18S08).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
3. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: Ford or Lincoln will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converters, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S16.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2017 MKZ.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17V427000 (manufacturer code 17S16).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Edge and Fusion vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.
Consequence: 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 or Lincoln will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converters, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S16.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
4. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
What could happen: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2017 MKZ.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lincoln dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 23V162000 (manufacturer code 23S12).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-436-7332.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 2017 Lincoln Mkz owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (86), Transmission / drivetrain (24), Brakes (16), Unknown Or Other (12), Electrical system (10).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/06/2026 · Unknown Or Other
Safety Recall 22S43 (Shifter Cable Bushing)
10/02/2026 · Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling or driving there was a misfire. Additionally, while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormally loud whining sound. The contact slowed down to 5 MPH and continued driving. The check engine warning light illuminated, and there was an abnormal burning odor coming from…
09/22/2026 · Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine was faulty due to coolant intrusion and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was…
09/13/2026 · Engine
My 2017 Lincoln MKZ with only 52100 miles started leaking coolant into the engine cylinders which will require a new engine. Ford/Lincoln is aware of this problem with their 2.0 liter Ecoboost engine and has even issued a service bulletin and the necessary engine replacement. I have contacted Lincoln Customer Service and their response was they have no lia…
09/04/2026 · Unknown Or Other
I purchased a 2017 Lincoln MKZ and began experiencing serious engine problems, including repeated overheating and an engine misfire. The vehicle developed a check-engine light and a P0301 misfire code. I was advised by a repair shop that the vehicle has a serious engine problem and that the engine needs to be replaced. I am concerned that the overheating a…
08/22/2026 · Engine
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…
08/20/2026 · Engine
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.
08/13/2026 · Engine
Coolant intrusion into my 2.0l eco boost engine requiring engine replacement