2017 Lincoln MKZ problems
The 2017 Lincoln MKZ has 129 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2017 Lincoln MKZ has 129 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 60 complaints, typically surfacing around 72,874 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 MKZ | 97 | 1 |
| 2015 MKZ | 76 | 1 |
| 2016 MKZ | 63 | 1 |
| 2017 MKZ (this page) | 129 | 0 |
| 2018 MKZ | 31 | 0 |
| 2019 MKZ | 17 | 0 |
| 2020 MKZ | 2 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 5 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2017 Lincoln MKZ 4 DR AWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2017 Lincoln MKZ? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- engine — 60 owner reports · tends to show around 72,874 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- powertrain — 20 owner reports · tends to show around 89,775 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- brakes — 15 owner reports · tends to show around 71,286 mi · ~$450 to fix
- electrical — 10 owner reports · tends to show around 51,000 mi · ~$850 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 89,775 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2017 Lincoln MKZ
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 5 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
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…
After filling up with gas, started the vehicle & it displayed SEVERAL warnings regarding the steering, stability control, etc. Only about 2 miles from home. Started driving home & the steering wheel was variably going from fairly difficult to turn to VERY difficult to turn.…
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ The contact stated while driving 35MPH, the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant was in the number two cylinder and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2017 Lincoln MKZ reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 129 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Lincoln MKZ is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?
On the NHTSA data, the 2017 Lincoln MKZ does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2017 Lincoln MKZ?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 60 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 72,874 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2017 Lincoln MKZ a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 129 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 72,874 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 60 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 72,874 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 72,874 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Lincoln MKZ has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2017 Lincoln MKZ?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 129 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.