2017 LINCOLN MKZ — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode and failed to shift into third or fourth gear. Due to the failure, the contact made several stops while driving to the residence. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic but was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V390000 (POWER TRAIN); and associated the failure with the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

My 2017 Lincoln MKZ experienced a sudden and severe engine failure consistent with the known Ford/Lincoln coolant intrusion defect affecting 1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L EcoBoost engines. While driving, the vehicle began losing coolant with no visible external leak, followed by rough running, misfires, and complete engine shutdown. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed to a Ford dealership. At the dealership, technicians were unable to start the vehicle at all, and could not even pull it into the service bay to perform diagnostics. The service department told us the symptoms match the known coolant‑intrusion issue documented in Ford’s Technical Service Bulletin 19‑2346, which applies to 2017–2019 2.0L EcoBoost engines. They advised us not to pay for diagnostic testing, because the failure pattern is already known and documented by Ford, but not covered under any recall. They referred us to Lincoln corporate. Lincoln corporate then informed us that they have no programs available to assist with this defect, even though it is a known issue. They stated that even if a program existed, they “wouldn’t be able to assist with even half the cost.” They also suggested that we consider installing a junkyard engine as a more cost‑effective option. This was their only recommendation for a catastrophic engine failure caused by a known defect. This is extremely concerning for a safety‑related failure. The symptoms match Ford’s documented defect exactly: • Coolant loss with no external leak • White smoke prior to failure • Engine misfires and rough running • Overheating • Engine unable to start • Potential for engine seizure or fire This is the same failure pattern described in recall 25V685 and the January 2026 recall, which involve coolant intrusion, overheating, and fire risk in similar Ford/Lincoln engines. My VIN is not included, but the failure mode is identical. My vehicle is now completely disabled due to this defect, and Lincoln has refused any assistance.

My 2017 Lincoln MKZ experienced a sudden and severe engine failure consistent with the known Ford/Lincoln coolant intrusion defect affecting 1.5L, 1.6L, and 2.0L EcoBoost engines. While driving, the vehicle began losing coolant with no visible external leak, followed by rough running, misfires, and complete engine shutdown. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed to a Ford dealership. At the dealership, technicians were unable to start the vehicle at all, and could not even pull it into the service bay to perform diagnostics. The service department told us the symptoms match the known coolant‑intrusion issue documented in Ford’s Technical Service Bulletin 19‑2346, which applies to 2017–2019 2.0L EcoBoost engines. They advised us not to pay for diagnostic testing, because the failure pattern is already known and documented by Ford, but not covered under any recall. They referred us to Lincoln corporate. Lincoln corporate then informed us that they have no programs available to assist with this defect, even though it is a known issue. They stated that even if a program existed, they “wouldn’t be able to assist with even half the cost.” They also suggested that we consider installing a junkyard engine as a more cost‑effective option. This was their only recommendation for a catastrophic engine failure caused by a known defect. This is extremely concerning for a safety‑related failure. The symptoms match Ford’s documented defect exactly: • Coolant loss with no external leak • White smoke prior to failure • Engine misfires and rough running • Overheating • Engine unable to start • Potential for engine seizure or fire This is the same failure pattern described in recall 25V685 and the January 2026 recall, which involve coolant intrusion, overheating, and fire risk in similar Ford/Lincoln engines. My VIN is not included, but the failure mode is identical. My vehicle is now completely disabled due to this defect, and Lincoln has refused any assistance.

Faulty engine, head gasket failure and needing total engine replace at 83,000 miles

So I bought this car in February of last year. Since I've had it june I had to do a head gasket. Another time the high speed fuel pump had bolt come loose and oil went everywhere causing a fire. Had transmission intercooler line do the same thing. Additional fire. And just recently I problem that was supposedly fixed already wasn't and flywheel broke leaving me stranding in a parking lot for 4 days dropping transmission. The dealer didn't put back all the parts correctly either.