2017 Lincoln MKZ: check engine light

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Engine · 49,266 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken the local Automotive service center, and the ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced. Shortly after retrieving the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had experience coolant intrusion, and the contact was informed that the engine long block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 49,266.

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Engine · 86,000 miles · IL

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 the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion in cylinder #3. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Engine · 75,300 miles · MI

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 notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,300.

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Engine · TX

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 and engine problems could cause the vehicle to suddenly lose power or suffer complete engine failure while I am driving. If the engine loses power unexpectedly while I am traveling in traffic, I could be unable to accelerate or safely move out of the way of other vehicles, creating a serious safety hazard for me, my passengers, and other motorists. I contacted Lincoln regarding these problems and asked the manufacturer for assistance, but Lincoln refused to provide assistance with the issue. I am now left responsible for addressing a potentially serious engine and safety problem. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and investigate these engine, misfire, and overheating problems to determine whether they may be related to a safety defect affecting other 2017 Lincoln MKZ vehicles.

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Engine · FL

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 ignition coils had recently been replaced, but the symptoms returned. The vehicle also produced white exhaust smoke on startup after sitting for several days. Because the rough running was so severe, the vehicle was ultimately towed to the Lincoln dealership on a flatbed. Parks Lincoln's Repair Order 2684839/1 documents DTC P0301. The technician states that, pursuant to TSB 22-2229, a coolant pressure test and cylinder inspection were performed; coolant intrusion was found in cylinder 1; and a long-block engine is required to properly repair the concern. Lincoln TSB 22-2229, the federal safety agency Manufacturer Communication No. 10214126, describes coolant intrusion in certain 2.0L EcoBoost vehicles including 2017-2019 Lincoln MKZ models. The bulletin identifies white exhaust smoke, rough running, and misfire codes, including P0301, and directs replacement of the long-block engine assembly when the condition is confirmed. Our safety concern is that coolant intrusion can progress from rough running and misfire to loss of engine performance or engine failure while the vehicle is in operation. In our case, the symptoms became severe enough that we did not consider continued driving appropriate and had the vehicle transported to the dealer. We ask the federal safety agency to add this complaint to its defect database and evaluate it together with other reports involving 2.0L EcoBoost coolant intrusion, misfire, loss of power and engine failure. We can provide the complete dealer repair order, estimate and additional records upon request.

Filed Jun 18, 2026 · Engine · FL

Took car into Ford dealership service because the check engine light came on. The car was sounding a little rough also. When they called me, I was expecting a tune up or just a sensor issue, but I was told that I needed a new engine! The tech found dtc P0302 for misfire on cylinder number 2, found coolant on spark plug. Cylinder #2 was cracked and leaking coolant into it. Was told it would lead to catastrophic failure. Was told I needed a long block replacement at the tune of $9,000. The service tech called Ford to help with the costs, but since I didn't have an extended warranty, they wouldn't do anything. The car has been barely driven and taken well care of. I bought it in 2019 with 12k miles and now in 2026 it only has 69k miles. I have researched and found out that this is a systemic issue. Had I not replaced the engine it could of been catastrophic! I have been with Ford since I started driving in the early 80's. This is unacceptable. According to several reports, this has been reported many times (maybe thousands?). I wonder how many are NOT reported. Ford needs to reimburse for the defective engine.

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Transmission · OH

I drive a 2017 Lincoln MKZ equip with an Ecoboost 2.0L engine. A very widely known design flaw in the Engine Long block has caused coolant intrusion into the #1 cylinder. This can cause overheating issues and ultimately cause a fire and/or stall the car in a critical moment (i.e. highway) and cause an accident. I took the vehicle into my local dealership and they confirmed this issue and is consistent with TSB 22-2229 and needing a replacement of the Engine Long block. I called Lincoln Customer Support and they are refusing to assist at all with this repair, costing me over $10k. Also noting my car only has 61,000 miles.. as well as the dealership confirming this is not something that I could have prevented. I haven't noticed any issues other than the check engine light coming on, which is what initially led me to taking it into the dealership.

Filed Mar 5, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TN

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.

Filed Aug 6, 2025 · Engine · 74,000 miles · FL

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 a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine had failed due to coolant intrusion. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.

Filed Jun 4, 2025 · Engine · 107,500 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that a tune-up was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who performed the tune-up. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion and engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,500.

Filed Mar 3, 2025 · Engine · NJ

dashboard showing Check engine light. Car hesitating, running very rough. Not driveable. Dealership diagnosed problem as coolant leaking into cylinder requiring engine replacement to fix the issue. Cost for Dealer to Diagnose problem $254.00. Cost to repair Estimate ...$7,700 + Taxes & Fees. Dealer states no assistance from Ford/Lincoln available as vehicle is out of warranty. TSB was issued June 26 2019 regarding this problem related to 2017-2019 Model Years MKZ with 2.0 L Ecoboost engine. Although there are many, many reports of this problem being a widespread issue, to date, nothing has been done to remediate the problem for owners experiencing this issue. Many other Ecoboost engines have been recalled for issues relating to failure.

Filed Jan 10, 2025 · Engine · 103,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the temperature gauge would indicate that the vehicle was hot(H). In addition, the vehicle would lose power upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where they replaced the engine under warranty. After the engine was replaced, the contact experienced an engine oil leak which was also repaired under warranty. Almost a year later, the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel; this time, the vehicle was taken to another dealer(Planet Ford Dallas-3333 Inwood Rd, Dallas, TX 75235). The contact was later informed by the dealer that coolant had leaked into the engine which resulted in engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.