Check a VIN

Lincoln MKZ engine failure problems

67 of the 1,670 owner complaints about the Lincoln MKZ describe engine failure, most of them for the 2017 model year.

owner complaints
67
worst model year
2017
typical repair cost reported
$7,786
typical mileage
72,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

  • 2019
    6
  • 2018
    6
  • 2017
    41
  • 2016
    2
  • 2015
    1
  • 2014
    2
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    1
  • 2011
    4
  • 2010
    1
  • 2009
    1
  • 2007
    1

Often reported together

Overheating 28Misfire 20Check engine light 17Loss of power 6Steering lock-up 5Stalling 4Jerking 3Fire or smoke 3

Trouble codes mentioned

P0301 4P0316 3P0302 3P0217 2P1299 1P1285 1P0304 1P0303 1P0300 1

What owners say

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Steering · 206,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2014 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH in reverse, the steering wheel seized due to a loss of electric power steering assist. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where diagnostic testing determined that the steering rack and pinion assembly failed and required replacement. The dealer was contacted by the independent mechanic and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an active recall. The vehicle was repaired by the independent mechanic. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under a steering recall approximately two years prior at 198,000 miles. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under an open recall. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000.

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Engine · MI

The engine failed due to design flaw in the engine block

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Engine · TX

I noticed on mid Sept/2026 when I started my car the engine was idling rough for a few minutes, then went idling normal. Every morning after it repeated itself when first starting the car and my check engine light came on. I scheduled a a diagnostic with an Auto shop and it was diagnosed as Cylinder 2 misfire. Shop told me to check if coolant level is lower in the next morning, I checked it was low & had to add more coolant, also no coolant on the floor. Check Engine Light on almost every day, took it to another auto shop for 2nd opinion, had them do a coolant pressure test. The Coolant pressure test showed Cylinder 2 had coolant getting inside it. Shop found TSB 19-2208 pertaining to this issue. Repair for this was to replace engine. Found out about Miller vs Ford Class action suit online which stated Ford had a Engine Block design flaw on the 1.0 L, 1.6 L, & 2.0 L EcoBoost engines which allows coolant to leak directly into the combustion Cylinders, which could cause severe overheating. My Lincoln MKZ has the 2.0 L EcoBoost engine. Eventually my engine will fail completely if I continue to drive the car. My MKZ engine was built on 08/2018

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Engine · NY

While driving, the car stalled. I could not restart it. It was towed to Lincoln Dealer and determined that coolant had leaked into the cylinders and seized the engine. This is a known defect on the Ford EcoBoost Engine. Fully aware of the defect, Ford redesigned the engine in 2019 for later models. I am now faced with the huge expense of having Lincoln replace the engine. Ford needs to take responsibility and pay for this. Please help me.

Filed Sep 13, 2026 · Engine · VA

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 liability since the vehicle is out of warranty. I have noted there are several class action lawsuits in progress and I believe a recall has been issued on some Ford/Lincoln Ecoboost engines. A recall should be issued for all affected engines and not just some models. Thank you for your attention in this matter. The engine replacement will cost at least $7000. Ford should be responsible for reimbursing my out of pocket costs as a result of their unwillingness to resolve this issue.

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 Sep 1, 2026 · Engine · VA

In August 2026, my 2019 Lincoln MKZ equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, with approximately 39,000 miles, began experiencing repeated coolant loss, rough shaking during startup, engine misfires, temperature-gauge fluctuations toward hot, and an “Engine Coolant Over Temperature” warning while the vehicle was being driven. The warning appeared and then cleared, creating concern that the vehicle could continue operating without a persistent warning even though the engine was overheating. The climate-control system also began blowing hot air while the air conditioning was selected. Before the over-temperature warning, coolant had required frequent replacement, at times approximately once per week. An authorized Lincoln dealership performed diagnostic testing and confirmed coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders. The dealership advised that the failure matches the condition addressed in Ford’s technical service bulletin concerning coolant intrusion in certain 2.0L EcoBoost engines. The prescribed repair is replacement of the engine long-block assembly. This condition creates a safety concern because coolant entering the cylinders can cause misfires, overheating, severe engine damage, and potential loss of motive power while driving. The vehicle is currently at the authorized Lincoln dealership, and the failed engine should remain available for inspection until it is replaced. No crash, fire, or injury occurred. The manufacturer declined repair assistance because the vehicle was outside the applicable time limit, and the estimated engine replacement cost is approximately $9,620.

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 Aug 20, 2026 · Engine · TN

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.

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Engine · FL

On XXX, the engine in my 2019 Lincoln MKZ (Mileage 58,089) with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine suffered a catastrophic, sudden failure while driving. The vehicle began to overheat & run extremely rough, triggering multiple warning lights. It is now inoperable and unsafe to drive. The vehicle was towed to a Lincoln dealership (Tasca Lincoln in [XXX]) for diagnosis. The work order number is RO #XXX. The dealership confirmed the failure is due to a well-documented manufacturing defect known as "coolant intrusion," where the engine block cracks internally, allowing coolant to leak directly into the engine cylinders. The diagnostic trouble codes stored were P0217 (Engine Overheat Condition), P0302 (Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected), & P0316 (Misfire Detected on Startup). This issue is specifically addressed in Ford's own Technical Service Bulletin 19-2346. This coolant intrusion defect creates a critical safety hazard. The engine can lose its coolant and fail without any prior warning, leading to a complete loss of power while the vehicle is in motion. A sudden seizure of the engine at highway speeds could cause a catastrophic accident, endangering myself, my passengers, & other drivers on the road. Estimated Cost for Repair: $10,781.40 (for complete engine replacement). I contacted Lincoln Customer Relations (Case #XXX) to request assistance with this known manufacturing defect. I was informed that there is no goodwill assistance available & that my case was being forwarded to their internal Vehicle Safety Division. This confirms that Ford is aware this is a serious safety issue. This is not a normal wear-and-tear failure; it is a fundamental defect in the engine's design that Ford has acknowledged internally through its service bulletins. An engine should not fail catastrophically due to a manufacturing defect on a [XXX] vehicle. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate this defect to determine if a safety recall is warranted to protect the public. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Lincoln MKZ engine failure

Which Lincoln MKZ years have engine failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2017 (41 complaints), 2018 (6 complaints) and 2019 (6 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the Lincoln MKZ?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $7,786 (median of 11 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Lincoln MKZ?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history