Lincoln MKZ grinding brakes problems

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 Oct 3, 2025 · Steering · 92,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2015 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed into the garage, the steering column made a grinding sound while turning off the vehicle. The contact was unable to adjust the steering wheel up and down into position. An unknown dealer and a secondary dealer, Keller Ford (1073 Cadillac Ln, Hanford, CA 93230), were made aware of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

Filed Sep 12, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · IL · fire

Incident Summary – Vehicle Fire Date of Incident: Thursday, September 4, 2025 Context: I was driving to a scheduled service appointment for my car at Murgado Lincoln Dealership of Chicago Events Leading Up to the Fire While driving, I heard loud metal noises coming from under the hood. The sound was either metal pieces falling off or grinding/chomping metal against metal. Concerned by the noises, I pulled over to the side of the road. Smoke and Fire Once stopped, the car began emitting gray smoke, which quickly turned into black smoke. The black smoke entered through the dashboard, filling the interior cabin. I realized the vehicle had caught on fire. Immediate Actions Taken I quickly gathered personal belongings from inside the car. I was lucky to have evacuated the vehicle immediately to ensure my safety, despite inhalation of potentially hazardous chemicals due to the fire/ plastic of the car. I then called 911 to report the fire and request emergency assistance. The car continued to catch fire and then there was a minor explosion, as the Chicago fire department battled the fire.

Filed Jan 4, 2024 · Airbags, Brakes · 95,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2007 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that after having the rotors replaced, while driving approximately 30 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The vehicle coasted before coming to a complete stop. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that there was a grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle while reversing. Additionally, was a slight delay while shifting gear. The contact also stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure was persistent during cold weather. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The brake pads and rotors had been replaced approximately 3 to 4 times. The vehicle was returned to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

Filed Aug 24, 2023 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal made an abnormal squeaking sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the brakes had failed. The contact stated that the brakes had been replaced twice, including the rotors; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the independent mechanic several times for repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Jan 17, 2023 · Transmission · MA

Vehicle is AWD, part is Transfer Case/Power Transfer Unit. Many issues from customers online and what was marketed as a lifetime part was changed to maintenance at 30,000 miles since the amount of gear oil is minuscule and the heat this part has to contend with is extreme due to location. Car becomes undriveable very quickly and is very dangerous. A leak began and due to small amount of oil it starts to grind, jerk and tires won’t move very rapidly. Extremely dangerous! Instead of a change it should be a recall. This part is also about $1600 alone which means Ford is making money on this to top it off. The mechanic said it was starting to melt the parts and could have been a fire if I didn’t drive it right over.

Filed Dec 8, 2021 · Steering · FL

Owner of 2016 MKZ Hybrid 65870 miles Loss of electronic power steering and Advance Trac Soon after replacement of Bolt under recall 19R02 I heard friction/grinding when turning steering wheel. Oct 1, 2021 I contacted Parks Lincoln of Tampa for a diagnostic and they told me the steering rack assembly would need to be replaced. On November 6,2021 I lost physical steering ability. I had my car towed to dealership, needed to replace the steering gear box assembly, 2 tie rods, and an alignment for $4156. I researched the federal safety agency website and noted in July 2015 that 393,623 were impacted by recall 15V340, Ford No 15S18. No recalls have existed for same issue for MKZ vehicles built after 2012. This is a safety recall issue for driver and all vehicles in its path.

Filed May 15, 2020 · Brakes · 85,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 lincoln mkz. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal squeaking sound was heard while depressing the brake pedal. The contact then received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 19v904000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer nor the dealer had been notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 85,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 14, 2018 · Wheels · 53,325 miles · WI

Retired us army veteran,,,,bought car used in 2010 with approx. 25,0000 miles from a dealer. It has chrome wheels. At approx 50,000 miles & 2015, the chrome on the wheels started peeling and I started getting low tire pressure warnings from slow leaking. Took it to the dealer< ( always dealer serviced) they said the rim is corroding and they have to remove the wheel and tire, break down the tire off the rim, grind the carrotion off the rim, put sealer on it and reinstall and rebalance the tire. Its not warranteed, so cost me $35 and took 1/2 hr. Since then I have had the other 3 wheels do the same. I was quoted $845 to replace all 4 chrome wheels with alumminium wheels and best to do that when need new tires. I am looking for a set of used alumminum wheels for it instead. Or get $1,000 less on a trade in for another 2 yr old used lincoln mkz. I have opted to trade it in and get a 2016' mkz. But with alum. Wheels.

Filed Jan 20, 2012 · Transmission · 126,000 miles · VA

The lincoln was taken to a ford dealer for a whinning noise and smell of natural gas when car is cold. Dealer indicated it was noise from scored rotors. On january 18,2012 sound grew worse and sounded like parts were grinding. Took to a dealer and the dealer indicated the transfer case was failing, parts were disentegrating in case (called it a plu). The recommendation was not to drive because dangerous if fails and could also require new transmission.