Lincoln MKZ hesitation problems

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2010 Lincoln MKZ. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulics); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. Several unknown warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the tool to perform the recall remedy was unavailable. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to decelerate, the brake pedal felt spongy and required excessive force to come to a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, where diagnosis confirmed a Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) failure; however, repairs were denied due to a Valve Actuation Service test requirement. The contact stated that the failure posed potential safety issues during winter driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

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 Apr 2, 2025 · Engine · WI

Approximately 2 weeks ago, my 2017 Lincoln MKZ Reserve began sputtering/hesitating during acceleration. On 03/31/2025, I took it to the Heiser Ford-Lincoln in Glendale, WI for service and the diagnosis was I needed to replace my “engine long block” because of engine coolant leaking into the engine cylinders. I was given at an estimated cost of $8,000. I researched and found Technical Service Bulletin 22-2229 listing this issue as a not-so-uncommon problem with Ford’s 2.0 Liter engines. I am highly concerned that this could cause the engine to seize while driving with coolant compromising the viscosity of the engine oil. I firmly believe this should be elevated to a Recall status as this engine is used in several 2017 through 2019 Ford and Lincoln car models - and the occurrence has been frequent enough to have a TSB created.

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 Nov 1, 2022 · Airbags, Brakes · 122,416 miles · SC · crash

The contact owns a 2008 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated, and smoke was coming inside the cabin through the A/C vents. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle and noticed that coolant was leaking onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the thermostat was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred on four other occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who refilled the coolant in the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that on 5 separate occasions while driving, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated to respond, causing his vehicle to rear-end his wife’s vehicle. There were no injuries sustained. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would shudder while depressing the brake pedal. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact also stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 21V158000 (Air Bags), 17V024000 (Air Bags) and 16V384000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,416 (Air Bags) and 16V384000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,416

Filed Feb 24, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 120,000 miles · MI

The hybrid mode does not work anymore after 9 years. The vehicle hesitates upon acceleration. It will only run on the internal combustion engine even though the battery is fully charged. Ford knows about the problem as noted in their oasis 8922.

Filed Jun 8, 2017 · Locks, Suspension · 28,000 miles · NY · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 lincoln mkz. While driving approximately 5 MPH making a turn, the vehicle hesitated and the driver heard a popping noise. The contact lost control of the steering and crashed into a curb. There were no warning indicators illuminated. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was damaged and towed to a dealer (dana ford lincoln, staten island, new york, 718‑983‑8700) where it was diagnosed that the a-frame was fractured and needed to be replaced. The technician also recommended a wheel alignment. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v643000 (latches/locks/linkages). The failure mileage was 28,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jan 9, 2017 · Brakes · 140,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 lincoln mkz. After driving over black ice and attempting to engage the brakes, the brakes hesitated to respond and the brake pedal traveled to the floor without warning. The failure recurred on dry pavement on three separate occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 140,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Aug 25, 2015 · Engine · 27,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 lincoln mkz. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate when the turbo was engaged. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was functioning as designed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 27,000.

Filed Jul 18, 2014 · Acceleration, Transmission · 30,000 miles · LA

When driving the car it will shift from drive to s1, s2, s3, s4, it will decrease in speed, like a hesitation and slowing down. I am afraid if this constantly happens some one will hit me in the rear., causing a serious accident. We have taken this car in twice for repairs, still isn't fixed. First, oh its need to be put on the computer and recalibrated. Second, after test driving the dealership service department couldn't assess the cause and it didn't occur while they did a test drive. This is a serious defect and danger to me, my family and others on the highway. It needs to be investigated and repaired.this is still occurring while driving daily. Seriously thinking about returning this vehicle.