Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 136 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Lincoln MKZ, and it carries 4 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 51 | 38% |
| Power train | 12 | 9% |
| Service brakes | 7 | 5% |
| Service brakes | 7 | 5% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 6 | 4% |
| Engine | 4 | 3% |
| Unknown or other | 3 | 2% |
| Steering | 3 | 2% |
| Unknown or other | 3 | 2% |
| Power train | 2 | 1% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I purchased a 2017 Lincoln MKZ and began experiencing serious engine problems, including repeated overheating and an engine misfire. The vehicle developed a check-engine light and a P0301 misfire code. I was advised by a
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
We are submitting this vehicle safety complaint regarding a dealer-confirmed coolant-intrusion failure in our 2017 Lincoln MKZ equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. The vehicle had approximately 60,063 miles when prese
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Engine has rough idle and can stall. Ford says engine has coolant intrusion and needs a new engine. The repair will cost between 8500 and 10000 dollars.
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Coolant intrusion into my 2.0l eco boost engine requiring engine replacement
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed t
NHTSA complaint: Power train
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 fa
NHTSA complaint: Power train
I own a 2017 Lincoln MKZ equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine. At approximately [MILEAGE] miles, the vehicle began experiencing loss of coolant, rough running/misfire, shaking/rough start, and reduced engine performanc
NHTSA complaint: Engine
Took car into Ford dealership service because the check engine light came on. The car was sounding a little rough also. When they called me, I was expecting a tune up or just a sensor issue, but I was told that I needed
NHTSA complaint: Engine
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2017 Lincoln MKZ. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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
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.
Risk: A steering wheel detachment can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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 reca
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Lincoln MKZ and Ford Edge and Fusion 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 or Lincoln will notify owners, and dealers will replace the torque converters, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. For
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Risk: A brake fluid leak will increase brake pedal travel and extend the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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
| Reliability raw | 73 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 70 | good |
| Maintenance | 61 | average |
| Depreciation | 74 | good |
| Performance | 62 | average |
| Efficiency | 43 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 136 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 51 of them (38%). There are 4 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 73/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 70/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2017 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 69/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.