2017 Lincoln MKZ: sudden loss of power

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 Jul 30, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IL · fire · 1 injury

I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure and engine-compartment fire involving my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select, equipped with a 2.0L EcoBoost engine, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle had approximately 99,864 miles when the final failure occurred. Shortly after I purchased the vehicle, the original engine developed severe overheating, loss of cabin heat, white exhaust smoke, misfiring, and coolant intrusion. On December 16, 2024, at approximately 95,354 miles, the vehicle was taken to Murgado Ford Lincoln of Chicago. The dealership documented diagnostic codes P0303 and P0316 and determined that coolant was entering cylinder No. 3. Pursuant to Ford Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229, the dealership replaced the long-block engine and related one-time-use components. The replacement service-engine assembly was identified on the repair invoice as part No. J2GZ-6006-E. The vehicle was returned to me on approximately January 30, 2025. After the engine replacement, the vehicle continued to experience serious problems. Within days, it stalled in an intersection, produced white smoke, lost cabin heat, and had to be returned to the dealership. The vehicle later continued to exhibit hesitation, harsh shifting, loss of power, and other abnormal drivability symptoms. On September 4, 2025, while I was operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions in Chicago, I heard a sudden loud metallic grinding or mechanical noise coming from the engine area. Gray smoke then began coming from the vehicle and quickly progressed into heavy dark smoke. A fire developed in the engine compartment, forcing me to stop and exit the vehicle. The fire rapidly intensified and was followed by an explosion or explosive sound. There was no collision that initiated this incident. The vehicle sustained catastrophic fire damage and was rendered a total loss. The failure occurred only approximately seven months after the replacement long-block engine was installed and after I had repeatedly experien INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Filed Jun 21, 2026 · Engine · PA

I own a 2017 Lincoln MKZ equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. At approximately [MILEAGE] miles, the vehicle began experiencing loss of coolant, rough running/misfire, shaking/rough start, and reduced engine performance. The vehicle was diagnosed by a Ford/Lincoln dealership as having coolant intrusion into the engine/cylinders and/or engine block failure, requiring engine/long-block replacement. The estimated repair cost was approximately $8000. This creates a safety concern because coolant intrusion can cause misfires, overheating, engine damage, and possible loss of power while driving. Ford/Lincoln has issued Technical Service Bulletin 19-2346 and superseding bulletin 22-2229 for 2017–2019 Lincoln MKZ vehicles equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. These bulletins describe low coolant, white exhaust smoke, rough running, misfire codes, overheating codes, and coolant intrusion into the cylinder, with the prescribed repair being long-block engine replacement. Despite this known documented condition, Lincoln/Ford denied assistance because the vehicle is outside warranty. I am reporting this as a potential safety defect because the failure can occur without adequate warning and may cause engine overheating, misfire, or loss of power while the vehicle is being operated.

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Engine · OH

The vehicle lost power on the highway due to an overheating issue. Very dangerous when this happens while your going 70 mph. The vehicle was later determined to be a victim of Ford's known 2.0L Ecoboost engine that due to Ford's defective design, which Ford admits but refuses to issue a recall for. The ONLY fix for this problem is to have the long block replaced at a cost of over $9,000.00. Not exactly Ford looking out for the safety of their customers.

Filed Jun 10, 2025 · Engine · MD

I am submitting this complaint to formally report that my 2017 Lincoln MKZ experienced engine block damage due to a failed torque converter weld, a known safety defect covered under the federal safety agency Recall 17V‑427 / 18V‑390 (Ford campaign 17S16). This recall specifically affects vehicles like mine equipped with a 2.0L gas engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, due to improperly welded torque converter studs. This failure causes loss of power and potential transmission or engine damage—precisely what occurred with my vehicle. When I brought my vehicle to an authorized Lincoln dealership in Alexandria, Virginia, the service department refused to cover the cost of repair, despite the vehicle falling within the recall parameters. Their refusal directly contradicts federal recall law (49 U.S. Code § 30120), which mandates that manufacturers and authorized dealers must remedy safety defects at no cost to the vehicle owner, regardless of ownership history or age. As a result of their denial, I am left with significant out-of-pocket costs for damage that should be addressed under a federally mandated safety recall. This poses both a financial burden and a public safety risk if other owners are similarly turned away. I am requesting that the federal safety agency: Investigate this dealership’s noncompliance with federal recall obligations. Ensure that Ford Motor Company and its authorized dealers are held accountable for safety-related repairs. Assist in compelling the dealer to honor the recall and reimburse or cover the cost of required repairs.

