LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID · model year

2017 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID

27 NHTSA complaints for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2017LINCOLNMKZ HYBRID carries 27 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2017 MKZ HYBRID is power train with 4 filings, followed by unknown or other (4) and steering (4). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 15 investigation files overlapping the 2017 MKZ HYBRID, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

27
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

27 filings

Crashes Reported

0 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
STEERING4
ENGINE3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC2
SERVICE BRAKES1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1
WHEELS1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR1
WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1

Recent Complaints

20250806STEERING

Vehicle began to feel as if it was losing the ability to get any power to the engine. I would push the pedal to accelerate but even fully compressed the vehicle would not go above 30mph. I attempted to drive the vehicle in to be inspected at a dealership and while on the way the steering wheel completely locked and an Emergency Light appeared on the dashboard stating "Safely Park Vehicle". It was a Horrifying Experience to be driving In traffic and lose control of the vehicle but luckily I was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road to safety without crashing! Although the vehicle was fully powered, it would not move and I had to call AAA in order to get the vehicle towed to the closest AAA Approved facility which was AutoWorks Diagnostics & Repair in Kittery, ME. They observed fluids had leaked out but were unable to locate where the leak was coming from and very Loud Noises that appeared to be coming from in between the Engine and Transmission . After researching

20250806POWER TRAIN

Vehicle began to feel as if it was losing the ability to get any power to the engine. I would push the pedal to accelerate but even fully compressed the vehicle would not go above 30mph. I attempted to drive the vehicle in to be inspected at a dealership and while on the way the steering wheel completely locked and an Emergency Light appeared on the dashboard stating "Safely Park Vehicle". It was a Horrifying Experience to be driving In traffic and lose control of the vehicle but luckily I was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road to safety without crashing! Although the vehicle was fully powered, it would not move and I had to call AAA in order to get the vehicle towed to the closest AAA Approved facility which was AutoWorks Diagnostics & Repair in Kittery, ME. They observed fluids had leaked out but were unable to locate where the leak was coming from and very Loud Noises that appeared to be coming from in between the Engine and Transmission . After researching

20250806FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle began to feel as if it was losing the ability to get any power to the engine. I would push the pedal to accelerate but even fully compressed the vehicle would not go above 30mph. I attempted to drive the vehicle in to be inspected at a dealership and while on the way the steering wheel completely locked and an Emergency Light appeared on the dashboard stating "Safely Park Vehicle". It was a Horrifying Experience to be driving In traffic and lose control of the vehicle but luckily I was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road to safety without crashing! Although the vehicle was fully powered, it would not move and I had to call AAA in order to get the vehicle towed to the closest AAA Approved facility which was AutoWorks Diagnostics & Repair in Kittery, ME. They observed fluids had leaked out but were unable to locate where the leak was coming from and very Loud Noises that appeared to be coming from in between the Engine and Transmission . After researching

20250502POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,800.

Mileage: 106,800

20241212STEERING

There was a recall for a loose steering wheel bolt . The recall was repaired at the dealership but now the steering wheel is loose again. I feel like this issue is grounds for a second recall. Not sure what is going on . Please advise before something bad happens

20241021STEERING

Loose steering wheel issues as described in existing recall Safety Recall 18S08 Dealer repaired at a cost, and was informed that the vehicle was not eligible for the recall. Bolt replaced and retorqued to sped. Service performed by Fiesta Lincoln 1720 S Mesa Dr, Mesa, AZ 85210 on 10/21/2024 with approx cost of $240 (final invoice not available at this time.)

20240506UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle transmission shift is controlled by buttons to the right of the dashboard. The letters identify Power on/off, R, Dr., etc.. The identifying imprints for each shift within a short time are erased, making it impossible to readily identify and engage in the appropriate gear or command. This poses a hazard when approaching a difficult traffic situation, when parking, or a safety issue when the power button is mistakenly turned off, when the reverse button is pressed when you are expecting to engage into Drive. It's also important to note that the vehicle safety break is engaged through the transmission posing another safety issue.

20240506VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The vehicle transmission shift is controlled by buttons to the right of the dashboard. The letters identify Power on/off, R, Dr., etc.. The identifying imprints for each shift within a short time are erased, making it impossible to readily identify and engage in the appropriate gear or command. This poses a hazard when approaching a difficult traffic situation, when parking, or a safety issue when the power button is mistakenly turned off, when the reverse button is pressed when you are expecting to engage into Drive. It's also important to note that the vehicle safety break is engaged through the transmission posing another safety issue.

