Is the 2017 Lincoln MKZ reliable?

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ has 176 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?

Top problems: ENGINE (78 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (22 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (15 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER, STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. Contact any Lincoln dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Lincoln MKZ?

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Lincoln MKZ?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Lincoln MKZ is approximately $2,014/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Lincoln MKZ

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ has 176 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.2x the segment average of 146. The most common issue is engine problems (44% of all complaints), specifically: while driving in heavy traffic on the interstate attempted to change lanes and accelerate, car suddenly lost power and the "see manual" light illuminated with tool - fortunately was able to coast car off exit ramp safely and pull over, at which point the engine chugged and stalled. first restart "s. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 8 fire reports filed.

8 fire reports 10 crash reports 2 injuries

176

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

78 complaints

44%

• WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE LANES AND ACCELERATE, CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND THE "SEE MANUAL" LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH TOOL - FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO COAST CAR OFF EXIT RAMP SAFELY AND PULL OVER, AT WHICH POINT THE ENGINE CHUGGED AND STALLED. FIRST RESTART "S
• VEHICLE STALLS/LOSES POWER ONCE FUEL REACHES BELOW HALF TANK OF GAS. FORD HAS ISSUED TSB'S ON THIS VERY ISSUE ON MANY OF THEIR OTHER ENGINES, BUT I'VE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND A TSB FOR THIS ISSUE FOR MY VEHICLE SPECIFICALLY. HERE IS THE TSB FOR FORD FOCUS'S WITH THIS ISSUE: FORD MOTOR COMPANY (FORD)
• OIL PAN LEAK RTV LEAK. THIS MKZ IS LEAKING UP TO 1/4 QUART OF OIL A DAY.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 3 fire reports💥 3 crashes

“WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE LANES AND ACCELERATE, CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND THE "SEE MANUAL" LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH TOOL - FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO COAST CAR OFF EXIT RAMP SAFELY AND PULL OVER, AT WHICH POINT THE ENGINE CHUGGED AND STALLED. FIRST RESTART "S”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Lincoln MKZ

Based on 55 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 51K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 71K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

High-mileage issuemedian 75K mi · 18 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

High-mileage issuemedian 107K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER11/06/2018

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Ford Edge and 2017 Lincoln MKZ vehicles. On vehicles with 2.0L gas engines and six-speed automatic transmissions, the torque converter weld studs may have been inadequately welded.

Risk: If the torque converter weld studs fail, the torque converter will not be connected to the engine flexplate and the vehicle will lose the ability to move, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converters, free of charge. The recall began on July 5, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S16 (S2). Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 17V-427.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Lincoln MKZ

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,715/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Lincoln MKZ

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$2,014

Full coverage / month

$168

Liability only / year

$668

vs US avg

+20%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$2014

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Lincoln MKZ Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Complimentary maintenance for select models; check with your dealer for eligibility.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Lincoln New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

6 yr / 70K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

6 yr / 70K mi

These are the terms for a new Lincoln. If you're buying a used 2017 MKZ, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Lincoln dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 176 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE ATTEMPTED TO CHANGE LANES AND ACCELERATE, CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER AND THE "SEE MANUAL" LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH TOOL - FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO COAST CAR OFF EXIT RAMP SAFELY AND PULL OVER, AT WHICH POINT THE ENGINE CHUGGED AND STALLED. FIRST RESTART "S
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: VEHICLE JERKS AGGRESSIVELY FROM PARK TO REVERSE THEN REVERSE TO DRIVE AT COLD START. AND FROM PARK TO DRIVE. THEN THERE IS A DELAY IN ENGAGEMENT WHERE THERE IS NO MOVEMENT AT ALL AS YOU SIT IN THE ROADWAY WITH TRAFFIC. NO CODES DISPLAYING AFTER AN APPOINTMENT WITH DEALERSHIP AND ALTHOUGH I PROVIDED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: 1-CAR STALLED AND DIED TURNING FROM PARKING LOT ONTO STREET. BARELY AVOIDING COLLISION. 1/6/2018. DEFECT IN FUEL DELIVERY. STILL IN SHOP. 2- ODD NOISE AND SMELL WHILE BACKING UP DUE TO CRACKS IN BRAKE PAD . 1/17/17 REPLACED 01/17/17 ( HAVE REPAIR INVOICE, NOT SURE HOW TO UPLOAD)
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: I WENT TO START MY VEHICLE NO POWER AT ALL.. WEIRD NOTHING EVER HAPPENED LIKE THAT BEFORE. SO I GET AAA TO GIVE ME A BOOST. I GET TO MY DESTINATION. GO TO GET BACK IN MY CAR AND LEAVE. CAR DEAD NO POWER AT ALL. GET TOWED TO THE DEALER. BATTERY CHECK WAS GOOD. THEY COULDN'T FIND OUT THE PROBLEM. THEN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Lincoln dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)