Carlexica

2018 Lincoln MKZ: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 31 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (29% of complaints).

Data updated weekly · 2 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Mar 2023

2
recalls
31
owner complaints
0
fire reports
21,000
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★★Front ★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★
Among the quietest MKZ years (#12 of 14 by complaints, age-adjusted)5-star NHTSA overall safety ratingNo fire reportsWeak spot: engine (29%)Problems reported early (median 21,000 mi)

Common problems

Computed from 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Engine (engine mechanics)29% · 8 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)29% · 8 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)7% · 2 complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline (fuel pump, tank, lines)4% · 1 complaint
Wheels (wheels, lug nuts, bearings)4% · 1 complaint
Lane Departure (lane keeping assist)4% · 1 complaint
The engine light came on. The car suddenly wouldn't go past 35 mph . Thankfully I was on a local road. I had it towed to the dealer and was told that the engine needed to be replaced because coolant leaked into the engine. There were no warning lights except the day of . The car did not give any indication of a leak. Nor was it running hot. Everything was functioning fine.Owner report · Engine · Jun 2026
Check engine light came on. Error code 0302 and 0316 on ODB at dealer. Was advised that engine needed to be replaced due to coolant intrusion into cylinder 2 which cause the vehicle to overheat. Engine has 3200 miles on it. Safety hazard due to engine seizing at high speed and causing an accident due to loss of power. Also possible engine fire due to loss of coolant/overheating.Owner report · Engine · Nov 2025
Coolant Intrusion of Cylinder 3, car has less than 50,000 miles total and has been very well taken care of. Has had over a gallon of coolant added within the month of AugOwner report · Engine · Aug 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
I own a 2018 Lincoln MKZ. The vehicle Engine overheating warnings came up, and I took the car to the dealership. They informed that the Lincoln MKZ vehicle had a frequent problem with coolant leaking into the engine due to faulty power train assembly. The dealer has seen and repaired hundreds of vehicles with this problem. Lincoln company denies responsibility for this manufacturing defect. The vehicle is only 7 years 3 months and 30 days old with 67914 miles used by single owner. A reputed company like Lincoln should be held responsible for manufacturing and marketing vehicles where the power train and engine fails on a fairly new vehicle.Owner report · Engine · Feb 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a coolant intrusion into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine light illuminated. While the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion into the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2024
I have been told by a ford mechanic on 7.11.2024, 6 weeks before buying the car that there is coolant intrusion in cylinder 2 and the only fix to this would be to replace the long block that cost a little over 8k, some how some way this vehicle dont have any recalls about this well known issue. This in no way should be on the customer due to a defect by Ford engine in there vehicles.Owner report · Engine · Jul 2024
Torque converter stuck off pcm code 6f35 transmission vin look up doesn't show recall but it has same transmission installed with the same problem as 2017 modelOwner report · Power Train · Dec 2023
2018 lincoln mkz. Consumer writes in regard to faulty fuel pump. The consumer is requesting to be reimbursed for the faulty fuel pump.Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 2022
On 10/20/2022 while driving the sun roof exploded. Nothing hit the roof. The glass shatter all around the perimeter of the roof. The sound was like a shot gun blast next to your ears. Fortunately, the shattering glass did not cause a wreck or injury. The Ford garages I called stated I would have to pay for the damage. It seems this is not an uncommon occurance.Owner report · Visibility · Oct 2022

When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 2 campaigns

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS23V162000 · Mar 2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S12.

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR18V167000 · Mar 2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Fusion vehicles. The steering wheel retaining bolt may loosen allowing the steering wheel to detach while driving.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt with a longer bolt, free of charge. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S08.

Trouble codes owners mention

OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.

How other years compare

Check your exact MKZ by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Lincoln MKZ reliable?

NHTSA has 31 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2018 Lincoln MKZ. The most complained-about area is engine (29% of complaints).

At what mileage do 2018 Lincoln MKZ problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 21,000 miles or less.

Does the 2018 Lincoln MKZ have open recalls?

2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.