Lincoln MKZ fire or smoke problems

Filed Jun 24, 2026 · Engine · FL

My 2018 Lincoln MKZ began misfiring on startups. Eventually the check engine light came on with a code of P0302. About a week later while driving, the engine temp gauge reached the hottest temp reading on the gauge. I had to immediately pull over. Upon pulling over I immediately checked the coolant level in the overflow reservoir and it was empty. After refilling with coolant I was able to drive the car home. Over the next few days I monitored the coolant level but at the same time the car was experiencing rough startups and smoke coming out of the exhaust upon startup. Sometimes turning the engine off and restarting it would stop the smoke, but sometimes it wouldn't. I began doing some research and discovered, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 19-2346, which explains my exact experience with my 2018 Lincoln MKZ. I have yet to take my car to the dealership for repairs due to the costs that are expected to have this issue resolved. Documents in the legal case, Miller, et al. v. Ford Motor Company (Case No. 2:20-cv-01796) claim that Ford was aware of this defect in their vehicles dating back to 2010. I purchased my 2018 Lincoln MKZ back in 2019.

Filed Mar 11, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · IL · fire

I am submitting this complaint to report a serious vehicle safety incident involving my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Select that resulted in a catastrophic engine fire while the vehicle was in operation. Prior to the incident, the vehicle underwent a long block engine replacement performed by Murgado Ford Lincoln of Chicago pursuant to Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 22-2229. The repair involved removal and replacement of the engine assembly and related components. After the vehicle was returned to me following this repair, the engine later experienced a sudden catastrophic mechanical failure while I was driving. The vehicle rapidly began emitting smoke from the engine compartment and subsequently caught fire. The fire escalated quickly and rendered the vehicle a total loss. At the time of the incident, the vehicle was being operated under normal driving conditions. There was no collision or external cause that would have triggered the fire. The event appears to have originated within the engine compartment following the recent engine replacement. The vehicle was subsequently towed and is currently stored at City of Chicago Auto Pound No. 6 following the fire incident. The vehicle has not been repaired or altered since the event and remains available for inspection. Given that this vehicle had recently undergone a major engine replacement under a manufacturer technical service bulletin, I believe the circumstances warrant review to determine whether the incident may be related to: a defect in the replacement engine assembly improper installation of the engine or related components fuel, oil, or electrical system issues associated with the repair. This incident presented a serious safety risk to the driver and could have resulted in severe injury or loss of life. I was fortunate to escape the vehicle safely before the fire fully developed. I am submitting this complaint so that the federal safety agency may evaluate whether this type of failure represents a broader safety concern.

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 Aug 14, 2025 · Body, Electrical · 100,000 miles · NY · fire

The contact owns a 2011 Lincoln MKZ. The contact's spouse stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact's spouse started the vehicle and noticed flames coming from the interior seal of the driver's door, located by the rocker panel. The contact's spouse stated that the flames were not severe. The contact’s spouse was able to extinguish the fire. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed moisture leaking into the rocker panel wiring. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for brake and rotor repair. The contact and the mechanic noticed that the whole rear of the vehicle was severely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jun 3, 2025 · Engine · 120,000 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated with smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle lost motive power but was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Aug 23, 2024 · Engine · VA

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment with excessive smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that coolant intrusion had damaged the engine, resulting in a misfire in cylinder #2, and the long block was cracked. The contact was informed the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 28, 2024 · Engine · FL

Vehicle just started running rough and then the check engine light came on and almost immediately temperature indicated excessive heat. I looked in the rear view mirror and noticed excessive white smoke coming out of the tail pipes. I stopped the vehicle and opened the hood and notice there was no coolant in the reservoir. I had the vehicle towed to the Ford Dealer in Spring Hill, Florida ($125.00). While the vehicle was at the dealership I rented a vehicle for 1 and a half months ($ 2476.72). New engine long block installed and completed on July 26, 2024 and I picked up my vehicle after I paid. ($7786.12). During the time the vehicle was at the dealership I called Ford Motor and Lincoln Motor Company but was told vehicle has not been recalled and was out of warranty. See Ford TSB 22-2229

Filed Jun 6, 2023 · CA · fire

On August 30, 2022, upon traveling home from Palm Springs airport, I stopped at a restaurant in Morongo Valley. As I was eating, someone said that a car was on fire under the hood. The fire department jawed up the hood and put the fire out under the hood. The police and the fire department were called and present to file a report. I had it towed to my house. I believe that this a safety issue.

Filed Aug 19, 2022 · Engine · 75,489 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, and the steering wheel was vibrating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact safely pulled over and exited the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The next day the vehicle started; however, the failure reoccurred and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and diagnosed with no coolant and a faulty engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,489.

Filed Jul 29, 2021 · 21,000 miles · MA · crash · 1 injury

The contact owned a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while exiting her employer's parking lot when the vehicle began to accelerate independently and she started to smell a burning smell. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was depressing the brake pedal to the floor and pressed the Park button but the vehicle continued to accelerate and move forward. The contact also stated the steering wheel seized when she crashed into a wooden guard rail, a metal fence, and a chain-link fence. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries on the middle of the sternum and her right breast was bruised from the seat belt. The contact did seek medical attention for her swollen feet from depressing the brake pedal forcefully. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000. The VIN was not available.