20240506FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The vehicle transmission shift is controlled by buttons to the right of the dashboard. The letters identify Power on/off, R, Dr., etc.. The identifying imprints for each shift within a short time are erased, making it impossible to readily identify and engage in the appropriate gear or command. This poses a hazard when approaching a difficult traffic situation, when parking, or a safety issue when the power button is mistakenly turned off, when the reverse button is pressed when you are expecting to engage into Drive. It's also important to note that the vehicle safety break is engaged through the transmission posing another safety issue.

20230721WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while attempting to replace all four tires, the contact became aware that the lug nuts were swollen. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the lug nuts needed to be heated to remove from the wheel studs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Mileage: 60,000

20230720UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Driving down the road in my black MKZ Hybrid -the red triangle sign came on and I had 6 seconds to safely get off the road, the vehicle then was non responsive. The start button was flashing and would not completely turn off. Towed to a local Ford dealer- I was informed today that the hybrid battery's temperature was 190 degrees then stated 145 degrees. The air temperature at the time was 118 degrees. Ford dealer stated they did not know what to do about it - it's just too hot. My concern is my safety and that of others were put at risk due the vehicle shutting down automatically. The temperature of the lithium battery at the time of shut down (190-145 degrees) risk of explosion? Failure of Ford not to "look" into the issue or provide me with a loner car - The car was purchased to drive in all weather - I would think that the engineers would have tested the vehicle in various weather and temperature - it works in weather -5 below zero.

20230608SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20230517SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V162000 (Service brakes, Hydraulics) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

20230517ENGINE

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 70–75 MPH, there was white and black smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle stalled and made an abnormal sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the timing chain malfunctioned inside the engine, which caused the spark plugs to completely melt. There were several unknown misfire codes. Additionally, the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, who informed the contact that the catalytic converter had failed, which caused the engine to overheat. Additionally, the piston rod had a hole melted through the center, and the exhaust mounts were melted along with several other unknown parts. The dealer confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of th

Mileage: 85,000

20230517ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 70–75 MPH, there was white and black smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle stalled and made an abnormal sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the timing chain malfunctioned inside the engine, which caused the spark plugs to completely melt. There were several unknown misfire codes. Additionally, the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, who informed the contact that the catalytic converter had failed, which caused the engine to overheat. Additionally, the piston rod had a hole melted through the center, and the exhaust mounts were melted along with several other unknown parts. The dealer confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of th

Mileage: 85,000

20230404POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the message "Shift System Fault" was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, she shifted into drive, but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle responded on the second attempt. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown recall as the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted several times, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

20220901ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Engine Overheating" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was misfiring, the coolant level was extremely low, and coolant had intruded into cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact indicated that TSB (22-229) regarding the failure had previously been issued by the manufacturer but the VIN was not included. The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

20220901ENGINE

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Engine Overheating" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine was misfiring, the coolant level was extremely low, and coolant had intruded into cylinder #4. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact indicated that TSB (22-229) regarding the failure had previously been issued by the manufacturer but the VIN was not included. The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Mileage: 90,000

20220520STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The contact stated that there was corrosion on the seams of the hood and the doors of the vehicle towards the bottom where the aluminum meets the steel. The contact took the vehicle to an auto body shop and stated that all the parts needed to be replaced due to the severity of the corrosion. The contact spoke to the dealer who confirmed there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the warranty was no longer valid. The approximate failure mileage 68,000.

Mileage: 68,000

20220215UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Lugnuts are stripped and swollen at only 60k miles. An improperly seated lug nut could result in the tire coming off at high rate of speeds posing a safety hazard. The dealer found and confirmed the swollen and stripped lug nuts. Lincoln dealer is the only entity who has serviced the vehicle while in my possession. After speaking with advisor, they said this is a common problem - indicating Lincoln is aware of the issue. After researching, MANY Ford and Lincoln owners are filing complaints, and lawsuits over this issue and Ford is denying them. This indicates Ford and Lincoln are aware of the problem. Part was inspected by the manufacturer, Lincoln. No warning lamp, message, or symptom indicating the problem. Last service appointment (approx 5100) miles ago did not indicate any issue with the lug nuts.

Compare 2017LINCOLNMKZ HYBRID to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID have?
The 2017 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID has 27 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID?
The most-complained component for the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID is POWER TRAIN with 4 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and STEERING.
Is the 2017 LINCOLN MKZ HYBRID safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.