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2017 Lincoln Mkz Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2017 Lincoln Mkz carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering torque converter and steering wheel/handle bar. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Torque converter failure and transmission replacement.” Lincoln uses Ford's Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor: it tracks how the vehicle is actually driven and calls for oil service when needed — up to 10,000 miles or 12 months on normal duty, much sooner with towing or repeated short trips. EcoBoost-powered Aviators and Nautilus models are turbocharged: heat is their maintenance story, so oil quality and cooling-system health matter more than on the old naturally aspirated V8s. Traditional V8 Navigators and Town Cars are long-interval machines — 100,000-mile plugs — that mostly reward fluid discipline.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

Campaign #18V390000 · Nov 6, 2018

Issue: 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.

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

Campaign #18V167000 · Dec 3, 2018

Issue: 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 recall is 18S08.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

Campaign #17V427000 · Jun 7, 2017

Issue: 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. Ford's number for this recall is 17S16.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Campaign #23V162000 · Oct 3, 2023

Issue: 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 recall is 23S12.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 Lincoln Mkz.

Reported to NHTSA

Torque converter failure and transmission replacement

POWER TRAIN

14 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2026-08

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754775
“I am submitting this complaint to formally report that my 2017 Lincoln MKZ experienced engine block damage due to a failed torque converter weld, a known safety defect covered under NHTSA Recall 17V-427 / 18V-390 (Ford campaign 17S16)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11666062
“I have a 2017 Lincoln mkz 2.0L 6 speed automatic transmission. The torque converter weld studs. The torque converter is on longer connected to the engine flex plate causing its ability to move”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11425795

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake line or hose failure with loss of brake fluid

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

12 NHTSA complaints · 2022-03 → 2026-05

“The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH the brake warning light had illuminated and the brake pedal extended to the floor and the vehicle did not immediately stop while pressing the brake pedal”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11738017
“Front left brake hose had an immediate large leak during driving causing vehicle to lose all braking during driving. There was no warning prior to this or during the failure, no lights on dashboard, brake pedal went all the way to the floor”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11478729
“On Jan. 10, 2025 all the brake fluid leaked out of my MKZ. Fortunately, this occurred a few miles from my home and was able to get the car into the drive”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11636641

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering wheel lockup or loss of steering assist

STEERING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2025-12

“After filling up with gas, started the vehicle & it displayed SEVERAL warnings regarding the steering, stability control, etc. Only about 2 miles from home”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11702182
“When I stop at a stop sign & then turn right, my steering wheel locks up. It does clear up after trying to turn it but I’m stuck in traffic & cannot move because the steering is locked”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11674743
“WITH THE V6 TWIN TURBO EQUIPPED FRONT WHEEL DRIVE MKZ YOU GET AN EXTRA TRILL IN ADDITION TO THE FAST ACCELLERATION . THE TORQUE STEER PROBLEM IS SO BAD THE STEERING WHEEL SNAPS OUT OF YOUR HAND AND JUMPS INTO THE ON COMMING LANE !”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11021168

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Coolant intrusion into engine cylinders

ENGINE

58 NHTSA complaints · 2020-05 → 2026-08

“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 performance”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11745431
“The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the temperature gauge would indicate that the vehicle was hot(H). In addition, the vehicle would lose power upon depression of the accelerator pedal”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11635258
“I took my 2017 Lincoln MKZ vehicle into my local Lincoln dealership on the morning of 8/13 due to check engine light which came on the previous week”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11608876

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Navigation and touchscreen system malfunction

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2017-07 → 2025-01

“Vehicles Navigation fails to keep accurate information - offsetting by 2-3 miles of actual location, and SYNC display fails to work properly after Reverse Camera is engaged, completely freezing for 5 - 15 minutes”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11636989
“Navigation fails to locate correct GPS location rendering all navigation functions useless. APIM module replaced once under warranty, now 1 year later the issue has returned”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11440648
“2017 LINCOLN MKZ. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO COMPUTER TOUCH SCREEN MALFUNCTION, HEADLIGHTS CONTROL SWITCH PROBLEMS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THE TOUCH SCREEN WOULD SHUT DOWN AND REBOOT ITSELF WHILE DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11001069

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine oil leak from pan, valve cover, or head

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-09 → 2024-10

“While driving my 2017 Lincoln MKZ 3.0L in March 2023, I experienced a loss of power and then engine stalled, fortunately I was at a stop and was able to re-start the vehicle and limp home, (which was nearby)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11536963
“The 2017 MKZ has an oil leak. I was informed during a recent state inspection and oil changed. When I left to take the car in, I noticed about a fist size spot of oil on the garage floor”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11579245
“OIL PAN LEAK RTV LEAK. THIS MKZ IS LEAKING UP TO 1/4 QUART OF OIL A DAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11259085

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 12, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 12, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil-Life Monitor)

Every 10,000 mi

Change when the Oil-Life Monitor calls it — up to 10,000 miles or 12 months. EcoBoost engines (Aviator 3.0T): use the specified synthetic and don't stretch the monitor; turbos cook marginal oil.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles. Heavy Navigators shift a lot of weight — even wear is a ride-quality item, not just a tire-budget item.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil service. Town Car livery duty and Navigator towing both count as severe service for brakes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford schedules the 10-speed (10R80) and 6-speed automatics at 150,000 miles normal duty — but 60,000 miles with towing or livery use, which describes many Lincolns. Mercon ULV / the specified Mercon type only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

V8 Navigator and Town Car: 100,000-mile plugs. EcoBoost V6 (Aviator, Nautilus 2.7T): commonly around 60,000 miles — check your year's guide; turbo engines run shorter plug lives.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles per Ford's schedule; sooner in dusty climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Rear Differential Fluid (RWD/4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Navigator, Aviator RWD, and Town Car: replace rear axle fluid around 60,000 miles with towing or livery duty (150,000 normal per Ford). Limited-slip axles need the friction modifier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Serpentine / Accessory Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking. The 5.4L Navigator's belt also drives the cooling fan clutch on some years — a failure overheats fast.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles where equipped. (2004-era Town Cars predate cabin filters; modern Lincolns locate it behind the glovebox.)

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement

Every 100,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (OAT) on modern models: first change around 10 years / 200,000 miles per Ford, though shops commonly refresh by 100,000. Older green-coolant V8s: every 5 years. Never mix chemistries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Feature-heavy Lincolns (air suspension compressors, power everything) expose weak batteries as electrical gremlins first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

19 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2017 Lincoln Mkz reflects Lincoln's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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