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.

Filed Sep 3, 2024 · Engine · MI

2017 Lincoln MKZ with 53k miles check engine light comes on and dealership diagnostic shows leaking coolant in cyl #2/needs motor. Car out of warranty so cost of repair is out of my pocket. Lincoln has known about this since 2016...they leased the car out in 2017 and then sold it to me in 2019 KNOWING there was a defective engine in the vehicle but didn't do or say anything about it...NEVER any recall. How is it that there are 100k 2021-2022 trucks and suv's being recalled due to engine issue that could "lead to catastrophic engine damage resulting in a loss of power". I could of suffered a loss of power as well with the defective engine that was in my car. How is this sudden recall on these trucks and suv's any more important or severe than all of the Ford/Lincoln vehicles that had engine issues? This could have been easily rectified early on seeing they knew about this issue from the beginning. I want my money back I paid to get my engine repaired.

Filed Aug 7, 2023 · Engine · MI

While driving my 2017 Lincoln MKZ 3.0L in March 2023, I experienced a loss of power and then engine stalled, fortunately I was at a stop and was able to re-start the vehicle and limp home, (which was nearby). If this loss of power and then stall would have happened while I was moving in traffic the failure could have lead to a catastrophic outcome including loss of life. It was determined via OBDII analysis conducted by the Lincoln Service department that DTC P0302 was triggered. Upon further inspection by the service department it was revealed that the issue was related to TSB 19-2243, which reads "2.7L/3.0L - Oil Consumption With DTC P0524 And/Or P06DD, Rough Idle, Misfire And/Or White Or Blue Exhaust Smoke - Built On 1-Apr-2016 And Through 1-Jan-2017". Unfortunately, my vehicle was built during this known defect time frame. And the remedy required new cylinder head. The new cylinder head and subsequent parts and labor cost me $3,126.58. This was extremely unfair as my only because my vehicle did not fall within the warranty period or mileage. The vehicle was over 6 years old with 36,934 miles. This very serious failure mode could have resulted in a loss of life if experienced while driving on a highway or any other situation in which the vehicle was mobile and experienced a sudden loss of power in traffic. Further disappointing is that I would estimate that there were many vehicles that experienced the defect noted in the TSB but these were not reported publicly because they were "lucky enough" to fail during the warranty period. My costs should be reimbursed by Lincoln given this was a known defect during the build time frame. And at minimum there should be a safety recall for the vehicles built during the time period noted in the TSB. I will personally never purchase another Lincoln not to mention a Ford, of which I currently have 3 Ford/Lincoln.

Filed Sep 30, 2019 · Engine · 15,000 miles · UT

Power loss when accelerating hard on the freeway (65mph+). Power is significantly reduced, making me a hazard on the road! The vehicle continues to 'limp' until car is turned off and restarted. When I took it to the garage, the valves were found to have major carbon buildup and the #1 cylinder had a cracked spark plug.

Filed Feb 1, 2018 · Acceleration, Engine · 7,800 miles · GA

While driving in heavy traffic on the interstate attempted to change lanes and accelerate, car suddenly lost power and the "see manual" light illuminated with tool - fortunately was able to coast car off exit ramp safely and pull over, at which point the engine chugged and stalled. First restart "see manual" light still on, sputtered and stalled. Turned off vehicle. 2nd attempt same as 1st. 3rd came on and ran without engine light and seemed to rev up higher than normal, then came back down. No other indications appeared other than "no use of auto brake available"