The contact owns a 2017 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a whining sound coming from under the hood. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that on the following day, the vehicle was started; however, while driving 30 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated…
2017 Lincoln MKZ powertrain problems
severe 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
3crashes
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 20 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 Lincoln MKZ, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 10 model years of Lincoln MKZ we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 20.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2017 Lincoln MKZ powertrain has serious durability issues centered on torque converter welds failing around 100,000–127,000 miles and 2.0L EcoBoost engines developing coolant intrusion requiring replacement—with two documented fires occurring post-repair. Multiple owners report their VINs aren't covered by related recalls despite identical symptoms to recalled vehicles, and transmission slipping/erratic shifting persists even after engine replacement, making these vehicles unsafe and expensive to own.
The 2017 Lincoln MKZ powertrain shows a clear pattern of catastrophic failures. Torque converter weld studs are failing at 100,000–127,000 miles, causing transmission shudder, grinding, sudden stalling at highway speeds, and loss of power. Owners note their vehicles aren't covered by Ford Recalls 17S16, 17V427, or NHTSA Campaign 18V390000 despite having identical failures as recalled units. The 2.0L EcoBoost engine suffers coolant intrusion into cylinders (consistent with TSB 22-2229 for long block replacement), but two owners report their replacement engines subsequently caught fire—one shortly after installation at a dealership, another while driving to a scheduled service appointment. Both fires involved loud metal noises followed by engine compartment smoke and rapid escalation. Transmission slipping and unpredictable shifting plague owners even after engine work, with one dealership unable to reproduce the issue despite video evidence. Secondary failures include headlight lens cracking within 3–7 months, fuel door spring failure requiring door housing replacement, trunk tail light moisture intrusion, and oil pan leaks. Repair costs exceed $10,000 for engine work alone, and transmission replacement has been denied or delayed. Owners describe being stranded in traffic with vehicles in limp mode or refused acceleration response.
Failure modes owners describe
Torque Converter Failure
Torque converter weld studs fail, causing separation from flex plate or loss of connection, leading to transmission shudder, grinding noises, loss of power, limp mode, inability to shift, or sudden stalling. Multiple owners report the vehicle is not included in related recalls (17V427, 17S16, 18V390000) despite having identical symptoms to recalled units.
When: Between 100,000 and 127,000 miles; some owners report the issue starting within one month of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Whining sound from under hood; Rumbling or grinding noises from underneath vehicle; Transmission shudder and vibration; Loss of power or inability to accelerate beyond 30 MPH; Vehicle rolls backward when shifted to drive; Sudden stalling while driving at highway speeds (60 MPH); Transmission enters limp mode; Erratic shifting or failure to shift into higher gears; Thump sound followed by loss of power
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (intermittent), Limp mode activation
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission and torque converter replacement required; costs not specified by owners; one owner was advised replacement cost exceeded $10,000 for engine work related to underlying issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Recall 17S16 (expansion of 17V427); NHTSA Campaign 18V390000. Multiple owners report their VINs were not included in these campaigns despite having identical symptoms. Manufacturer referred complaints to NHTSA Hotline or provided no assistance.
Engine Long Block Coolant Intrusion / Overheating
2.0L EcoBoost engine develops coolant intrusion into cylinder(s), causing overheating, check engine light, and risk of stalling or engine fire. Consistent with TSB 22-2229 for long block replacement. One owner's replacement engine subsequently caught fire; another owner's new engine developed odd noises and timing issues post-installation.
When: Reported at 61,000 miles and up to 127,000 miles; one fire incident occurred shortly after engine replacement; another within one month of vehicle purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating; Check engine light; Catastrophic engine fire while driving; Smoke emitted from engine compartment; Metal grinding noises from under hood; Whining sound from under hood; Odd noises under hood post-repair; Delayed timing belt response in acceleration/deceleration
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Long block engine replacement per TSB 22-2229; one replacement engine (at Murgado Ford Lincoln) had improper gasket installation and subsequently developed noise issues; replacement cost over $10,000 out-of-pocket for at least one owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 22-2229 issued for long block replacement. Lincoln Customer Support refused to assist one owner despite confirmed defect and TSB applicability. Fire incidents suggest potential installation or defect issues post-repair; vehicles impounded/available for inspection.
Transmission Slipping and Erratic Shifting
Transmission slips and shifts gears unpredictably, with loud noises under hood and throughout vehicle. Issue persists or worsens after engine replacement. No diagnostic trouble codes displayed despite clear symptoms; dealership unable to reproduce issue under test conditions.
When: Within one month of purchase; progressive worsening over months; one owner reported slipping issue at 13 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping constantly; Unpredictable gear shifting; Loud noises under hood and throughout vehicle; Aggressive jerking from park to reverse and reverse to drive at cold start; Delayed engagement (no movement while in roadway with traffic); Hard jerk out of first gear
Repairs/costs cited: One owner with transmission clutch failure repaired under warranty; other owners report transmission replacement required but not completed; one independent certified auto care company assessment indicated completely new transmission needed and vehicle not street legal
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Initial warranty repair for transmission clutch jerk; other failures not addressed by manufacturer. Dealership unable to reproduce intermittent issue despite video evidence provided by owner.
Engine Fire Post-Repair
Two separate incidents of engine compartment fires occurring during or shortly after engine replacement work. First incident occurred after long block replacement under TSB 22-2229 at Murgado Ford Lincoln; second occurred while driving to scheduled service appointment at Murgado Lincoln. Both fires involved metal noises, smoke, and rapid escalation; one included minor explosion.
When: Shortly after engine replacement via TSB 22-2229; second incident September 4, 2025
Symptoms owners cite: Loud metal noises from under hood (grinding/chomping/metal falling); Gray smoke turning to black smoke from engine compartment; Smoke entering dashboard and interior cabin; Rapid fire escalation; Minor explosion
Repairs/costs cited: First vehicle became total loss; second vehicle continued to catch fire with Chicago fire department response; first vehicle available for inspection at City of Chicago Auto Pound No. 6
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Fires occurred post-repair under TSB 22-2229; circumstances suggest potential defect in replacement engine, improper installation, or fuel/oil/electrical system issues related to repair.
Gasket Installation Failure
Mechanics at dealership failed to properly attach gasket during engine replacement, requiring vehicle to be returned for correction. Issue discovered after repair completion and vehicle return to customer.
When: After initial engine replacement via TSB 22-2229
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle returned due to improper gasket attachment; Subsequent odd noises under hood; Timing belt issues
Repairs/costs cited: Gasket re-installation required; repair completed but led to secondary issues
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership (Murgado Lincoln of Chicago) corrected error but no indication of warranty extension or compensation
Headlight Lens Cracking
Front headlight lens develops spider web stress cracks within 3–7 months of ownership. Initially small cracks at top near hood; progressively worsens to entire lens appearing shattered but still intact. Passenger side light beginning to show same pattern.
When: Visible at purchase with small stress cracks; became severe within 3–7 months
Symptoms owners cite: Spider web cracking pattern in lens; Entire lens/globe housing appearance of shattered glass; Progressive worsening
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement required; not covered under warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not covered under warranty. Dealership service rep questioned driving habits and weather exposure rather than acknowledging design issue.
Fuel Door Spring Failure
Gas tank door spring fails. Owner notes this is a common problem with Ford/Lincoln vehicles. Dealer replaced entire door housing sleeve; not covered under warranty and had to be installed twice after initial incorrect installation.
When: Within ownership period (13-month ownership mentioned)
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel door spring failure
Repairs/costs cited: Entire door housing sleeve replacement required; not covered under warranty; required two installation attempts due to initial incorrect installation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not covered under warranty
Trunk Tail Light Moisture Intrusion
Rear trunk tail light across entire back end fills with moisture. Owner cites this as a long-standing common problem with Ford/Lincoln vehicles since 2007, indicating poor product design. Repair will cost thousands of dollars.
When: Within ownership period
Symptoms owners cite: Moisture accumulation in rear tail light assembly
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement required; not covered under warranty; estimated cost in thousands of dollars
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not covered under warranty; design flaw not addressed
Oil Pan Leak
Oil pan leaks via RTV (silicone) gasket, with vehicle losing approximately 1/4 quart of oil per day.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from oil pan at rate of 1/4 quart per day
Repairs/costs cited: RTV gasket replacement or oil pan reseal required
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2017 Lincoln MKZ?
It's a meaningful issue. 20 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 100,000 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 115,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 100,000; a quarter make it past 120,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Lincoln/MKZ.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.